Friendship Gems: The Torrington trio

 

Friendships may start at the workplace, but that doesn't mean they end there!

Just shy of his 50th birthday- Richard found himself starting over....

in a new city...the sleepy little town of Torrington Wyoming

in a new role...as the program director for St. Joe's

a residential treatment facility for children 

with social-emotional disabilities

with ever loyal Audrey joining in on the adventure...

This new adventure would take them far away from their friends and their family.   And while this could have been a reason for sadness- they soon found friendship in these three young men also recently hired to work with Richard at the facility. 

There was Dave-

and his sweet wife Christine

and their two cute little guys- Joe and John

There was Kevin...

and his lovely bride...Kathy

and last but not least...would be Mark, Cindy and the kids...

These three guys (and their families) brought so much love and laughter into our parents' lives.   For it goes without saying- plenty of sadness found its' way into our parents story during this chapter of their life.

However, it was thanks to these treasured friendships...

That Grandpa Doc could trade his "game face" for a silly spooky face

and Audrey was invited  to help a bride

 pick out her wedding dress

  she was able support that wiggly joy of an infant

determined to stand on his own two feet

and hear the sweet sound as a child

 says "I love you Grandma Audrey!"

As I sifted through the countless photos of the trio- I am certain that the reason Richard held onto the photos for all these years- was the memories they imparted.  

For when 

the boys came over to play..

or the kids came home for Thanksgiving..

begging for just one more spin around the block...

or praying for the rain to stop...

Richard 

and Audrey

found respite from the worries of the day..

Until next time...

Don't be afraid to say "want to come over"

and stay for a bit...

I can get you some tickets to the Olympics...

But first...let's start 

with a beer!  

Audrey was able to hear a little one say "I love you Grandma"

  

A Place to Call Home-Last Call

Hi Honey- We're home!

In 1976 the  moving van would again be summoned and  loaded back up as the Granums were on the move once again!

Richard had accepted a position with the Hamilton Sussex School District- and we would move into this Cape Cod gem in nearby Waukesha.

It remains a bit of a mystery as to why we returned to Wisconsin.  

As it was surely not for the weather...

One story was that Grandma Hazel had summoned Richard and Audrey home, citing Grandpa G's recent cancer diagnosis and adding that she would need help.  

 Now this would  track with a  statement  Richard shared a time or two noting Grandma Hazel's remark as she aged would be "If I can't get my way now, when will I?"

But, we also know our parents well enough...if they weren't interested in coming home, they wouldn't have.  Instead, we like to think that our parents recognized the value that comes with being close to extended family.  

Our time in Waukesha would be the last time we all lived together

in the same house-let alone in the same state.

It would be a time when we got to know our cousins better

and it would be the time that we would 

truly fall in love with our grandparents

especially our grandmothers..

as Grandpa Granum would pass away soon after our return (1978)

As teenagers...it would be the time we developed our own interests

And recall our own stories...

with of course some

sisterly copy-cat behaviors..

It would be a time when we would learn to 

endure

and enjoy

the chill of winter

It would be a time when we would celebrate with cake

or perhaps champagne?

Given Heidi and I were only 16- I suspect it was sparkling grape juice!

A time to sip a cold beer with an old friend

or take that trusty boat out for a spin on the lake

It would be a time to act silly

no matter the reason or season

As we were about to learn..

it would be the last time we would all be healthy and cancer free

So thank-you mom

and dad

 for hearing the call..

and heading home..

For it provided us with time

and opportunity to connect

 with our extended family..

For soon enough..

we would find ourselves needing to lean on Audrey's sister

and brother

her mother

and mother-in-law 

for the stories they would share

just how wonderful and in love

our parents were...in that time 

when she was cancer-free

This ends the series of A Place to Call Home.   Obviously- we all would have many more places to call home- but none would be shared by all.   And the intent of this blog is to focus on the shared memories of our family.   

Until next time...

It may be hard for awhile...but eventually you will find the good

in good-bye