I was holding my breath through most of this, and didn’t realize until the end, while Jacob was sweetly sleeping, that I could now release it. Oh, the mystery of family! The last pronouncement by the leather lady is hilarious, after all the wonderful things she had told you prior about your grandparents!
Baron and I have heard over the years parts of this story from you and/or Jake, but to read it all in its entirety was incredibly moving. And we are more determined than ever to be loving grandparents!
I love you, too! Very much. FWIW, I had a -- GREAT -- time on the trip. I got to stay in a hotel! Roller skate! I remember the smooth Miami marble / granite was a revelation for a kid used to the rough, broken concrete of Washington Heights. And getting to eat take out out of cartons! I got to go on a trip, on a plane, with my big brother and do these things. That was special, if you're looking for the glass half full version...
Another beautiful reminiscence. Sorry for your dad and his parents inability to reconcile. I'm sure you made a very positive impression on your brother and likely your step siblings.
What a hero you are, Josh! I hope you and Jacob are still close and that he realizes the gift of you as his big brother. And, I agree with Becky, "the mystery of family!"
I was holding my breath through most of this, and didn’t realize until the end, while Jacob was sweetly sleeping, that I could now release it. Oh, the mystery of family! The last pronouncement by the leather lady is hilarious, after all the wonderful things she had told you prior about your grandparents!
Baron and I have heard over the years parts of this story from you and/or Jake, but to read it all in its entirety was incredibly moving. And we are more determined than ever to be loving grandparents!
I love you, too! Very much. FWIW, I had a -- GREAT -- time on the trip. I got to stay in a hotel! Roller skate! I remember the smooth Miami marble / granite was a revelation for a kid used to the rough, broken concrete of Washington Heights. And getting to eat take out out of cartons! I got to go on a trip, on a plane, with my big brother and do these things. That was special, if you're looking for the glass half full version...
Absolutely wonderful Josh. 🥹💗
So sad, but with a happy ending! So sorry you had to endure that experience!
Another beautiful reminiscence. Sorry for your dad and his parents inability to reconcile. I'm sure you made a very positive impression on your brother and likely your step siblings.
What a hero you are, Josh! I hope you and Jacob are still close and that he realizes the gift of you as his big brother. And, I agree with Becky, "the mystery of family!"