G is For Grandparents
I thought about the obvious “green” for Spring, but decided to go for “G for Grandparents,” a subject about which I wax sentimental. It’s been over 20 years since I had a grandparent here in the flesh, and so don’t get to talk about them all that often. Dad’s father, Otto, died when I was about 10 months old, back in 1967. Mom’s mom, Maude, died on my last day of 3rd grade, when I was 9 (so, 1976). Mom’s Dad, Albert, died over Labor Day weekend, just as I started my junior year of high school (1983). And Dad’s Mom, Freda, died just as I started college, in 1985. So, clearly, there aren’t any recent photos of any of them, but I dug out the photo album during one of my periods of consciousness today, and so, here you go.
My Dad’s parents, on their wedding day. I adore this photo–Grandma looks so demure, and Grandpa looks like he could take on the world. One thing you can say about both of my grandfathers, they had that indefinible something Mom and I refer to as “twinkle.”
My Mom’s parents (who, unfortunately, don’t have a wedding photo.)
Dad’s parents with my uncle as a baby.
Mom (the little girl), Grandma (kneeling) and, I think, Mom’s
godmother, on Martha’s Vineyard. (See? We really have been going there
a long time.)
Grandpa. looking dashing
Here’re Dad’s parents, from some road trip when he was a teenager.
Mom with her Daddy.
Dad, the toddler, with his family.
Mom’s parents, on Martha’s Vineyard.
Grandma (Dad’s Mom), with my sister and me. (Yes, I’m the blonde.)
Same day, same visit, but this time with Mom’s parents.
Grandpa. He was the only grandfather we knew growing up, so my sister and I both adored him.
And, of course, let’s not forget the newer generation of grandparents–here are my parents, looking young and in love at Mom’s Bridal shower. They’ve been doing the grandparent thing for almost 17 years now, and are very good at it!
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Tannenbaum.
House Calls
Dear Deb, Those are such nice photos of your grandparents and parents. They are so sweet. I have many old photos of my family that I cherish. Relatives scan their photos and e-mail them, which is neat. The only grandparent I knew was my dad’s mother.
I have been meaning to send you wishes for feeling better. I know that feeling well, of the headache being at bay, but it could come back if I’m not careful. My sinuses cleared up in Las Vegas, but as soon as we landed in B’ham, I had the worst headache, and congestion again. Feel better soon.
Thanks for sharing all those beautiful family photos.
Oh, those are great pictures! I wish I had half as many pictures of my grandparents. Thanks for sharing! (And I hope you’re feeling at least a littl better….)
Good golly! I thought G was for Green! Actually, that reminds me of an embarassing “G” story concerning Piers Anthony a few years back, but I won’t go there. Anyway, thinking about you and wishing you the best. And watch out for that asthma…nasty business. (D is for Duffel/Duffle)
Those are wonderful photos. You are so lucky to have them. Thank you for sharing them.
What a wonderful compilation of photo’s. I love old photo’s and enjoyed reading about your Grandparents, and, your parents are a very nice looking couple!
I’m lucky to still have my Grandmother, but both Grandfather’s are gone as is my father’s Mother. But, having Grandma Mac (90)still with us is amazing, and she has tons of stories.
Thanks for the trip down your memory lane.
Sheri in GA
I love family photos. Everyone looks so happy and really decked out. I kind of wish we dressed like that now. It did make people look older though.
Ohhh Deb how sweet, I love your “G”. And lookie, a comment from Dawn how nice is that.
Mom
Oh, how nice. I only have my maternal Grandfather left with us. Your photos are wonderful memories.
Feel better!
I love old family photos!
I love seeing the photos of your grandparents. I haven’t had any living grandparents for about 20 years, either. Hugs to you. Thanks for sharing your trip down memory lane.