Grandchild asks: “What would be your advice for people in their early twenties who aren't sure of their career path? Did decisions surrounding your career become clearer with age?” Dear grandkids: Many of you are between 19 – 25 years of age, have either completed or are in college, and believe that decisions must be … Continue reading “Don’t Be a Squirrel.” Grandpa Talks Careers
Category: Braidwood
Braidwood home stories
Grandpa Responds: “Surprises in My Life?”
I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that they want to know. Why not invite them to ask their questions? Grandchild asks: "What were/are … Continue reading Grandpa Responds: “Surprises in My Life?”
Grandkid Question: “What Was Pop Culture Like Growing Up?”
I had made the choice to share 80 stories that I thought that the grandkids needed to know about life as seen through the fading eyes of an old man. This is not the same as telling stories that they want to know. Why not invite them to ask their questions? By putting together these two … Continue reading Grandkid Question: “What Was Pop Culture Like Growing Up?”
“We are related to the Van Duynes?”
“Yes, son, .... and to the Hermes, the Shuttens, the Klovers, the Holmans, and many more here in Wilmington.” "No individual death among human beings is important. Someone who dies leaves his work behind and that does not entirely die. It never dies as long as humanity exists." Isaac Asimov St. Rose Church, view from … Continue reading “We are related to the Van Duynes?”
Gangs of Braidwood: 1953 Version
"Belonging is our blessing; tribalism is our burden. Belonging is a crucial human need, but it can descend into dangerous tribalism." Saul Levine It wasn’t much of a gang. We didn’t even refer to ourselves as gang members, but rather a few friends enjoying life on East Main Street in Braidwood. Shortly after moving to … Continue reading Gangs of Braidwood: 1953 Version
Evolving Attitudes: Religion in My Family
“There lives more faith in honest doubt, I believe, than in half the creeds.” In Memoriam, Tennyson I suppose I inherited my parent’s attitude about religion in ways that surprised me in later life. Retracing my spiritual steps, it might be easier to look back over the past 60 years and see a reasonable, understandable evolution … Continue reading Evolving Attitudes: Religion in My Family
Musings about Braidwood Ghosts
"There may be no secrets in small towns, but there are no strangers either." R. A. Mathis Where did they go? They lived in our town and we knew all of them, either by nicknames or where they lived. Lower Braidwood, downtown, or the East side. Near the high school or near the church. Where … Continue reading Musings about Braidwood Ghosts
TJ Kennedy: Family and Union Mattered
“The only effective answer to organized greed is organized labor.” Thomas Donahue Dad was always proud of us kids. As an independent truck driver working in construction, he had his own way of doing things. He handled his operation by purchasing and maintaining equipment, estimating jobs, billing, marketing, and advertising. Customer feedback was immediate upon the completion … Continue reading TJ Kennedy: Family and Union Mattered
When Baseball Cards Become Real
By the time I was 10 years old, my childhood had been thoroughly indoctrinated by baseball. Living within a few feet of a baseball field in Braidwood surely contributed to this state of mind since the town team and high school games ensnared me every spring and summer. It was evident from my lanky frame that I … Continue reading When Baseball Cards Become Real
“You’re Telling Me We Lived in a Former House of Prostitution?”
“It is true, son, but it was only for a little while.” A little explanation is needed. I lived in Braidwood my first 21 years with the last four of those years being mostly on the campus of Lewis College (University). After Dolores and I were married in June of 1962, we lived in Joliet … Continue reading “You’re Telling Me We Lived in a Former House of Prostitution?”
Braidwood Beginnings 