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A Paper Time Capsule

Viewing comments for Chapter 7 "Letter 7"
Letters to my granddaughters

44 total reviews 
Comment from estory
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What I found interesting about this piece is that you sort of honored the traditional past as personified by your father, and spoke up for change, in that admonition to be what you want to be. Even a vetenarian. It also speaks for that powerful framework that our parents can build for us, a framework that can support us, but also be a bit rigid and limiting. estory

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the kind support. My dad did only what he thought best for me.
Comment from davisr (Rhonda)
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I love the way you have honestly approached the subject of your post. You've explained to your grandchildren how things were when you were growing up. You shared your love and respect for your parents, while expressing a desire to have had a different life. You've pointed out how another family member is sort of fulfilling that desire you had as well.

Great marriage of past and present.
Take care,
Rhonda

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the kind support and understanding.
Comment from Sanku
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in my home town there is a church dedicated to St Francis. My christian friends told me about his love of animals
This would be a very encouraging letter for your granddaughters...

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the support.
Comment from Mary Vigasin
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This is a perfect letter for two reasons. First, your most important advice for your granddaughters is to follow their dreams to be whatever they want and not let anyone discourage them.
The second is an insight into their grandmother's childhood and how she grew up with the good and obstacles in front of her.
I enjoyed reading.
Best wishes,
Mary

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the support.
Comment from Tom Horonzy
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An interesting post. Readers can tell how dear your grand babies are to you. They are blessed to be loved as dearly as professed.

As to next week's release, I wrote the following yesterday, which might be in line with that prompt, but I am having doubts if it should be released. What might you think?

A Conversation Between Me and I

Me:
How often, as a child, did you ask why mom and dad couldn't understand when things went bad for us? Couldn't they recall what they did wrong when they were young?

I:
Obviously, not. For even as recently as yesterday, they avowed they did not commit the bonehead mistakes we made. It caused me to yell and scream, and kick my feet like they did for doing the exact same thing our kids do today.

We? Oh, me! I do not recall following you as you went Au natural down Main Street. You did that on your own. Still, it was a learning experience. You didn't see me on Broad and State Streets naked as a jaybird, did ya?

What's that you say? "I did it thrice?" Perhaps, but, understand I was only, three.

Oh, yes, I did hear insanity is doing the same thing repeatedly, expecting a different result. Perhaps you were testing to see if the author of that axiom was wrong. You may have been three, but if I recall correctly, responsibility and accountability don't arrive until reason breezes in around eight years of age.

Moving on, I also gave thought about God, Our Father. Can't he relate to the fate of every offspring He creates? Being All-powerful couldn't He step in and eliminate the mistakes we children make?

Not a chance. That would take away the gift that keeps on giving. Our agency. Let me explain.

Agency is having the freedom to do as we please. Our innocence or guilt is circumstantial to whether we adhere to the law He decreed. See? That is how we came to be, for if Eve did not partake of whatever fruit she ate, none of us would be here. It is only after she ate that date, or whatever fruit it was, did the scales from her mind fall away, and that is when the two of them became aware of what goes where and how it fulfilled His command to go forth and multiply?

Besides, Our Father did care enough to put safeguards in place, such as the commandments, and the Gift of the Holy Ghost; an unseen friend that weighs upon our psyche, saying "don't." He may not be the funnest guy or gal in-house, but the H.G. won't lead us astray from Father's rules.

I understand. Until her willful commission of disobedience, Eve never knew she was unclothed. The knowledge she gained from the fruit of that tree had her realize she had changed. That's when she snatched a fig leaf to cover her nethers, thus taking control of Adam.


 Comment Written 14-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    I think you bring up interesting points of accountability. I would say release it.

    Thank you for the support.
reply by Tom Horonzy on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you
Comment from Wendy G
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An excellent post for your granddaughters to read and cling to as they make their way through life. Attitudes have changed considerably and for the better, so hopefully these two will be able to pursue their dreams. Beautifully written.
Wendy

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the support.
Comment from nomi338
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Your letter provides excellent advice to younger generations of persons be they male or female. Because I was active in the church, our pastor praised my mother in front of the entire congregation. When I told her I had a chance to become a professional singer/songwriter for an R&B label, she slapped me as hard as she could and told me that I was not allowed to embarrass her in that way. I was 28 years old at the time and was giving her about 70% of my monthly salary. I eventually gave up my pursuit of a professional career, but later married and moved as far away from home as I could go. I loved my mother, but I feel that she ruined my dream, a dream I had first had at 15 years of age.

 Comment Written 14-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the support. I know my dad was doing what he believed was right for me. If he had a fault, it was caring too much.
Comment from Douglas Goff
Exceptional
This work has reached the exceptional level

Once again this was most enjoyable and had an important lesson/morale that all girls really do need to hear.

As a father of five girls I tried hard to instill in them that they can do anything they want although college was not a choice. I put it in thier heads from early childhood that they were going.

Good stuff, Barbara. I was about to write that I wish I had a six left then saw below that I still had one!

All yours my friend.
D

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the support.
Comment from Alexandra Trovato
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I absolutely love this letter Barbara! Besides the warm loving personal way that you are leaving messaged for your granddaughters, with beautiful names by the way, I found connections to you also. I too became a teacher after also first wanting to be a veterinarian and Artist. My father was born in 1919 I was youngest and he was Greek but he was supportive for careers. Maybe because he was much older.

Your granddaughters will cry happy tears as they read your letter I can see it

;)) Good evening,

Your friend,

Alexandra :))

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for the support. I know my dad was doing what he believed was right for me. If he had a fault, it was caring too much.
reply by Alexandra Trovato on 14-Jul-2023
    Barbara, Yes, I understand. My dad was a micro manager to let you know. He would tell us to put our forks down on our dishes prongs down as an example
    My oldest brother is who enlightened him about college. I could definitely hear your love for your dad and his love for you, in the words your granddaughters will always cherish. Alexandra :))
Comment from Ben Colder
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Agree. I have a granddaughter that wishes to be a vet as well. Not only is she excellent with small animals but larger as well. Dogs and cats lover her. Thanks for sharing you write. Good one/Barb.

 Comment Written 13-Jul-2023


reply by the author on 14-Jul-2023
    Thank you for your support.