Category: Family and Grandkids

Parents, kids, and grandkids

How Much of a Gamble Was It?”

“In 1986, I took a job 983 miles (14 hours) away from my home in Wilmington, Illinois without knowing exactly what the job of assistant to the president entailed. This is not to say that job expectations anywhere precisely represent reality as you later understand. But it is not an understatement to say that the … Continue reading How Much of a Gamble Was It?” →

“How many children did you and grandma want?”

Grandson asks a question that would have been irrelevant before our marriage. Of course, marriage meant having children. How many? Never really thought about it in 1962. We never debated whether or not we wanted children. We knew that our future family would never be complete without children. As far as a number, I cannot … Continue reading “How many children did you and grandma want?” →

“One boy = one brain; two boys = 1/2 brain…”

Braidwood East Side Gang: Marty, Louie, Richard, TK, Pete, and Kenny (circa 1953) "My father had a profound influence on me. He was a lunatic."Spike Milligan There is ample evidence that my role as a father was deficient in many ways. That is not to say that my failures were predominant during the past nearly … Continue reading “One boy = one brain; two boys = 1/2 brain…” →

Granddaughter Asks a Most Difficult Question

“For months I have avoided a question that may be impossible for me to answer.” Grandpa Granddaughter asks, “At such a young age, how did you know grandma was the one or you?”  Several of you grandkids have asked this question and I struggle to give a rational answer. Instead, I will answer in a way … Continue reading Granddaughter Asks a Most Difficult Question →

“I want you…to drive the bus.”

“Just have your husband take it home and you can try it. I know that you can do it, and the kids will need transportation.”Fr. Roger Kaffer, Providence High School Principal For eight years, the lady drove a school bus from South Kankakee St. in Wilmington to Providence High School in New Lenox, Illinois, a … Continue reading “I want you…to drive the bus.” →

Meeting Wooden, Williams, and Blanc: Icons of an Era

“Having a family member (or friend) with you on a special occasion makes for an extraordinary memory; without a family member on that occasion it makes for unforgettable regret.”Tom Kennedy In the course of a lifetime, one is lucky to be in the presence of outstanding people. Having worked alongside those who were superb human … Continue reading Meeting Wooden, Williams, and Blanc: Icons of an Era →

“What do Generations do? They re-generate and evolve.”

“Every generation imagines itself to be more intelligent than the one that went before it, and wiser than the one that comes after it.” George Orwell What is a generation? It is usually acknowledged that a generation is considered roughly 20-25 years. As I write, there are seven living American generations, all with labels attached that denote … Continue reading “What do Generations do? They re-generate and evolve.” →

“Your Great Grandparents Live in You.”

An Unsolicited Letter to the Grandkids I failed to gather important information about my great grandparents until I was in my 30s. After our family moved from Joliet to Wilmington, Illinois - the birthplace of my parents - I was shamed by the fact that I kept meeting folks who were distant relatives. Until that … Continue reading “Your Great Grandparents Live in You.” →