14 Comments
User's avatar
Thalia Toha's avatar

Great topic Jan! I love the paving analogy. I suppose part of the problem is the attitude of finders-keepers, and not-it game. Wherein if they’re there first the assumption is that they have priority over everything? A lot to unpack here for sure. Thanks for the thought prompt.

Expand full comment
Jan Peppler's avatar

Finders keepers, interesting. I’ll have to think about that. The “not it” makes me think of how there will always be an oppressor. And even the people at the bottom will find someone or something to oppress. Is that truly human nature? Or…? I don’t know. That’s why I’m grateful for your response and anything anyone else can offer to the conversation.

Expand full comment
Patricia McDonald's avatar

❤️, Jan this is a remarkable story of so many who made this country great. Thank you for sharing the “soul” of what is important.

You bring home what is essential to and for the human condition.

Thanks for sharing my friend.

Pat McDonald

Expand full comment
Jan Peppler's avatar

Thank you, Pat! I think George is the gem for emphasizing all that. I just provided another platform for his kindness and wisdom.

Expand full comment
Switter’s World's avatar

We are all, every last one of us, immigrants. Some earlier, some later. Maybe someday, we’ll realize we’re in this boat together and learn how to accept one another, no matter how far back our ancestors arrived here. Maybe we will realize that all we really have is each other and now, this very moment.

Expand full comment
Jan Peppler's avatar

True true and well said! I couldn't agree more.

Berea College, the first integrated college in the South AND with a $0 tuition, has long had the motto: "God has made of one blood all the peoples of the earth"

Thanks, Switter!

Expand full comment
Switter’s World's avatar

We need more Berea Colleges, even or maybe especially in these “enlightened” times.

Expand full comment
RenoQueen's avatar

Such a great story and the video is well done. George’s values and how grounded his priorities are a reminder of what matters: passion for your occupation, respect for others, family, friends, and personal interests. I was amazed at how sharp and clear he still sounds at his age! And it's true all those values rapid rather rapidly eroded.

Expand full comment
Jan Peppler's avatar

He was only in his 70s then. Now he is 93 and still looks and sounds the same way. So many great one liners of wit and wisdom.

Greenbush was a common phenomenon across the east until urban renewal wiped out these great neighborhoods where everyone live together in harmony. The country might be a bit different if we hadn’t wiped out all these neighborhoods.

Expand full comment
Jan Peppler's avatar

Holy cow! This is great! Once again you provide me with a tremendous resource! Thank you!!!!

Expand full comment
RenoQueen's avatar

Glad I could be helpful!

Expand full comment
Peggy Weaver's avatar

Wow. I am just now getting around to this post. I did a double take when I heard Greenbush neighborhood mentioned. I’ve been in this shop. Smells and sounds of leather and polish and machines…always a group of old men out front. Pretty sure it is closed now; not sure if the building remains. What a delight to learn the backstory . Thank you, Jan! If you are in Madison, visit the Greenbush Bar for a taste of the neighborhood. ❤️🤟🏼

Expand full comment
Jan Peppler's avatar

Oh goodness, it never occurred to me that you would have been here! Yes, closes now and then men gather once a week (twice?) somewhere else and continue the conversations and wisdom.

I would love to be back in Madison. When I do come back, you can take me to this place 🧡

Expand full comment