That’s a really great way to get to know Susie, especially young Susie, a bit better. Now I know more that just food,food, food, and a little gardening. We recently celebrated my mom’s 90th (she died of cancer at 64), just the 4 siblings and we had never been together just the 4 of us without kids, spouses - ever. But the coolest thing, including seeing tons of photos we collected from relatives and had never seen, we found a year-long diary when she was in college.
Hi cathy! That sounds so cool - being with your siblings and finding that diary! Bet that was enlightening. Glad you enjoyed this. It’s a good exercise to go back and think about my younger self - helps me realize how I’ve changed as an adult (or not changed in some cases!) see you soon!
So enjoyed reading this Susie. Story-keepers, your dad, your mom - you. And gosh how lucky we are to have photographs like this that take us back into a moment, another world really - filled with mystery, and nostalgia, and indeed gratitude.
You said it Mary Lynn - so lucky to have the photographs and the stories - and my family. The photos really do take you back - I’m glad everything wasn’t digital back in the day. Thanks for writing!
Oh Susie!!!!! Another hit outta the park!!!what a compelling story & history!!! I loved this!! On all those trips to Rowayton, where u so kindly & with open arms received ALL of us!!! we’d have to go through Fall River!! And more often than not I’d make a detour to my early childhood home, 60 Cambridge st., (we moved here when I was 7).. It was a refurbished home ( by my dad with the help of an old retired carpenter & his brothers & friends) in a sweet Irish/catholic neighborhood.. the Kelly’s; the O’Brien’s; the Fitzpatrick; etc… and I loved seeing family there.. of whom I’m no longer in contact with because they all left the area.. but in my soul I still feel 7 whenever I pass through on I-195!! And my hope is that my kids feel the same about here!! As u know they were lucky, as u were to have such a combined life, to extract whatever they need from it!! This is one of yr writings that really touched me!! Yr such a great writer!!! I can’t wait for the memoir!!! Love u over the moon and am sooooooooo happy that yr life is this now!!! A most excellent 3rd act!!! Tommye♥️❌♥️
Tommy! I love that vision of 7-year-old you in that Irish neighborhood in Fall River! So sweet. That stuff never leaves us. And we had some fun times with all the gang in Rowayton. Thank you as always for your kind words and encouragement. And for making the Vineyard a better place! And by the way, my hair is about down to my knees...see you soon! xo
Susie, this is beautiful and moving and encapsulates so much of my own experience. Neither of my parents were Washingtonians, so I always felt a bit on the outside in those circles—especially with schoolmates. But I think our moms were otherwise a bit similar—and I moved far away as well in part to avoid the constant critique. But still carry the beauty of that city, the rhythm of the rollout of spring’s floral extravagance, the easy access to art and the small scale of the surroundings. I spent a few years in my mom’s latter ones trying to figure out a way to get back, as I realized I was just too far away. But… didn’t. So much more I could say, but it may have to wait for a visit!
Susan - so interesting. I totally understand. Sometimes moving away is the healthiest thing we can do. There was pressure from so many different directions in those days. I will look forward to continuing this conversation some day! Thank you for all your insight! Xo
I love getting to know you through this beautiful writing. Catching glimmers of who you are now by examining the strands of your past. Such a beautiful, mindful, moving practice.
Thank you Priscilla! I really appreciate your support. A little scary putting some of this out there, and I always wish I had more time to edit and work on the nuances … but it is such a good practice as you know!
Oh Susie! Thank you for bringing us on this journey with you, down the boulevard of resentment and longing all the way to Gratitude Street! So beautiful and the photos- Omg! The one of your mom and Anne on Garfield Street, the one on the beach with the group and the opening black and white of you- just incredible. So grateful to have been on the ride with youx
Polly! Thank you as always for being along for the ride. So interesting to go back through these photos while at my Dad’s - a lot going on there! We’re on our way home today. Hard to leave my dad. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Xo
That’s a really great way to get to know Susie, especially young Susie, a bit better. Now I know more that just food,food, food, and a little gardening. We recently celebrated my mom’s 90th (she died of cancer at 64), just the 4 siblings and we had never been together just the 4 of us without kids, spouses - ever. But the coolest thing, including seeing tons of photos we collected from relatives and had never seen, we found a year-long diary when she was in college.
Hi cathy! That sounds so cool - being with your siblings and finding that diary! Bet that was enlightening. Glad you enjoyed this. It’s a good exercise to go back and think about my younger self - helps me realize how I’ve changed as an adult (or not changed in some cases!) see you soon!
So enjoyed reading this Susie. Story-keepers, your dad, your mom - you. And gosh how lucky we are to have photographs like this that take us back into a moment, another world really - filled with mystery, and nostalgia, and indeed gratitude.
You said it Mary Lynn - so lucky to have the photographs and the stories - and my family. The photos really do take you back - I’m glad everything wasn’t digital back in the day. Thanks for writing!
Oh Susie!!!!! Another hit outta the park!!!what a compelling story & history!!! I loved this!! On all those trips to Rowayton, where u so kindly & with open arms received ALL of us!!! we’d have to go through Fall River!! And more often than not I’d make a detour to my early childhood home, 60 Cambridge st., (we moved here when I was 7).. It was a refurbished home ( by my dad with the help of an old retired carpenter & his brothers & friends) in a sweet Irish/catholic neighborhood.. the Kelly’s; the O’Brien’s; the Fitzpatrick; etc… and I loved seeing family there.. of whom I’m no longer in contact with because they all left the area.. but in my soul I still feel 7 whenever I pass through on I-195!! And my hope is that my kids feel the same about here!! As u know they were lucky, as u were to have such a combined life, to extract whatever they need from it!! This is one of yr writings that really touched me!! Yr such a great writer!!! I can’t wait for the memoir!!! Love u over the moon and am sooooooooo happy that yr life is this now!!! A most excellent 3rd act!!! Tommye♥️❌♥️
Tommy! I love that vision of 7-year-old you in that Irish neighborhood in Fall River! So sweet. That stuff never leaves us. And we had some fun times with all the gang in Rowayton. Thank you as always for your kind words and encouragement. And for making the Vineyard a better place! And by the way, my hair is about down to my knees...see you soon! xo
Susie, this is beautiful and moving and encapsulates so much of my own experience. Neither of my parents were Washingtonians, so I always felt a bit on the outside in those circles—especially with schoolmates. But I think our moms were otherwise a bit similar—and I moved far away as well in part to avoid the constant critique. But still carry the beauty of that city, the rhythm of the rollout of spring’s floral extravagance, the easy access to art and the small scale of the surroundings. I spent a few years in my mom’s latter ones trying to figure out a way to get back, as I realized I was just too far away. But… didn’t. So much more I could say, but it may have to wait for a visit!
Susan - so interesting. I totally understand. Sometimes moving away is the healthiest thing we can do. There was pressure from so many different directions in those days. I will look forward to continuing this conversation some day! Thank you for all your insight! Xo
I love getting to know you through this beautiful writing. Catching glimmers of who you are now by examining the strands of your past. Such a beautiful, mindful, moving practice.
Thank you Priscilla! I really appreciate your support. A little scary putting some of this out there, and I always wish I had more time to edit and work on the nuances … but it is such a good practice as you know!
Scary and healing :) and perfect as is. Plus you’re inspiring the rest of us to shine some light on our own lives…
You are already well in your way! 🥰
Oh Susie! Thank you for bringing us on this journey with you, down the boulevard of resentment and longing all the way to Gratitude Street! So beautiful and the photos- Omg! The one of your mom and Anne on Garfield Street, the one on the beach with the group and the opening black and white of you- just incredible. So grateful to have been on the ride with youx
Polly! Thank you as always for being along for the ride. So interesting to go back through these photos while at my Dad’s - a lot going on there! We’re on our way home today. Hard to leave my dad. Looking forward to seeing you soon. Xo