I’m a year older than Caroline. We felt like the Kennedys were family too, even though I grew up in California. My mother was Catholic and a strong liberal.
In fifth grade at our class picture I decided to mimic Veronica Lake. I looked terrible. When we got the pictures back everyone said, Paula looks awful.
Connie, thanks - lovely remembrance. Often times, I wish I had possession of more family photos. Memories of the home and neighborhood where I grew up are the best of my nearly 70 years of living. Going on a walk with my dog leading the way seems to stir up many of my childhood experiences. Minor, seemingly insignificant things will bring the past back. Passing a mid-century red brick ranch house, hearing a cicada chirp on a hot and humid day or a school bus full of kids singing the chorus of a popular song. Today's world is much different than the one of my youth, but simple experiences of everyday living are still there for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Great story. Fiberglass curtains bring back a childhood memory. With 7 kids, my mom would often reuse the rinse water from washer to use for next load. She washed the curtains first and used rinse water to wash our school clothes. We itched and scratched all day at school! She felt so bad when she realized what happened! Oh the memories!
Great story. Fiberglass curtains bring back a childhood memory. With 7 kids, my mom would often reuse the rinse water from washer to use for next load. She washed the curtains first and used rinse water to wash our school clothes. We itched and scratched all day at school! She felt so bad when she realized what happened! Oh the memories!
I loved your Easter essay. So much of what you remember is familiar to me too including being told Caroline Kennedy and I are close in age. You do such a wonderful job bringing up those details -the white gloves, the vinyl bag, the oldest daughter, the coin and hanky in the Easter bag for church, etc. Very moving. Bravo.
I was also eight that Easter and the oldest daughter of 4. My sister and I were in the Easter coats of boucle wool my mom had made, and my brothers had on suits and ties. I still remember the pink bubble hat my mom wore. It’s surprising because she always said she hated pink. Funny how memories can be so random..
Such a lovely remembrance. After I had a brain bleed several years ago (caused by a stroke from high blood pressure), I lost many memories. Occasionally I few fleeting thoughts will return - your story made me think of the little white gloves that I wore to church. I loved them! Although I am certain that I took them off and on all during the church service much to the dismay of my mother.
And one of my three brothers was certain to have a look on their face similar to Chuckie's :).
This brought back many Easter memories. Oh those hats back then! My father did not have charge cards except one for Rosenblooms in downtown Cleveland so that we could get our Easter and Christmas outfits. He always made sure we were all dressed up for those holidays.I too love the line about installing the buttons in our parents.
Thank you Connie, this is just lovely. For us Easter was also a day to get dressed up, five of us... three boys, two girls. Jackets and ties, hats, my sisters in beautiful dresses with hats and gloves... all on our way to the Irish church before we went to the convent to see her aunt, Sister Nannita.
I was 52 years old before I learned Sister Nannita's birth name... and that my mother, Mary, was named for her...
Your memories touch my heart like they are my own. I had the same Caroline experience. When Jackie passed I cried like she was my mother. It was so personal, like your writing. Your words make me cry on a regular basis, not always sad tears but tears of recognition and compassion.
I loved this story! So many identical memories of when I was your age in this photo. Your style of writing makes me smile more than a few times when you lead us down the path filled with your life. Thank you, Connie. Happy Easter!
Thank you so much for sharing this story. We are the same age, so I can certainly identify! However, I have to say I fell in love with little Chuckie in this photo. What a little imp!❤️
the way we were!
I’m a year older than Caroline. We felt like the Kennedys were family too, even though I grew up in California. My mother was Catholic and a strong liberal.
In fifth grade at our class picture I decided to mimic Veronica Lake. I looked terrible. When we got the pictures back everyone said, Paula looks awful.
Connie, thanks - lovely remembrance. Often times, I wish I had possession of more family photos. Memories of the home and neighborhood where I grew up are the best of my nearly 70 years of living. Going on a walk with my dog leading the way seems to stir up many of my childhood experiences. Minor, seemingly insignificant things will bring the past back. Passing a mid-century red brick ranch house, hearing a cicada chirp on a hot and humid day or a school bus full of kids singing the chorus of a popular song. Today's world is much different than the one of my youth, but simple experiences of everyday living are still there for kids of all ages to enjoy.
Love everything you write!!
This story felt like a gift. I love how you capture moments like this, just so beautiful. x
Great story. Fiberglass curtains bring back a childhood memory. With 7 kids, my mom would often reuse the rinse water from washer to use for next load. She washed the curtains first and used rinse water to wash our school clothes. We itched and scratched all day at school! She felt so bad when she realized what happened! Oh the memories!
Great story. Fiberglass curtains bring back a childhood memory. With 7 kids, my mom would often reuse the rinse water from washer to use for next load. She washed the curtains first and used rinse water to wash our school clothes. We itched and scratched all day at school! She felt so bad when she realized what happened! Oh the memories!
I loved your Easter essay. So much of what you remember is familiar to me too including being told Caroline Kennedy and I are close in age. You do such a wonderful job bringing up those details -the white gloves, the vinyl bag, the oldest daughter, the coin and hanky in the Easter bag for church, etc. Very moving. Bravo.
I was also eight that Easter and the oldest daughter of 4. My sister and I were in the Easter coats of boucle wool my mom had made, and my brothers had on suits and ties. I still remember the pink bubble hat my mom wore. It’s surprising because she always said she hated pink. Funny how memories can be so random..
Beautiful memories!
Such a lovely remembrance. After I had a brain bleed several years ago (caused by a stroke from high blood pressure), I lost many memories. Occasionally I few fleeting thoughts will return - your story made me think of the little white gloves that I wore to church. I loved them! Although I am certain that I took them off and on all during the church service much to the dismay of my mother.
And one of my three brothers was certain to have a look on their face similar to Chuckie's :).
Donna, I’m so glad that my memories invited one of yours to visit.
This brought back many Easter memories. Oh those hats back then! My father did not have charge cards except one for Rosenblooms in downtown Cleveland so that we could get our Easter and Christmas outfits. He always made sure we were all dressed up for those holidays.I too love the line about installing the buttons in our parents.
Thank you Connie, this is just lovely. For us Easter was also a day to get dressed up, five of us... three boys, two girls. Jackets and ties, hats, my sisters in beautiful dresses with hats and gloves... all on our way to the Irish church before we went to the convent to see her aunt, Sister Nannita.
I was 52 years old before I learned Sister Nannita's birth name... and that my mother, Mary, was named for her...
Your memories touch my heart like they are my own. I had the same Caroline experience. When Jackie passed I cried like she was my mother. It was so personal, like your writing. Your words make me cry on a regular basis, not always sad tears but tears of recognition and compassion.
May the day land gently….thank you.
I loved this story! So many identical memories of when I was your age in this photo. Your style of writing makes me smile more than a few times when you lead us down the path filled with your life. Thank you, Connie. Happy Easter!
Thank you so much for sharing this story. We are the same age, so I can certainly identify! However, I have to say I fell in love with little Chuckie in this photo. What a little imp!❤️