"I am the mother of the six children who lost their life in 1957. That night was my 36th birthday and they were planning a little surprise party. That was the first night I ask off from my job, but the man to relieve me was a half hour late. I was speaking with my 16-year-old daughter when the phone went dead. We did not have a basement in our house, and it was totally destroyed in the Golden Ridge area. Every birthday and each and every Christmas is hard on me. I am now 85 years old. My son that survived was baby-sitting down the street for four little children and was saved. Thank god for that. I had one left. Every Memorial Day we come home to take care of the children’s graves in Moorhead. In 1965, Leroy, my surviving son, married Connie Mae. They have 2 sons and 3 grand children. I live in an apartment by myself. God takes the prettiest flowers first." — Mercedes Munson-Ericson, Audubon, Minn.
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I wasn’t born then, but have read your story with great interest and sorrow. You are a very strong woman whom I have great respect for.
I have always wondered about the mother who lost her kids in that storm. This is another story my mother told me while I was growing up as a kid in the 60′s…she lived in Fargo with my Dad and oldest brother who was only a year old at the time. My heart continues to go out to you…I saw the video clip of your interview and
have always wondered how your son that lived that was babysitting was doing and how you were doing…this story of yours always made me mindful of when storms are forcasted for the day.
There are days when I have left the house for work that I have told my kids to keep an eye on the weather and to be aware. I had told them the story about you but never knew your name…I was in grade school when my mom told me and it had a very strong impact on me. May God bless you, Mercedes Erickson…it will be a joyous occasion when you see your children in heaven again. You are a very strong woman and I have deep respect for you.
I was eight years old the night of that tornado and living in Wahpeton 50 miles to the south. i always felt that your loss was something that so many people shared with you. In my mind,, I always tried to give the story a different ending. At eight I realized how quickly life could change and that many people could feel for you and love you even if they never met you. It is a strong connection many of us feel for you. Thank God your one son lived and you had some comfort of family. Bless and Love you Sue Becker Curtiss