Late response to a an evocative recollection between father and son. There's something primal in a father and son relationship. I always received nurturing narratives from my mother, but my father was more enigmatic in sharing his thoughts. I learned about his view of life from his deeds and occasional insights which were sparse, but authentic. I thought my job was to interpret what was not said.
Such insight from our grandparents, who valued the education they never had! We lived with my grandmother on Justice Street. She never went to school. Her greatest joy was seeing the successes of her grandchildren! I will never forget her coming in the car to drive me back to college in a snowstorm, and being told that she would need to stay overnight in the dorm because it was too bad to drive home. In Italian, she said, "Now I go to college!"
Nice note. Unfortunately, my grandparents never saw my graduations. But they certainly encouraged education, as did my Dad, who had to go to work at age 14! he saw everyone's graduation, including his grandchildren.
The handprint represents so many of life’s memories with your family. Papa is watching over and must be proud of your accomplishments; and more importantly the person you are.
There was a dense covering of mud and leaves, layers of which I pushed away until I reached the cement. Nothing written, but wait, was that the palm of a hand or a finger? I felt like Hammett’s hero, Sam Spade, uncovering a clue. Should I sample it for DNA? Nah.
It conveys the sense that so called progress crushed this boy’s most precious childhood memories. Very sad!
Truly a wonderful story to start my Monday morning out with! I have very fond memories of both my grandmas, one Italian and one Irish. So many traditions with each. Thank you for sharing!
I am glad the owners were "lovely" and let you look. I hope you saw your handprint and your name and date, even if you did not say so. I was more fortunate than you, Ed, all 4 of my grandparents were in attendance when I graduated from Brown in 1962. And I have the photo to prove it! All of them played a big role in my upbringing. Thanks for inspiring memories!
Unfortunately, we weren't able to attend due to health reasons. However, she will be returning to Tufts in the Fall to study for her Master's degree, so hopefully we'll be able to attend that ceremony. She's in CA doing a summer internship at J & J.
Such a sweet memory, Ed. As you tell these stories Ed I hear your love for the family and impact they had on you. You carry that with you still, and have clearly passed on the same love and joy to your children and grandchildren.
Late response to a an evocative recollection between father and son. There's something primal in a father and son relationship. I always received nurturing narratives from my mother, but my father was more enigmatic in sharing his thoughts. I learned about his view of life from his deeds and occasional insights which were sparse, but authentic. I thought my job was to interpret what was not said.
Yes, well said. Actions spoke loudly to me, and what I saw was that the holy grail of hard work was the way to success and security.
Such insight from our grandparents, who valued the education they never had! We lived with my grandmother on Justice Street. She never went to school. Her greatest joy was seeing the successes of her grandchildren! I will never forget her coming in the car to drive me back to college in a snowstorm, and being told that she would need to stay overnight in the dorm because it was too bad to drive home. In Italian, she said, "Now I go to college!"
Nice note. Unfortunately, my grandparents never saw my graduations. But they certainly encouraged education, as did my Dad, who had to go to work at age 14! he saw everyone's graduation, including his grandchildren.
A beautiful story Ed that is a reminder of how precious the wonderful relationship is that a child shares with his grandparents.
Thank you, Paul. Happy Healthy New Year
and the same to you Ed and your loved ones
Again, you write about such great items that just me back through ages!
Thanks!
Regarding my Dad’s poems, I am still trying to find them!
Can you imagine?
Love your stories/ memories!🥰
Thanks, Sheila.
The handprint represents so many of life’s memories with your family. Papa is watching over and must be proud of your accomplishments; and more importantly the person you are.
Thanks, Lora. The World needs more Papas
Last paragraph is hauntingly pathos- rousing:
There was a dense covering of mud and leaves, layers of which I pushed away until I reached the cement. Nothing written, but wait, was that the palm of a hand or a finger? I felt like Hammett’s hero, Sam Spade, uncovering a clue. Should I sample it for DNA? Nah.
It conveys the sense that so called progress crushed this boy’s most precious childhood memories. Very sad!
Sattar Memon MD ( ashrambooks.com)
Thanks, Sattar. You captured the metaphor. Much appreciated.
Truly a wonderful story to start my Monday morning out with! I have very fond memories of both my grandmas, one Italian and one Irish. So many traditions with each. Thank you for sharing!
Thank you. Ain't nostalgia great?
I am glad the owners were "lovely" and let you look. I hope you saw your handprint and your name and date, even if you did not say so. I was more fortunate than you, Ed, all 4 of my grandparents were in attendance when I graduated from Brown in 1962. And I have the photo to prove it! All of them played a big role in my upbringing. Thanks for inspiring memories!
Wow, Ron, you were so lucky to have them there. No, nothing in that rear yard other than the memories.
Wonderful story...takes me back in time!
P.S. Our granddaughter also graduated from Tufts in May with a BS degree in Biomedical Engineering, summa cum laude.
Thanks, Joanne. Were you at the Tufts graduation? If so, sorry we missed you.
Unfortunately, we weren't able to attend due to health reasons. However, she will be returning to Tufts in the Fall to study for her Master's degree, so hopefully we'll be able to attend that ceremony. She's in CA doing a summer internship at J & J.
It's so nice to follow their successes.
Yes, and blessed that we’re still around to follow them!
Wonderful story, seems like yesterday😀
Ah, now it's me, today!
Always look forward to your stories and, of course, having a hotta dog!
You betcha. Grazie.
Such a sweet memory, Ed. As you tell these stories Ed I hear your love for the family and impact they had on you. You carry that with you still, and have clearly passed on the same love and joy to your children and grandchildren.
Thank you for your kind(as usual) comments, Leslie.
Che belle memorie.
Grazie, Tomasso. Belle giornate
Beautiful first generation story….
Thank you, Alan. I'm sure you must have many.
Thanks, Joe. Keep hunting. We found six years of my grandfather's diaries. They are a treasure.