About 1948, Mom and Dad met at a Knights of Columbus dance in Worcester. Later that night at a sorority party off of Pleasant Street at Audette O'Shane's lovely brick home, they had a chance to talk more. At the end of the night, Dad said, "I've got one" meaning he'd found the love of his life. Not long after, Dad graduated from North High School and Mom graduated from St. Peter's High. Mom went on to work at the Worcester Court House and Dad joined the Coast Guard. They continued their relationship which started that night during my Dad's Coast Guard years. Amongst their good times were visits Mom made to see Dad when he was stationed on Staten Island and Nantucket. Later, the two married at St. Joseph's Church in Auburn, MA with a reception at the Leicester Country Club.
Both Mom and Dad come from large families. Dad is one of five siblings and Mom is one of six. Both of their dad's worked for the Worcester Post Office which was a very good job during The Depression because it meant that their families had steady incomes during a tough time in the United States. Most of Mom and Dad's grandparents were immigrants from Ireland and Poland who found their way to Worcester, MA and worked as domestics, laborers, sculptors, and saloon owners. Their moms both worked at times too. Dad's Mom worked at a corset shop and Dennison Company while Mom's mom worked at her Uncle Dan Donoghue's store on Vernon Hill and one of Worcester's most popular department stores, Denholm's. Family life took center stage for Mom and Dad's lives. As children, they both attended public elementary schools and had good times with their neighbors and siblings. Dad especially loved swimming and playing hockey at Lake Quinsigamond.
Mom and Dad's parents' became home owners. Mom grew up in a single-family home while Dad grew up in a three-decker. During their young lives, some of their grandparents lived with them. Both Dad's grandmothers lived with his family at one time or another while Mom's grandfather, the beloved Papa Dan, lived with them for a short while. After the Coast Guard, Dad continued working for his Uncle Joe at his electrical supply store, A.C. Bowler Co. Dad started working there at 14 after a stint of picking vegetables at a local farm and continued working there until he was 72. Mom and Dad married in 1952 and were eager to have a family. They waited and waited, but no babies came. Meanwhile their siblings had many children. It was a challenging time for Mom and Dad. Finally, they decided to adopt. They were ready to receive the baby when Mom became pregnant at last with me They let another couple adopt the baby, and then had me and five more children--one every two years.
When first married, Mom and Dad lived in Dad's family's three decker. Later they bought a green cape in northern Worcester. Throughout their lives, they lived a fairly predictable schedule including Dad's daily work from 7-5 and a delicious home cooked dinner at 5:30. Dad worked on Saturdays for a long time and Sundays were reserved for church and family day trips to parks, museums, beaches, historic sites and more. As children, Mom and Dad introduced us to almost every sport possible including biking, hiking, swimming, skating, skiing, snowshoeing, water skiing, body surfing, boating, sledding, hockey and kite flying. We had many, many good times.
While Mom and Dad never went to college, they always wanted us to get a college education. Turns out that all six of us went to college and many went to graduate school too. They were always there to help and guide us, and they were heavily involved in all kinds of community endeavors including political campaigns, catechism, church groups, YMCA activities and lots of family and friend celebrations and get-togethers. Often throughout my life, our small cape would be filled with 50 or more relatives--the men mostly congregated in the kitchen, women in the living room, and children in every nook and cranny throughout the house. The dining room table was always filled with a buffet of delicious foods. There was a lot of joyful laughter, storytelling and cheer at those regular celebrations.
As we grew older and embarked on our own lives, Mom and Dad adventured more. Dad still loves to tell the stories of their bear sightings at Glacier National Park, searching for Moose in New Hampshire and Vermont, horseback riding out west, golf in Palm Springs, and fancy weddings of relatives in New York City, Los Angeles and country clubs throughout the Northeast. Mom and Dad have always loved people. When they had the special opportunity to golf at Palm Springs, they ended up befriending two of the Mexican-born staff who happened to golf with them that day. At the evening dinner, the men they met were so enamored with Mom and Dad's spirit and friendship that they treated Mom and Dad to an extra-special dinner at the resort. Dad loves to tell that story and many more related to their wonderful adventures and the people they've met near and far.
Now Mom and Dad still live in their own home--a house they've lived in for 57 years. While it would have been great to have a big party like we did for their 50th Wedding Anniversary, they prefer quieter times now. Many of our relatives have sent them cards and one special niece delivered a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Mom's favorite moments of the day now are snuggling with Dad on the couch while Dad enjoys visits from family members, storytelling, good foods, time in beautiful, natural settings, and the snuggling too.
Their long, steady marriage has always been a great example for me of commitment, love, and care. I've watched them weather the tough times such as the death of my brother, the loss of their parents and siblings, and challenges related to their health and the health and wellness of loved ones. They have guided and supported me in countless ways throughout my life--ways that have helped me to be a stronger, happier person as well as a person who enjoys a good marriage and many wonderful adventures and relationships.
So at 70 years, in many ways, Mom and Dad bear witness to the strength of a good friendship, partnership, and marriage--witness that provides strength to those they know and love.
Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! We love you!