What a great story! I used to think my (also divorced) dad was an oddity, but through stories like this I've learned he's more of an archetype, but not as charming a one as your dad. On one occasion when I was 10 he was going on about socialism and society and the workers as usual, and maybe he sensed that I wasn't paying 100% rapt attention. He looked at me seriously, "It's important that you understand these these things. The other fifth-graders don't have someone explaining these issues. It's going to be up to you to bring the lessons of socialism to your classmates." I wasn't at the roll-my-eyes and "Oh brother, Daddy!" age yet, but I was definitely at the internal note-to-self age: "Ohhhhhh, this guy does not actually understand society at all. Ten-year-olds do not do this! Just nod."
Love this story. I remember seeing, walking by Klein's. My father was a tailor working nearby. Last fall I also visited Orchard, the Tenement Museum, and stopped in at Katz' for a corned beef sandwich. (You will have your opportunity Josh. Keep up the struggle.)
Amazing, Josh. Christmas in the psyche of so many to save us from the brutality of our regular lives. Always gratitude and huge thanks for sharing your life so beautifully.
Josh, I can't wait to read this Christmas miracle story aloud to my family. I've been rereading Grace Paley lately and this story feels like a variation on her world. Special loving appreciation for the part about the lowered fire escape Ladder of Solidarity. Yours for peace, love, and miracles
Such a memory, such an image of those guys ambling up the street with stolen aka liberated goods, and indeed your father's complex emotions! A Christmas to remember, indeed.
What a great story! I used to think my (also divorced) dad was an oddity, but through stories like this I've learned he's more of an archetype, but not as charming a one as your dad. On one occasion when I was 10 he was going on about socialism and society and the workers as usual, and maybe he sensed that I wasn't paying 100% rapt attention. He looked at me seriously, "It's important that you understand these these things. The other fifth-graders don't have someone explaining these issues. It's going to be up to you to bring the lessons of socialism to your classmates." I wasn't at the roll-my-eyes and "Oh brother, Daddy!" age yet, but I was definitely at the internal note-to-self age: "Ohhhhhh, this guy does not actually understand society at all. Ten-year-olds do not do this! Just nod."
I have loved learning so much about you through these updates! This entry has so many layers. Such an interesting story woven through and through!
Love this story. I remember seeing, walking by Klein's. My father was a tailor working nearby. Last fall I also visited Orchard, the Tenement Museum, and stopped in at Katz' for a corned beef sandwich. (You will have your opportunity Josh. Keep up the struggle.)
Amazing, Josh. Christmas in the psyche of so many to save us from the brutality of our regular lives. Always gratitude and huge thanks for sharing your life so beautifully.
You’ve done it again, Josh. My new favorite Christmas story
What a sweet Christmas story!! Even the pillaging elves didn’t mar the festivities 🎄💝
Josh, I can't wait to read this Christmas miracle story aloud to my family. I've been rereading Grace Paley lately and this story feels like a variation on her world. Special loving appreciation for the part about the lowered fire escape Ladder of Solidarity. Yours for peace, love, and miracles
"Workers of the world, unite — you have nothing to lose but your upscale department store chains"
I laughed outloud sitting on my deck in the real early morning!
(I hope my neighbors don't mind!)
And i was crying a bit by the end...
Thank you for sharing your gifts 🙏🍞❤🎄🎶🙏
Oh, my! or maybe Oy vey!
Such a memory, such an image of those guys ambling up the street with stolen aka liberated goods, and indeed your father's complex emotions! A Christmas to remember, indeed.
Wow. Now *that* is a Christmas story for the ages!
You have outdone yourself!