Family History Today: New Year, New Day, Old Memories

 

Family History Today

New Year, New Day, Old Memories

     Growing up there was always family around. Spending time with my Grandma meant reading books, crocheting, quilting, and watching TV. During the day it was The Young and the Restless and I think Guiding Light; during prime time there were four shows that were watched religiously: Dallas, Dynasty, Knots Landing and Falcon Crest.

     Time with Grandpa meant listening to his jokes (which were not always age appropriate), making fish bait and watching wrestling and old westerns.

     Time with Uncle Johnny meant watching Elvis movies and listening to music: Elvis (obviously), Pink Floyd, Fleetwood Mac, Stevie Nicks, Lindsey Buckingham, Journey, CCR -- the list goes on. He taught me to love all music.

     Time with Aunt Shari meant following her around, playing with babies, and listening to the latest gossip with whatever cousin was hanging around that day (almost always one of the Watts girls, Theresa K, or Toni H).

     I spent a lot of time with my grandpa's brother, Uncle Buster and his family, and also with my grandma's brother, Uncle Johnny and his family. Uncle Buster and Aunt Millie lived one block over, so we were there and they were at grandma & grandpa's house. Charlie Bill used to watch us when we were younger. It was always fund to walk over to their house, our little adventure. Uncle Johnny and Aunt Susie lived a little further away, but in the same city. I considered Aunt Susie "my other grandma". Toni taught me to rea and tie my shoes and Alan taught us how to have fun. Once every few years Aunt Tootsie would come in from California and the entire family would flock to whoever's home she was staying. Uncle Bud and Aunt Hazel always threw huge Christmas parties. My favorite memories however are sitting on my great-grandpa's David lap, and going to visit my grandma's grandma, Grandma Rosa.

    My mom's side wasn't around much. Grandma had passed away before I was born and Grandpa had remarried to Alberta. I would write them letters, and they (Alberta) would write me back. When they were home, we would go visit with them in the summer. Sometimes for a day, a weekend or a week. One year the whole Parker clan went to the lake house and had a camp out. The older cousins were sleeping in tents in the front yard; us younger ones started out there, but ended up on the back deck before morning (I think that had something to do with the ghost stories!). My Aunt Judy and Uncle Don took us to the Blue Ridge theater to see Snow White. There were two reunions a year for this side, and everyone showed up.

     Sometimes when I'm restless and can't fall asleep, or in the early morning hours when no one else is up and it's still quiet, I lay there and can faintly hear the sound of my family. While most of them are gone from this earth, they are still remembered and still here with me. This new year, enjoy your family - remember those that have gone and make special memories with those that are still with us.