"Life Lessons..."

As I've mentioned, I was fortunate to know both sets of my grandparents and their brothers and sisters (my aunts and uncles), and to have parents who devoted their lives to their children.  All related their life histories, life experiences and advice.  Some of these follow...

My paternal grandfather, international vice president of GE, who had South and Central America as his "territory", complied his in an autobiography, and left copies for all of us.  He played golf, and his fiddle, and had his cocktail  hour scotch on the rocks, nearly daily...

My paternal grandmother greeted us with "spit kisses", gathered us around the piano to sing, and in front of one of the first TVs to watch "Lawrence Welk", and prepared her pot roasts and creamed chicken on white toast...

My maternal grandfather, a surgeon and president of the New Jersey Medical Association, had graduated early from college and always took financial care of all extents of his family; and he started his practice during the 1930 Depression.  He taught us how to save and how to work for a living, and for all chores that needed to be done...

My maternal grandmother had a father who was the best friend and right hand man of Eastman Kodak.  She was truly a renaissance woman...she raised her family, was an educated nurse, was an accomplished oils, charcoal, and water color, and sculpting artist, was the president of the Woman's Auxiliary to the New Jersey Medical Association, an incredible cook, and a traveler.  In her latter years she told me "never lose your spirit of the child within you".

Dad tried everything and maintained his positive attitude thru 30+ years of a progressive disease.  "Never write down what you don't want to retract." "When you are mad at someone or something, sleep on it, before lashing out." "Even if you don't know an answer, answer anyway with an aire that you are correct."  "Ultimately cheaters never prosper!"

Mom lived "The family always comes first!  Watch out if anyone doesn't treat her children as they deserve to be treated.  Never let anyone know family issues.  Strive for excellence!  Immediately show your appreciation for someones' good acts..."

I am a product of all of them...