My niece Jessica posted this photo earlier today. She tagged Helaine and me.
Jessie has two children of her own, but this is her at our wedding. She was the flower girl.
There she was, not yet four, standing at the back of the shul. All those people in front of her. All this adult stuff going on.
She froze.
My sister, ace child psychologist and motivational speaker, would have none of it.
“Go now or I’ll beat the *** out of you.”
Neither my sister or brother-in-law have ever raised a hand to Jessie. EVER! But desperate times call for desperate measures.
Jessie did her thing on schedule, was adorable and is part of our wedding’s greatest memories. All she needed was a little motivation.
Problem solved.
Now one dares not even whisper such a thing—before DCF is called. I was raised back in those “good ole days”–one minded –all you had to see was a hand go up–palm facing you, or look at an expression, and you moved.
Nice picture and nice memories. And Best wishes to both of you, if this is your anniversary. Savor each one.
Barb,
Within our family this story has become like a fable. There is a little exaggeration over 30+ years. Jessie was raised on love and it shows.
Geoff,
We all feel the love and respect that fills your family life. Over the years when you and your folks lived in Hamden, I heard of love and respect through my sister, who was friends with and taught with Roberta. That’s why so many of us follow your blogs. Seeing how you treat your dad when he visits, and visa versa–it fills that void for those of us, like myself, who have lost loved ones(including the sister mentioned above. We grieve your losses, and cheer for your accomplishments. And say Bravo to Helene, who is always there for you and the family. Thanks for all of it.