Late Night Musing
My grandmother, if alive, would be 111 tomorrow.62 total reviews
Comment from Sally Carter
Superb! I so enjoyed this, Bill. An absolute delight, which was so engrossing I totally forgot this started out a reviewing exercise.
Although your ex doesn't come out of this too well, I liked your opening honesty about some of the baggage being yours.
What an inspiring grandmother/grandson relationship the two of you had. (And you have got me scratching my head over the name of the lovely old gentleman who was also your friend at age 4. Can't believe I could forget it.)
Anyway, back to this story.
Fantastic glimpses of Grandma's character and your humour, combined with poignancy and greed - such a range of emotions.
My inbox has been so full, that it was tempting just to clear the lot and start again, but I'm so glad I kept going till I got to this lovely account.
Warm wishes to you
Sally
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Superb! I so enjoyed this, Bill. An absolute delight, which was so engrossing I totally forgot this started out a reviewing exercise.
Although your ex doesn't come out of this too well, I liked your opening honesty about some of the baggage being yours.
What an inspiring grandmother/grandson relationship the two of you had. (And you have got me scratching my head over the name of the lovely old gentleman who was also your friend at age 4. Can't believe I could forget it.)
Anyway, back to this story.
Fantastic glimpses of Grandma's character and your humour, combined with poignancy and greed - such a range of emotions.
My inbox has been so full, that it was tempting just to clear the lot and start again, but I'm so glad I kept going till I got to this lovely account.
Warm wishes to you
Sally
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Hi Sal - thank you for ending my day with a smile. Signing off, and so nice to do with your very nice review and kind words. You're the best! The old guys name was Virge Gates. My next post is going to be some of the words of wisdom I got from Virge over the years. One that would have fit my post was Virge once telling me, "If you ain't got family, you ain't got nothin." Warm regards, Bill
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Virge! Of course.
S
Comment from JW
This a way a great story, and a nice trip down memory lane. It sounds like your grandmother was a great person. In regards to your ex, she reminds me of a brother I have very little to do with. All he cares about is financial gain.
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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This a way a great story, and a nice trip down memory lane. It sounds like your grandmother was a great person. In regards to your ex, she reminds me of a brother I have very little to do with. All he cares about is financial gain.
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Thanks Jonathon - I'm glad that you read and enjoyed.
Comment from juliaSjames
It's strange, isn't it, that to some people love is a scarce commodity to be measured out and shared - spouses get so much, children so much, siblings so much, parents and grandparents so much - and so on and so forth. Whereas the paradox of love is that it increases the more you take from it - like mother's milk...LOL.
I enjoyed this story. My children had such a bond with my late mother. It's something exceedingly precious and special.
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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It's strange, isn't it, that to some people love is a scarce commodity to be measured out and shared - spouses get so much, children so much, siblings so much, parents and grandparents so much - and so on and so forth. Whereas the paradox of love is that it increases the more you take from it - like mother's milk...LOL.
I enjoyed this story. My children had such a bond with my late mother. It's something exceedingly precious and special.
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Thanks for reading Julia and for your priceless reply! Warm regards, Bill
Comment from Connie P
I loved this story. I had very special relationships with my grandparents so I truly realize what you're saying here. The ex, well, obviously the marriage was doomed, what an attitude. I hope I can leave these type memories for my grandchildren.
Connie
Note:The reasons why people divorce is all over the board.(wouldn't that be: reasons ... are all over the board?)
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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I loved this story. I had very special relationships with my grandparents so I truly realize what you're saying here. The ex, well, obviously the marriage was doomed, what an attitude. I hope I can leave these type memories for my grandchildren.
Connie
Note:The reasons why people divorce is all over the board.(wouldn't that be: reasons ... are all over the board?)
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Thanks Connie - I very much appreciate you reading and for your kind feedback. I think you are right on are vs. is. Regards, Bill
Comment from livingwords
Excellent job. Your pain and resentment are only moderately hidden. I hope venting this helped you. Your grandmother would be proud. Dan
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Excellent job. Your pain and resentment are only moderately hidden. I hope venting this helped you. Your grandmother would be proud. Dan
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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No pain and resentment now. I've been married to the love of my life for 22 years. She just got back from Tucson where she was caring for her aunt. Two peas .... Thank you very much for reading and your kind and generous response. Regards, Bill
Comment from adewpearl
Grandma and grandpa owned - Grandpa - since it is used as his name here
No, Grandma, not me - I've added a comma for direct address and I've capitalized Grandma
I remember my grandmother when Grandpa died - I capitalized Grandpa
I told her, "Grandma, I think I need - capitalize Grandma both because it's her name and because it's the first word of a quoted line
What does that come too - come to
What a well-told, moving story, Bill - great character development and dialogue. Brooke
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Grandma and grandpa owned - Grandpa - since it is used as his name here
No, Grandma, not me - I've added a comma for direct address and I've capitalized Grandma
I remember my grandmother when Grandpa died - I capitalized Grandpa
I told her, "Grandma, I think I need - capitalize Grandma both because it's her name and because it's the first word of a quoted line
What does that come too - come to
What a well-told, moving story, Bill - great character development and dialogue. Brooke
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Brooke - I always appreciate the help you give me!
Comment from writer c
I love this, Bill. This is heartwarming and funny too. You are so blessed to have had that special relationship with that grandma of yours. Your weaving of her stubborn side, and my imaginings of the joy in all those long walks just underline the humanity of us all--that we can love imperfection. Bless you, you dear Southern gentleman, you.
Carol
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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I love this, Bill. This is heartwarming and funny too. You are so blessed to have had that special relationship with that grandma of yours. Your weaving of her stubborn side, and my imaginings of the joy in all those long walks just underline the humanity of us all--that we can love imperfection. Bless you, you dear Southern gentleman, you.
Carol
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Thanks Carol - your warm and generous review brought a smile to my face. Always warm regards, Bill
Comment from overthemoon
Mostly I only review poems but in some strange way I happened on your biographical story of memories with your grandmother which drew me to read it.The reason being I was devoted to my grandmother memories before I was evacuated at the age of five and a half were with her. I think my first poem I ever wrote was about her, it is somewhere in my profile called "Eighty Years Young" I loved her so much I wanted to show her which I did with my poem. Sorry I,m waffling on. I throughly enjoyed reading your story, yes those memories money can not buy. Very interesting and well written, though I'm no expert. Many Happy Memories to you. Anne.
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Mostly I only review poems but in some strange way I happened on your biographical story of memories with your grandmother which drew me to read it.The reason being I was devoted to my grandmother memories before I was evacuated at the age of five and a half were with her. I think my first poem I ever wrote was about her, it is somewhere in my profile called "Eighty Years Young" I loved her so much I wanted to show her which I did with my poem. Sorry I,m waffling on. I throughly enjoyed reading your story, yes those memories money can not buy. Very interesting and well written, though I'm no expert. Many Happy Memories to you. Anne.
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Thank you very much for reading and for the complement of the six. I look forward to visiting your portfolio and finding your poem. Warm regards, Bill
Comment from lola29
Bill, this is a very heartwarming story, and you are the quintessential gentleman. Not too many people would have been as generous and respectful and you and your siblings. You are my hero!
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Bill, this is a very heartwarming story, and you are the quintessential gentleman. Not too many people would have been as generous and respectful and you and your siblings. You are my hero!
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Two of my brothers could have really used the money. They hesitated all of 30 seconds. Thanks for reading and your kind comments. Always warm regards, Bill
Comment from RebelRose
This would have been a good entry for the non-fiction biographical contest.
Your first wife sounds like a real piece of work. She should have been proud that you were the kind of caring guy who would take care of a loved one and should have respected the wonderful memories and time that grandmother gave to you. You were just trying to give back a little and show your love for her. I think you and your first wife were mis-matched in the personality department. Believe me, I can relate to that. This is a very good story.
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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This would have been a good entry for the non-fiction biographical contest.
Your first wife sounds like a real piece of work. She should have been proud that you were the kind of caring guy who would take care of a loved one and should have respected the wonderful memories and time that grandmother gave to you. You were just trying to give back a little and show your love for her. I think you and your first wife were mis-matched in the personality department. Believe me, I can relate to that. This is a very good story.
Comment Written 18-Jan-2011
reply by the author on 18-Jan-2011
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Thanks Patty - the first time around was a strange one. The woman I divorced was not the same one that I married. You know how it goes, s$#t happens. I actually wish I had entered this into the contest. I wrote an essay on racism / reverse racism. I liked it okay, but would have preferred this one. Thanks for reading. Regards, Bill
