grandparents
Becoming a grandparent makes getting older something to look forward to - all the fun of parenting, without the hassle.
My Grandfather Left a Lasting Impression
When I went to St Lawrence Hospital in June 1982, I really did not know how sick my grandfather was. So I was thoroughly shocked as he was yelling and threatening to hurt people. This was the beginning of the end.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 years ago in Families
Memories
My Grand Father was born in 1899 and my Grand Mother was born in 1911. I do have a lot of memories of my Grand Parents over the past years. When I was brought home from the adoption agency, in August of 1968, both of my Grand Parents raced across our street to get a glimpse of their new Grandson. Now, these memories were told to me by my parents over the years. As an infant, for some reason, I do not have any memories stored in my brain, of any event which happened while I was a baby. In a way, I do wish that I had these memories to draw from especially when I am writing all about my memories of my Grand Parents.
Lorne VanderwoudePublished 2 years ago in Families
Post War Life for the Monetti's
The Second World War over and no doubt left as to where Charlie wanted to be, routine played a big part in everything the Monetti patriarch did. Like many New Yorkers, Charlie and Lizzie spent their honeymoon in the Catskills, and for good measure, befriended the resort owners. So going forward, the family stayed in the owner’s home, and every October, a smaller turnout appealed to Charlie. Thus, Gramps never relented, and his annual engagement always followed suit. “He would chop wood for the fireplace and play cards all week,” said Bill.
Rich MonettiPublished 2 years ago in Families
Goodbye Grandma
Dear Vocal Readers, I'll skip the normal introduction for today because this article is different. This article is about the amazing woman I called "Grandma."
Lessons learned from a pay phone
Three years ago my grandchildren and I walked to a local convenience store and my middle grandson pointed at a pay phone and asked me what it was. We walked over to it and I realized it was no longer connected. After wiping down the receiver my grandchildren each wanted to make a call. Can anyone today even consider the possibility of putting your mouth to a public phone where germs galore are hanging out?. I always made a habit of cleaning house phones, work phones, and pay phones with sanitizer or alcohol before using them but this was not always my practice. I recall going into the phone booth at my high school to call my boyfriend and it never occurred to me to wipe it down.
Cheryl E PrestonPublished 3 years ago in Families
00 Grandad
My Granddad is the best. I know all kids say that but mine is definitely the bestest Granddad around. Fact. I can tell you why but you mustn’t tell anyone else ‘cos it’s a secret!
Ian LawtonPublished 3 years ago in Families"Kennst due das land"
Artists often record pieces without appraising listeners of what a song may mean to them. This oversight usually occurs because of production demands that preclude verbal descriptions of what a given song may mean to an artist. Producing a polished CD or video is considerable, and producers are reluctant to spend their precious dollars on verbal tributes that can be made by recording artists during a concert. Once in the studio, artists are expected to record their music as quickly and efficiently. Reminiscing about the composition of a particular song is discouraged. Fortunately, the recording of this specific song did require the use of an expensive recording studio. When I recorded the piece, I had no neurotic producer hanging over my shoulder. I am therefore free to reflect on what the relatively unknown aria "kennst du das land." Those unfamiliar with opera are unlikely to recognize the piece. I first became familiar with the Aria after attending a performance of "Little Woman." An original operatic work, the production allowed me to hear a breath-taking musical score and the Aria Kennst du das Land. I became determined to master the Aria in question. My years of training had provided me with the technical tools needed to sing a variety of styles, but I had always reframed from singing pieces written in German. The sheer beauty of the piece overwhelmed my reservation and set to work on it with passion and zeal. The experience has been transformative, allowing me to connect with a part of my German heritage that had always felt peripheral. Having to master German required that I steep myself in a language that members of the Hurst family line had practiced for generations. Learning "Kennst du das land" became a transformative experience, allowing me to reintegrate a disowned aspect of my family heritage. I am not the first, or only, singer to have had such an experience. Singing is an inherently personal process. Few performers become successful by relying solely upon their technical prowess. Acclaim rarely occurs unless a performer has found a way to merge technique and emotional resonance. For this singer at least, mastering the complexities of the Aria Kennst du das land became an example of such a process. It is why this previously unfamiliar piece now feels profoundly connected to my body and soul.
frederick HurstPublished 3 years ago in Families
The Real Coming Out Story
With Pride Month have just ended, I’ve found myself reflecting on my coming out story. It was nothing spectacular. The first time I said out loud that I was a bisexual woman, it was in my high school’s LGBTQ+ club. My close friend was in the room and gave me one of the best hugs I’ve ever received in my life at the end of the meeting. It was a proud moment for me, one that set me out to be more loud about who I am. Fast forward to today, about eight years later, and I can’t help but smile at the progress I’ve made. I’ve since realized in the past two years that it’s more accurate for me to say I’m pansexual. This actually marks the first time I’m “officially” saying I prefer pansexual to bisexual, so maybe this is another small coming out I’ve finally done.
Great Grandma
Growing up, I was fortunate enough to know my great grandparents and most of their siblings. My Great Grandmother, Nana, was definitely someone you wouldn't forget
Mae McCreeryPublished 3 years ago in Families
The Big Homecoming
The Big Homecoming Everybody has a “most important thing we do all day” thing. Even I have one ... and I’m just a kid!
Noel KathrynPublished 3 years ago in FamiliesOld Aches and Pains
You could definitely say that my Nan is off her rocker. I think my whole family would agree. Today my Nan is literally off her rocker. She fell off her rocker, actually. Now, here I am, sitting with her in a sterile paper room on a squeaky clean chair with a cup of incredibly bitter coffee. Nan is leaning back into her brown cardigan on a hospital issued wheelchair with her left arm wrapped up in a strange muslin material. It has been around thirty minutes since she was offered codeine for the pain and it is starting to send her doolally. Despite the situation, she is complaining that she is missing Strictly.
Tarryn RichardsonPublished 3 years ago in FamiliesFolk Wisdom and the Problem of Raising Children - Chapter 2
Indeed, not all of the experiences that the folk has drawn or the grandparents' words are false and outdated. The ancients were very good at observing the phenomena in life, from nature to society, to make their life easier.
chandra louisaPublished 3 years ago in Families
