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