From the Great Depression to 94 Years of Wisdom: Edna’s Story of Farm Life, Family, and Resilience | Conversations with a Chiropractor Episode Description: What does nearly a century of life teach you about hardship, family, and the power of resilience? In this extraordinary episode of Conversations with a Chiropractor, Dr. Stephanie Wautier sits down with Edna, who was born in 1931 during the Great Depression and has lived through some of the most defining moments of the 20th century.
Edna takes us on a vivid journey through her childhood on a Michigan farm, memories of one-room schoolhouses, the arrival of electricity, and the everyday realities of growing up without modern conveniences. She shares powerful reflections on World War II, working through adversity, raising a family, and her long career in nursing—all told with honesty, humor, and perspective that only comes from a life well lived.
From potato harvests and moonshine stories to reflections on technology and what truly matters in life, this is more than just history—it’s living wisdom.
🎧 In This Episode, Discover: -
What it was like to grow up on a small farm during the Great Depression
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The daily realities of rural life: straw mattresses, outhouses, and long hours of farm chores
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How the arrival of electricity and modern conveniences transformed family life
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The impact of World War II, rationing, and victory gardens on everyday people
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Lessons from nursing school, raising children, and balancing work and family
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Edna’s reflections on aging, Parkinson’s, and the joys and challenges of retirement
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Advice for younger generations on resilience, gratitude, and keeping perspective
🔗 Stay Connected & Explore: -
Follow Us on YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/@ConversationswithaChiro
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Follow Dr. Stephanie on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wautierwellness
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Email for Show-Related Inquiries and Sponsorships: drstephaniewautier@yahoo.com
Credits:
Podcast production by Brand|Sound. Start your podcast journey by emailing brandsoundpodcasts@gmail.com.
Chapters: 00:00 Introduction to Conversations with a Chiropractor
01:00 Born in the Great Depression: A 1931 Childhood
03:10 Life on a Small Michigan Farm
06:05 Hardship, Loss, and Family Resilience
10:05 Danish Roots and French-Canadian Connections
13:05 Education and Becoming a Country School Teacher
16:00 Farm Life: Straw Mattresses, Chores, and Milking Cows
20:00 Potato Harvests and Childhood Labor
24:00 Bathing, Outhouses, and Daily Farm Realities
28:00 Electricity Arrives: A Defining Memory
32:00 One-Room Schoolhouse and Early Education
36:00 Christmas Memories and Simple Gifts
40:00 High School Years and Adjusting to Change
42:00 World War II: Fear, Rationing, and Victory Gardens
46:00 Carrot Farms, Odd Jobs, and Making Money
50:00 Family Roles, Gender Expectations, and Workhorses
52:00 Dating, Courtship, and Marriage
56:00 Nursing School: Dorm Life and Training
01:00:00 A Career in Nursing and Raising a Family
01:04:00 Retirement, Florida Winters, and Life with Parkinson’s
01:08:00 Reflections on Technology, Connection, and Modern Life
01:12:00 Lessons Learned: Advice for Younger Generations
01:16:00 Memories of Parents, Moonshine, and Family Legacy
01:24:00 Looking Back at 94: Wisdom, Resilience, and Gratitude