Yolie: Fini

Why am I writing about the grandparents?  Well…recently Yolie died; she was the last of the four.

She was ninety-nine years old.

In these last years she was living in Texas (a place she never dreamed she would live), so we got to spend more time with her…it was a blessing.

But she never liked the Tex-Mex being served at the nursing home…of course.

As a death often will, it reminded me of the little instances…little incidents of our first meeting…as unlikely and miraculous as any other, and I wanted to  write a few down…so I have.

I also asked my in-laws to share a few memories of their parents.

My father-in-law, Al, wrote:

My mother, Yolanda, was born during August of 1911 in Jersey City.  Throughout childhood until I married, we lived at 2011 New York Ave. in Union City.  When my parents married, they moved in with my grandfather, a widower, John…so until his death in 1971, they lived in Union City.  They moved to Toms River after his death.

Mom’s first job was with The Cattle Club in New York City.  I have no idea what she did, but she made lifetime friendships while working there.  Later, when I was in high school she was employed at Yardley.  Every night she would come home smelling like a lavender bush.

My grandfather, John, would cook dinner for us.  It was usually some Northern Italian dish with rice and veal—not the traditional Italian food.  Sometimes it was okay—sometimes I would pass for a p. b. & j sandwich but not often.  Usually, I was starving at suppertime…as after school we played football (two-hand touch) every day.  On the block where we played, everyone had iron picket fences, so when a ball was passed and hit the fence—Pop!!—I needed a new ball.  Dad would complain, but a new ball would quickly show up.

My father, Philip, was born on July 19, 1909 and died in 1998.

Dad worked at various jobs, but most of his working life was with Testing Machines in Amityville, New Jersey.  When he started with Testing, they were located in New York City, but the company later relocated to Amityville while he was working for them.  He had to take a train to N. Y. C. then another to Amityville.  I often heard my parents talk of moving to Long Island to shorten his commute, but it never happened.

We would spend two weeks at the Jersey shore every year.  My parents and cousins would rent a beach house.  My cousin and I would stay at least a month while each family had a two week stay.  After I married, my parents bought a house at the shore in Lavallette, but they sold it when they moved to Toms River.

Dad enjoyed retirement by doing things around the house.  I really think he was glad not to have the commute (one and a half hours each way).

They’re both buried in New Jersey.

I miss them both.

My mother-in-law, Marie, wrote:

One of my fond memories of my mother, Frances, was listening to her and Craig debating on political issues.  At times it was amusing to hear them try to get the upper hand on the debate.  They usually ended up laughing.

Another amusing memory was of Craig disguising his voice, and calling her to say he was phoning about a political issue pertaining to his party.  She was ‘not interested’, so she would hang the phone up not realizing it was Craig.

My father, Fred, had more than one job, but his love was music.  He played bass in bands.  Then in his mature years he played with the Garden State Symphony in N. J. and the symphony in New York.

I have fond memories of my father landscaping our yard in Atlanta.  He landscaped a beautiful azalea garden in the back yard, and when they were in bloom I thought of him.

Dad and mom stayed a month with us when we moved into our new home (in Atlanta).  We had a lot of fun together, but it was sad when they left to go home to New Jersey.

They are still missed.

************

I have a few last stray, funny memories to share…and a bit more.

Frances was a huge Yankees fan.  During our visits, I have memories of her sitting in her comfy chair near the T.V. glued to the game.  She was religious about it.

Surprisingly enough, about five years ago Yolie told me she had trouble understanding me when we first met in the eighties.  This is particularly funny because I don’t even come close to having an extreme Texas accent…now my brother-in-law is another story (No worries…I understand you, Steve.).

Every day I realize how blessed I’ve been to stumble into these incredible families.  Families who started their lives in the U.S. by selling rags on the streets of the city are three generations later…encompassing a group of seven cousins--four with college degrees (one soon to attend college)…three of those with masters degrees and all successful.

They’ve lived the American Dream.

They’re living the American Dream…it has the slight flavor of oregano, but it’s still American.

 
Laura on the Jersey Shore - 1987

Comments

[Laura]

Thanks for commenting, Honey! You're the best!

[Honey]

I read these again just now and they are excellent - thanks honey!

[Laura]

Thank you, Marie! I feel blessed and privileged to be part of your family. Glad you're home!

[Marie]

Laura, this was incredible!!! Thank you for writing this wonderful glimpse of the past. You are a very special part of our family and we are blessed to have you in it.
Enjoyed the music!! Love, Marie

[Laura]

Thanks, Dad. Yes...it would be nice if I had time to write more of these things down (sigh). Love you!

[david]

wonderful memories, so glad that you wrote them, too many are forgotten

[Laura]

Susan, It was bit chilly that day. Craig let me borrow his sweater because I hadn't packed enough warm clothes, but you're right...I don't even want to think about what Sookie might wear to the shore. I'm sorry I even know who she is. ;)

Thanks for reading and commenting. I'm glad you found them entertaining. You're a terrific friend! xoxo

[Laura]

Thank you, Lisa! It's been fun and wonderful and bittersweet to write about them. I've been blessed with two wonderful families. :)

[Laura]

Thank you, thank you, thank you for commenting, Cheryl! It's made me happy knowing you've enjoyed them. I'm so glad I'm part of your family. :)

[susan teggatz]

Like your Jersey shore pic, but I don't think that's what they're wearing now at the shore.lol I had fun reading about the in laws.

[Super Bluebonnet]

So very sweet. I'm glad you've recorded these for Craig's family.

[Cheryl Borho]

I love reading these stories! Do you really think Steve has an accent?? Ha ha ha