remembering my grandfather

[cellio]

I recently found myself in a conversation about grandparents, and it made me think of one in particular. The grandparent I feel the strongest connection with, even though I had the smallest amount of time with him, was my paternal grandfather. It's odd what I do and don't remember: I don't remember what he looked like at all, but I remember his voice and I remember some of our time together. And while I don't specifically remember the incidents, I know that he taught me to think, to question, and to analyze. He surely taught my father the same things and my father taught me, so his influence carried on after him.

My grandfather came to the US from Italy when he was a child. I now realize that I know very little about his life before I was born. I know that my father was the first family member to go to college (grandpa was smart, not necessarily educated), but I realize I don't know how my grandfather earned a living, what took him to Ohio, how he met my grandmother, and lots of other things. Fortunately for me, my father will know many of these things and I can ask him.

Even with all that, though, I marvel at how close I feel to a man I didn't have nearly enough time to get to know.

Comments

[shewhomust.livejournal.com]

You're lucky to have found your questions while there's still someone around who can answer them. Now it's too late, I constantly stumble over things I will never know about my parents.

Uncle Binks

[tc-tick.livejournal.com]

Of the 4 boys, Terry probably has the most time with your grandpa. We used to visit every other year. He worked in the steel mill (Youngstown Steel Door as I remember on a blast furnace. What I remember most about him was his garden and the sprig of mint behind the ear.

Re: Uncle Binks

[cellio]

I remember the garden, and eating home-grown food at my grandparents' house.

Binks? There's got to be a story there; do you know it?

Binks

[tc-tick.livejournal.com]

Nope, can't say that I do. He was Binks, his older brother was Blinky, you dad was Sunny and cousin Leo was Butch. I think the family was big on nicknames. By the way Terry we Wed Wocks (red rocks -- Binks taught him how to pronounce it correctly.)

BTW

[tc-tick.livejournal.com]

Feel free to add comments, correct things or add pictures.

Re: Binks

[cellio]

I'm going to have fun with this the next time I talk with Sunny.

Re: BTW

[cellio]

Will do. Photos will have to wait, but I've already added a few events and will fill in more over time.

Can you point me (email is fine if you prefer) to some entries with comments or stories, so I can get a feel for what people are doing?