Journey into the Past

“People say you're born innocent, but it's not true. You inherit all kinds of things that you can do nothing about. You inherit your identity, your history, like a birthmark that you can't wash off…” Erik Pevernagie We all hope to learn more about who we are and how did we get this way. For me, I have … Continue reading Journey into the Past →

The “Grandfather Affliction”

“Perfect love sometimes does not come until the first grandchild.” Welsh Proverb I believe that almost all men who become grandfathers will, sooner or later, come down with an affliction that I term “avus paternus empathia,” or the empathy of a grandfather. The definition of empathy is “the ability to understand and share the feelings of another.” In the case … Continue reading The “Grandfather Affliction” →

We Were Never Bored in Braidwood

Small towns make up for their lack of people by having everyone be more interesting. Doris "Granny D" Haddock Preparing for another adventure: Marty Kozloswki, Louie Highbaugh, Killer Kozlowski, me, Pete Cinotto, and my brother Kenny. “Weren’t you bored growing up in Braidwood?” Never. Growing up in my hometown of Braidwood in the '40s and '50s, I … Continue reading We Were Never Bored in Braidwood →

What Our Fathers Endured

“The greatest generation was formed first by the Great Depression. They shared everything - meals, jobs, clothing.”Tom Brokaw Most people of my generation have no idea what it was like. Compared to many others, I had it pretty easy. As the son of European ancestors living in America and a product of wonderful parents, I … Continue reading What Our Fathers Endured →

Adele Ginter Kennedy: My Braidwood Wonder Woman

"There is a stubbornness about me that never can bear to be frightened at the will of others. My courage always rises at every attempt to intimidate me."― Jane Austen It wasn’t easy for my Dad when his wife went to work outside the home. You see, the husband was the breadwinner in his day and … Continue reading Adele Ginter Kennedy: My Braidwood Wonder Woman →

Rookie Grandfather Does His Best

“One of the most powerful handclasps is that of a new grand baby around the finger of a grandfather.” Joy Hargrove The Torn Costume Until you become one, “grandfather-hood” is a mystery to most men. Women seem to have a natural transition to becoming a grandmother, but I had no real concept of being a grandparent … Continue reading Rookie Grandfather Does His Best →

Ice Skating on Braidwood Lakes

The Joy of Skating “Hearts shall dance once again; when canvas of ice is painted with the brush of skates.” Shah Asad Rizvi Winters in Braidwood were tolerable in my pre-teens and teen years partly because of the recreation opportunities that I took for granted for a long time. The snow was an occasion for building … Continue reading Ice Skating on Braidwood Lakes →

Basketball in Braidwood

In my mind, basketball has always been big in Braidwood especially since the high school team went to the state finals in 1938. Coached by Lou Bottino, the Principal, the Comets lost the championship game to Dundee, 36-29. Remember, it was only one class system so Braidwood had to beat Rockford, Bloomington, and Carbondale to reach … Continue reading Basketball in Braidwood →

Fusing Imagination with Memories

“Childhood is measured out by sounds and smells and sights, before the dark hour of reason grows.”― John Betjeman I wrote this journal entry in 2000 in my early grandfather years. Still a rookie, I was in a juxtaposition between my current world reality and a distant time when innocence went unrivaled and unchecked. Memory Triggers … Continue reading Fusing Imagination with Memories →

Just a Braidwood Guy

"Everyone has a story" One of my greatest pleasures is to engage a conversation with a total stranger, at the coffee shop culture, in an airplane, on the bench in the mall, where ever the opportunity presents itself. These strangers tell me their stories. This story, however, is about my experiences over my lifetime. It … Continue reading Just a Braidwood Guy →