I wrote a recent post about my adoration for NPR. Every Friday, I look forward to one particular feature, the Story Corps segment. Story Corps is a project aimed at preserving the memories of everyday people for future generations. The stories are always riveting, and I have enjoyed every one of them. These stories are being compiled as part of a nationwide project that is partially funded by NPR and the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
The premise of the project is very basic: two people that know each other record interviews that they conduct with each other. Each interview is very unique and personal. My personal favorite was between a young woman, Carly Dreher and her grandfather, Lyle Link. The man's wife had recently passed away, and the interview focused on their relationship and how they bucked the standard traditions of the times when they first got married. It was truly delightful to hear the love in his voice as he described their adventurous honeymoon.
The stories themselves are very interesting, but this series also resonates with me from a historical standpoint. One of the most fascinating courses I took down at ISU was called archives and manuscripts. This course was based on the science of archiving, and the necessary steps it takes to do it correctly. Unfortunately, as we have become more dependent on technology, we have left the art of writing letters and keeping personal logs behind. Part of this is the convenience that computers offer to us. Hell, look at those of us have joined the blogosphere.
Anyways, what I am really interested in doing is starting a project similar to this amongst our friends. Most of us have known each other for the better part of the last fifteen years, and I think we owe it to ourselves and our future families to start recording some of our fondest memories while the remain fresh. I know this sounds like a screwball idea, but I have a feeling we will all learn a lot about ourselves, while visiting the events that have made us who we are today.
Since this is my idea, I will volunteer to be the facilitator of this little project. Depending on the amount of interest, I will go out and purchase a recording device that we can pass around to each other. Considering the fact that we have become spread out, and it is difficult to get us all in one place, I imagine that some packages will be sent around from time to time to help move the process along. Once the recordings have been made, I will put them in a digital format for safe keeping. Another idea could be writing the questions and answers down as the interviews take place. If you don't want to keep the hard copies, send them to me and I will archive them.
Once again, I know this sounds ambitious, but I really feel this is something we can all benefit from. Naturally, I think we should start with the people that are closet to us, such as a significant other. Please let me know what you think.
Monday, May 26, 2008
The Most Important Moment of My Childhood
Sit back folks, this is going to take awhile. During my absence, a very important day passed. While to most people May 4th is the day before Cinco de Mayo, for me it signifies the most important event of my childhood, if not life. (I mean no disrespect to Marilyn by making that statement, and you will soon read why)
May 4, 1992 was the day that I nearly lost my brother Frank. On this date, sixteen years ago, my one and only brother was hit by a car after we had gotten off of our school bus. Frank was twelve and I was eleven. The impact form the collision sent him about forty feet. He had a compound fracture of his left leg and serious head trauma. After he landed on the pavement, I ran straight to him to see if he was okay. He was in a severe state of shock and could not communicate with me or anyone else. The spot of blood on his jeans marked the spot where he leg was fractured and he had a dazed look on his face. Needless to say, he was rushed to the hospital.
Keep in mind I was still a child, so looking back on things, I do not think I instantly understood the ramifications of the situation. Being naive, I fully expected things to go back to normal in a relatively short amount of time, but I was sorely mistaken. Frank was sent to Loyola Hospital, and the painful waiting game began. Due to brain swelling, he was place in a drug induced coma for ten days. Needless to say, those were the ten longest days of my life.
One night that sticks out in my mind in particular. Naturally, my parents had a much better understanding of the situation. As I was getting ready for bed, my dad came into my room and explained the gravity of the situation. The doctors had given my brother a very grave prognosis, if fact, they said he recovery was a highly unlikely. That night, I literally cried myself to sleep. To me, it was totlaly unfathomable that I would grow up without my brother. Fortunately, I never had to face this reality.
The accident occurred with one month left in school, and after being held out for about a week, I went back. This was both traumatic and a relief at the same time. The relief came in the form of some normalcy in my life, whatever that really means. However, the trauma came in the way that I was treated. My fellow students were instructed not to speak to me about the accident, for fear that it would set me off. This translated to constant questions about how he was doing, and isolation from the fear of setting me off, whatever that means. Looking back on it, I understand that my classmates meant well, and perhaps it was the adults who were trying to protect me, that really made the situation difficult. Things eventually started to feel comfortable and school was a welcome relief.
Well, eventually my brother woke up. I got the news at school, and that will always be a great memory for me. My dad came to school to tell me in person and that night, I got to go see Frank. The moment will be etched in my mind forever. He was connected to several tubes an wires, but there was no denying that glimmer in his eye. When I walked in, he demanded that I come by his side so he could see me. I nervously walked up to him to say hi, and he recognized me instantly. This is honestly one of the greatest moments in my life. My parents were beaming and I think that there was a relief to Frank as well. When he woke up, he did not know where he was or what had happened. The situation was explained and he instantly asked for my presence.
Now that I was there, I feel like it was something that made the situation easier for him. As I mentioned, he was connected to an innumerable amount of tubes and cords, and he was holding a blue ball. The ball was meant to be a stress reliever, and I'll be damed if he didn't stop squeezing it the whole time I was there. As a matter of fact, he threw it in my face when I wasn't looking to make sure I was paying attention. He caught my surprise and let out a belly laugh that truly showed me that Frank was back.
However, he was not completely out of the woods. We did not yet know the full extent of his injuries, and only after rehab and time would we fully understand. After spending another week at Loyola, he made the transfer to Marion Joy rehabilitation center to complete physical and occupational therapy. Even though he was closer to being home, he was still anxious to make it all the way back. Frank was making rapid progress and it appeared that he was going to make a full recovery. The cast on his left leg went halfway up his thigh, so he wasn't very mobile. While it was frustrating for him, he knew that it was temporary and didn't complain about it that much.
Well, after a couple of weeks at Marion Joy, he came home. As it turns out, he came home the day before my birthday, making it best gift that I have ever received. Once again, this is not a slight to the gifts I have received in the since then, but nothing will ever replace the fact that I got to have my only brother back to help me celebrate my birthday and his, which is four days after mine.
I hope this post does not appear to be self indulgent, but I wanted to share this experience with you guys since it is so important to me. This singular event has shaped my life more than any other experience. Whenever I feel down on myself or need something to remind me that things are not as bad as they could be, I look back on this fateful day. No book or movie will ever be able to motivate me as much as this real life experience. I understand that not everyone has such an event to look back on, but this explains my skepticism when it comes to people telling me that I need to read the Secret or the latest greatest fade, because to be honest, I do not see how they will be able to recreate this experience that I actually lived through.
This all being said, I would like to dedicate this entry to my one and only older brother, Frank. I love you very much and cannot imagine a better older brother. You have given me more than I could have ever imagined and continue to inspire me to this very day.
May 4, 1992 was the day that I nearly lost my brother Frank. On this date, sixteen years ago, my one and only brother was hit by a car after we had gotten off of our school bus. Frank was twelve and I was eleven. The impact form the collision sent him about forty feet. He had a compound fracture of his left leg and serious head trauma. After he landed on the pavement, I ran straight to him to see if he was okay. He was in a severe state of shock and could not communicate with me or anyone else. The spot of blood on his jeans marked the spot where he leg was fractured and he had a dazed look on his face. Needless to say, he was rushed to the hospital.
Keep in mind I was still a child, so looking back on things, I do not think I instantly understood the ramifications of the situation. Being naive, I fully expected things to go back to normal in a relatively short amount of time, but I was sorely mistaken. Frank was sent to Loyola Hospital, and the painful waiting game began. Due to brain swelling, he was place in a drug induced coma for ten days. Needless to say, those were the ten longest days of my life.
One night that sticks out in my mind in particular. Naturally, my parents had a much better understanding of the situation. As I was getting ready for bed, my dad came into my room and explained the gravity of the situation. The doctors had given my brother a very grave prognosis, if fact, they said he recovery was a highly unlikely. That night, I literally cried myself to sleep. To me, it was totlaly unfathomable that I would grow up without my brother. Fortunately, I never had to face this reality.
The accident occurred with one month left in school, and after being held out for about a week, I went back. This was both traumatic and a relief at the same time. The relief came in the form of some normalcy in my life, whatever that really means. However, the trauma came in the way that I was treated. My fellow students were instructed not to speak to me about the accident, for fear that it would set me off. This translated to constant questions about how he was doing, and isolation from the fear of setting me off, whatever that means. Looking back on it, I understand that my classmates meant well, and perhaps it was the adults who were trying to protect me, that really made the situation difficult. Things eventually started to feel comfortable and school was a welcome relief.
Well, eventually my brother woke up. I got the news at school, and that will always be a great memory for me. My dad came to school to tell me in person and that night, I got to go see Frank. The moment will be etched in my mind forever. He was connected to several tubes an wires, but there was no denying that glimmer in his eye. When I walked in, he demanded that I come by his side so he could see me. I nervously walked up to him to say hi, and he recognized me instantly. This is honestly one of the greatest moments in my life. My parents were beaming and I think that there was a relief to Frank as well. When he woke up, he did not know where he was or what had happened. The situation was explained and he instantly asked for my presence.
Now that I was there, I feel like it was something that made the situation easier for him. As I mentioned, he was connected to an innumerable amount of tubes and cords, and he was holding a blue ball. The ball was meant to be a stress reliever, and I'll be damed if he didn't stop squeezing it the whole time I was there. As a matter of fact, he threw it in my face when I wasn't looking to make sure I was paying attention. He caught my surprise and let out a belly laugh that truly showed me that Frank was back.
However, he was not completely out of the woods. We did not yet know the full extent of his injuries, and only after rehab and time would we fully understand. After spending another week at Loyola, he made the transfer to Marion Joy rehabilitation center to complete physical and occupational therapy. Even though he was closer to being home, he was still anxious to make it all the way back. Frank was making rapid progress and it appeared that he was going to make a full recovery. The cast on his left leg went halfway up his thigh, so he wasn't very mobile. While it was frustrating for him, he knew that it was temporary and didn't complain about it that much.
Well, after a couple of weeks at Marion Joy, he came home. As it turns out, he came home the day before my birthday, making it best gift that I have ever received. Once again, this is not a slight to the gifts I have received in the since then, but nothing will ever replace the fact that I got to have my only brother back to help me celebrate my birthday and his, which is four days after mine.
I hope this post does not appear to be self indulgent, but I wanted to share this experience with you guys since it is so important to me. This singular event has shaped my life more than any other experience. Whenever I feel down on myself or need something to remind me that things are not as bad as they could be, I look back on this fateful day. No book or movie will ever be able to motivate me as much as this real life experience. I understand that not everyone has such an event to look back on, but this explains my skepticism when it comes to people telling me that I need to read the Secret or the latest greatest fade, because to be honest, I do not see how they will be able to recreate this experience that I actually lived through.
This all being said, I would like to dedicate this entry to my one and only older brother, Frank. I love you very much and cannot imagine a better older brother. You have given me more than I could have ever imagined and continue to inspire me to this very day.
Even Better, Has It Really Been Six Years?!
Traditionally, Mother's Day weekend symbolizes two things:
We were on our way back to my old place in Lisle when Frank called me to let us know that Danger was in the process of having the kittens. We headed straight to my brother's place and watched quietly as Danger did delivered her precious gifts. It was honestly, one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Danger knew exactly what to do. The information that had been infused in her by nature worked like magic as she instinctively took care of her new babies. As luck would have it, four of the five kittens stayed in the family, including Wrigley and Gracie. So, we would like to thank Frank and Danger for giving us two fo the best gifts we have ever received.
P.S.
A belated Happy Mother's Day our mothers and the seven expecting mothers that we currently know.
- A day to honor our mothers
- The celebration of Wrigley and Gracie's birthdays, which is officially May 12th
We were on our way back to my old place in Lisle when Frank called me to let us know that Danger was in the process of having the kittens. We headed straight to my brother's place and watched quietly as Danger did delivered her precious gifts. It was honestly, one of the coolest things I have ever seen. Danger knew exactly what to do. The information that had been infused in her by nature worked like magic as she instinctively took care of her new babies. As luck would have it, four of the five kittens stayed in the family, including Wrigley and Gracie. So, we would like to thank Frank and Danger for giving us two fo the best gifts we have ever received.
P.S.
A belated Happy Mother's Day our mothers and the seven expecting mothers that we currently know.
Has It Really Been Two Years?
Well, one of the big events that occurred during my absence was Murphy's 2nd birthday. Neither of us can believe that he has been in our lives for two years! The infamous date is April 22nd, which also happens to be Earth Day. I have to admit, we don't know his actually date of birth since he was a stray, but the vet and Mar decided on the 22nd and I agreed. Even though he has tried to leave us twice and is a constant cause of stress, I love the little guy. Our little cats mean the world to us and I cannot imagine what our lives would be like without them. So, without further ado, happy birthday Murphy.
Return of the King
The nineteen years was well worth the wait, at least in my humble opinion. We went and saw Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull last Thursday and it was quite a thrill. I have been hotly anticipating the release of this flick, and Marilyn suggested that we see it on opening night. This was a total surprise to me, but whatever Baby wants, Baby gets. Anyway, the movie was a blast. It was not the best Indy movie, but I don't think it was the worst. Seeing Harrison Ford don the fedora and crack the whip made me feel like a kid again. Speaking of kids, I had an interesting conversation about this movie with some of my ninos.
One day, we were talking about summer plans and the kids asked me what movie I was looking forward to the most. Without blinking, I said Indy. They all seemed surprised that I was not looking the new Batman movie more than Indy, and I explained to them how I remember seeing Temple of Doom in th movie theater. This was apparently a big kick for them because they did started laughing right away, but I told them I was serious. That conversation made me realize how much that character brings me back to my youth, which I really enjoyed.
The bottom line is, go see the movie if you are an Indy fan. It was great fun, and Harrison clearly had a blast playing the role again. Shia Lebeof did a great job as his sidekick, and of course I loved seeing Karen Allen reprise her role as Marion Ravenwood. Some of the plot is a little wacky, but then again, we are talking about Indiana Jones. So, if you go see the movie, kick back and enjoy the ride. Three and a half stars.
One day, we were talking about summer plans and the kids asked me what movie I was looking forward to the most. Without blinking, I said Indy. They all seemed surprised that I was not looking the new Batman movie more than Indy, and I explained to them how I remember seeing Temple of Doom in th movie theater. This was apparently a big kick for them because they did started laughing right away, but I told them I was serious. That conversation made me realize how much that character brings me back to my youth, which I really enjoyed.
The bottom line is, go see the movie if you are an Indy fan. It was great fun, and Harrison clearly had a blast playing the role again. Shia Lebeof did a great job as his sidekick, and of course I loved seeing Karen Allen reprise her role as Marion Ravenwood. Some of the plot is a little wacky, but then again, we are talking about Indiana Jones. So, if you go see the movie, kick back and enjoy the ride. Three and a half stars.
Has It Really Been A Month?
I know I have been gone for a while, but here are some grumblings from the past month.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
My Simpsonization
Here is what I would look like in Springfield