Brian, that was beautifully written straight from the heart. As you know I’ve proudly and happily been part of the Howard “extended” family since summer of 1980 when the Howard’s moved across Juniper Valley Road I never forget this. My mom Rosemary grew up friends with your mom
So one summers day in 1980 my mom informs me that her friend Sonja just moved in across the street and she has 2 boys my age, why don’t I go over and welcome them to the neighborhood? To this I replied, “yeah maybe I’ll go over later, I don’t know?!? The next thing my mom said was “I’m pretty sure they have a pool” I don’t think my mom finished that sentence before I was back home looking for my bathing suit. From that day to present I am so happy that I’ve been great friends with you and Eric for so many years. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom and dad growing up. I was ALWAYS welcome in your house as you were in mine. And I thank you and your family for all the love laughs and memories over the years
" Some people have everything and are always restless. My mother has always had just enough and that was plenty." Such a good line. I am so sorry for your family's loss but I loved hearing your mother's story. I would love to know more about those three weeks in Seattle too... Have an awesome holiday season! Happy Health New Year.
Amy Gare! Thank you. And yes, that’s a great point. What the hell was going on during those weeks in Seattle? Forget it, I don’t want to know. Have a fantastic holiday!
Thank you for this touching story, and for the photo of your parents' fab early 70s decor. My condolences to your mother. Merry Christmas on whatever fugazy day you choose. - Jen
Great story of family and life here in the early 20th century. Almost all of us have these proud American Immigrant stories. I hope we can get to a policy, and an assimilation mind-set, that brings this into an America 21st century reality. These stories are what made America great in the first place.
Thank you for sharing a lovely living eulogy. I lost my father this year too, similar circumstances your friend experienced, and as a writer who identifies as slow/plodding/dilly dallying/painstaking/with bad habits/just get it done, Jillian FFS, I was elated as his obituary came to me like Coleridge writing Kubla Khan. I just re-read it and I don't even hate it a few months later.
From the first photo, I could tell your mom is a lovely woman. All the best to you both.
Jillian, thank you so much for your note. I'm sorry to hear about your father, but happy that you were able to capture something about him in words - and that you still like what you wrote! And yes, my mom's the best. I'm also happy that you realized my mother is still alive, as I had one person reach out to me and ask my they weren't invited to the funeral! Note to confused readers: my mother still walks the Earth!
Brian, that was beautifully written straight from the heart. As you know I’ve proudly and happily been part of the Howard “extended” family since summer of 1980 when the Howard’s moved across Juniper Valley Road I never forget this. My mom Rosemary grew up friends with your mom
So one summers day in 1980 my mom informs me that her friend Sonja just moved in across the street and she has 2 boys my age, why don’t I go over and welcome them to the neighborhood? To this I replied, “yeah maybe I’ll go over later, I don’t know?!? The next thing my mom said was “I’m pretty sure they have a pool” I don’t think my mom finished that sentence before I was back home looking for my bathing suit. From that day to present I am so happy that I’ve been great friends with you and Eric for so many years. I have so many wonderful memories of your mom and dad growing up. I was ALWAYS welcome in your house as you were in mine. And I thank you and your family for all the love laughs and memories over the years
" Some people have everything and are always restless. My mother has always had just enough and that was plenty." Such a good line. I am so sorry for your family's loss but I loved hearing your mother's story. I would love to know more about those three weeks in Seattle too... Have an awesome holiday season! Happy Health New Year.
Amy Gare! Thank you. And yes, that’s a great point. What the hell was going on during those weeks in Seattle? Forget it, I don’t want to know. Have a fantastic holiday!
Thank you for this touching story, and for the photo of your parents' fab early 70s decor. My condolences to your mother. Merry Christmas on whatever fugazy day you choose. - Jen
Merry Christmas! And yes, that is a sick-looking couch, which incredibly has no plastic on it!
Beautiful
Great story of family and life here in the early 20th century. Almost all of us have these proud American Immigrant stories. I hope we can get to a policy, and an assimilation mind-set, that brings this into an America 21st century reality. These stories are what made America great in the first place.
Thank you, Greg! The Hands that Built America, even though my mother was off to the side laughing and drinking wine while those hands were building.
Thank you for sharing a lovely living eulogy. I lost my father this year too, similar circumstances your friend experienced, and as a writer who identifies as slow/plodding/dilly dallying/painstaking/with bad habits/just get it done, Jillian FFS, I was elated as his obituary came to me like Coleridge writing Kubla Khan. I just re-read it and I don't even hate it a few months later.
From the first photo, I could tell your mom is a lovely woman. All the best to you both.
Jillian, thank you so much for your note. I'm sorry to hear about your father, but happy that you were able to capture something about him in words - and that you still like what you wrote! And yes, my mom's the best. I'm also happy that you realized my mother is still alive, as I had one person reach out to me and ask my they weren't invited to the funeral! Note to confused readers: my mother still walks the Earth!
Loved this, Brian!