“Many of the crosses, he donated to the Smithsonian and to Lincoln University, but he kept his favorites in a custom-made display case in the living room of his Washington D.C. condo.”
What a gem. I love this for the richness of the history embedded in it and all the love flowing around it. The writer managed to make herself nearly invisible and yet we learn so much about her through the telling. A novel about him sounds great.
"Five p.m. in my grandfather’s living room was story time, facilitated by his evening martini. A slight shift in the pitch of his voice signaled the start of a tall tale . . . " I felt like I was there, on the edge of my seat, waiting for the tale to grow tall, and then for the chuckle "signaling the arrival, finally, of the truth . . . " That he could chuckle about the attacks on his company illuminates his grace and ultimate triumph, and that you saw those truths as absurd show that legacy in you. Thank you for this story scented with lavender, sandalwood and love.
It seems to me from reading your essay that you’ve found that grace. Responding to difficulty with grace (and humor!) is a practice, like so much else in life. You and your grandfather strike me as devoted practitioners, and you inspire me.
Eva, your essay is compelling. Thank you for sharing a part of your family history, and I cannot wait to read your novel. I read this out loud to my sweetie, and we discussed how it intertwines even with today's history. The British (colonizers) Europeans continue to fear people of color, and that causes them to lie and downplay our successes. Fox News is an example of how they bash our educated, talented Vice President Kamala Harris. They distort the truth about her, and it's shameful. But yet, we rise! Keep writing, and I will, too.
What a gem. I love this for the richness of the history embedded in it and all the love flowing around it. The writer managed to make herself nearly invisible and yet we learn so much about her through the telling. A novel about him sounds great.
Thank you so much for your kind words. I’m glad the love came through. Deborah was indispensable in making that possible.
Can’t wait to read your (yet to be finished) novel about your grandfather. Sounds like he was quite a man…and waterskier!
🙂he liked to say that he could do anything. Thank you for your kind words and encouragement. It helps so much during the writing process.
"Five p.m. in my grandfather’s living room was story time, facilitated by his evening martini. A slight shift in the pitch of his voice signaled the start of a tall tale . . . " I felt like I was there, on the edge of my seat, waiting for the tale to grow tall, and then for the chuckle "signaling the arrival, finally, of the truth . . . " That he could chuckle about the attacks on his company illuminates his grace and ultimate triumph, and that you saw those truths as absurd show that legacy in you. Thank you for this story scented with lavender, sandalwood and love.
Great story. Grandfather is a very interesting and likable man. You have tons of material for a great story.
Thank you, Nancy. I appreciate the encouragement as I try to do justice to his story!
Thank you so much for saying this, Katie. It means a great deal! I’m always searching for and in need of that grace.
It seems to me from reading your essay that you’ve found that grace. Responding to difficulty with grace (and humor!) is a practice, like so much else in life. You and your grandfather strike me as devoted practitioners, and you inspire me.
Fascinating story. So happy that the cross found its way back to you. My heart would have melted.
Thank you, Susan. It really did.
Eva, your essay is compelling. Thank you for sharing a part of your family history, and I cannot wait to read your novel. I read this out loud to my sweetie, and we discussed how it intertwines even with today's history. The British (colonizers) Europeans continue to fear people of color, and that causes them to lie and downplay our successes. Fox News is an example of how they bash our educated, talented Vice President Kamala Harris. They distort the truth about her, and it's shameful. But yet, we rise! Keep writing, and I will, too.
I can’t wait to read your stories, Lynda. I already k ow they are quite powerful.
Beautifully written! What a rich history you have. Thank you for this glimpse.
I love this and now am eager to read your novelization of a segment of your Grandfather's life.
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Thank you so much!