Thank you, Alice. We are near the end of renovations on our primary residence, yes. And now we begin on Tom's old place, which needs to be a rental (in exchange for the one we moved into). It's a marathon.
He's a children's book author - quite famous though he passed a few years ago. Lot of stories of his Italian family. I think you'll enjoy it. https://www.tomie.com
I think it was good for both of us. Sometimes focusing on someone else's discomfort takes your mind off your own.
Things were different then. Our parents didn't think anything of us making that journey and we were only 9 and 13. Today that's practically unheard of! It was a pretty sweet moment though, especially since prior to that (prior to the divorce), we fought like cats and dogs!
Love you too. This is such a great memory for me, which leads to so many more. (remember when you broke your arm and I ignored you? lol - I should write about that!). xo
Jan, loved this story. Brought back happy childhood memories.
Keep on writing—you touch hearts!
Pat McDonald
Thank you, Pat!
This is touching remembrance, honest, evocative, and a little heartbreaking. Beautiful.
Thank you. That’s very high praise coming from you!
Bittersweet story. It means, I think, your renovations are going well. No longer overwhelming or centre stage. All my best for 2024.
Thank you, Alice. We are near the end of renovations on our primary residence, yes. And now we begin on Tom's old place, which needs to be a rental (in exchange for the one we moved into). It's a marathon.
Wishing you wonderful things in this new year.
Beautiful Jan! I loved this so much. It reminded me of Tomie De Paola's books where he describes his childhood.
Thank you! I’m not familiar with Tomie De Paola- I’ll have to check him out!
He's a children's book author - quite famous though he passed a few years ago. Lot of stories of his Italian family. I think you'll enjoy it. https://www.tomie.com
These books are about his childhood: 26 Fairmount Avenue Autobiographical Chapter Books https://www.tomie.com/strega-nona-books
oh my goodness, YES! I know him! I love his illustrations!!
I had a feeling you would know him! Sometimes visuals help us remember.
It’s great that your brother seemed able to sense your nervousness and offer a distraction.
I think it was good for both of us. Sometimes focusing on someone else's discomfort takes your mind off your own.
Things were different then. Our parents didn't think anything of us making that journey and we were only 9 and 13. Today that's practically unheard of! It was a pretty sweet moment though, especially since prior to that (prior to the divorce), we fought like cats and dogs!
Love all the sensory details in this post. "Making our way through the blind swarm of adults leaving their jobs..." I can picture it well!
Thank you, Peggy!
Jan, it brought back memories and it gave me tears.
Love you so much,
your big brother
Love you too. This is such a great memory for me, which leads to so many more. (remember when you broke your arm and I ignored you? lol - I should write about that!). xo
Love this! So tender and true to the child you were.
Thank you, Claudia 🧡