Nancy
REFLECTIONS FROM #1 - NANCY
God bless Mom & Dad, Nancy, Mike, Patty, Tom, Jack, Teresa, Paul, Dave, Pete & Bob, Grandpa John, Hannah, Bernie and Leo. Wow, and as our knees were on the floor and we all said this prayer in unison, we never needed to take a breath as we recited the most important people in our lives each night before we went to bed. So the real question is why didn't we say Grandma Hannah, Grandma Bernie and Grandpa Leo? And why did Bernie's name come before Leo's? How could we ever not include Grandma Teresa? I'm sure we all have different answers to this age-old concern, but that's proof of the diversity in our family.
So what's my next step as I, sometimes referred to as the "oldest ", but more importantly the "first", reflect back on growing up as a Ringwood? I'd like to share with you some stories you may have already heard a million times along with some new ones and some observations I have made along the way.
The Year Marilyn Monroe Died
August 5, 1962 marked a day that as I look back taught me a powerful lesson. I was nine years old, probably 5 foot tall and had a figure of 19 inches/14 inches/19 inches (much like Marilyn's don't you think?). My goal in life was to play Little League baseball, convince Mom that she should play Barbie dolls with me and swim, swim and then swim some more. We were vacationing on Owasco Lake at a rented camp (was it Donovan's, Gider's camp, I'm unsure). What I do remember is that I was on my own. Remember, I was all of nine years old and very self-confident. I obviously, must have convinced Mom and Dad of the same. I was sitting by myself in a room overlooking the lake at the end of the building listening to the radio. I often wonder whatever happened to people listening to the radio. I believe it is a lost simple pleasure. What do we do now; watch TV since we have one in various rooms in our homes, listen to our CDs in our cars. (Remember our STEREO, now that's another story, another book.) Ok Nancy, back to your radio story. So the radio is on and I'm sure I was daydreaming and scheming a plan to beat Mike as we raced to the raft. (Hey, a quick side story. Did you know that Patty and I once swam out to the raft and "hung out” for a while? Somehow she convinced me to swim back, get the boat, paddle out and pick her up. Something about a dry pretty pink bathing suit that she didn’t want to get wet. This was one of my very weak moments. She either had a big secret on me or she paid me very well.) So back to 8/5/62. The news came over the radio that Marilyn Monroe was dead. I registered the facts and went on my merry way. I did not know who Marilyn Monroe was, but did get the feeling that she must have been someone special. Taking out the trash was my job that day, but I took it a step further. Since Mom and Dad were gone I decided to burn it outside. (As you all know I am fascinated by fire. Evidence of this fascination was the burned pom pom, bedpost and then spilled paint on my bedroom floor on 124 Owasco St.) So I lit the match and attempted to ignite the paper trash. It is important to note that, yes I was outside and the paper tash was in an appropriate container. However, I was careless. Some people have hidden talents and I displayed one that day. Instead of the trash igniting I managed to burn a hole in my only bathing suit, right smack in the middle, not easily hidden. How am I ever going to hide this from Mom & Dad? So as you browse thru the photos of summer 1962 you will see me in each and every picture with my arm
in front of my 14 inch waist hiding the burn mark. When Mom and Dad did come back I told them that Marilyn Monroe was dead. To say they were shocked is an understatement. Dad did not believe me so we sat and listened to the radio together. When the news broke again I was pretty proud of myself that I was right. However, Mom and Dad were stunned. As I looked down on the burn mark in my bathing suit I knew that this movie star had preoccupied my parents’ attention and they never did see the damage done to that ugly blue bathing suit. Where were speedos when I really needed them? Dad told me about Marilyn and I was fascinated with her. She seemed to have left a very strong impression with my parents. So as I grew up I have always been fascinated with Marilyn stories. Most Marilyn Monroe stories stir up different images to people. However, to me, she always reminds me of simple warm lazy summer days on Owasco Lake when I was careless, but thank God alive.
Dad & Mom
Where do you begin to tell the story of the first and most important people in your life? This is the story of a man and woman who were everything to me. As a very little girl I was so proud of my Dad and Mom. He loved my Mother passionately, played baseball, smoked cigars, and won enough money while playing poker to buy all of us hula hoops. Does it get any better than that? I have often thought how much Dad would have enjoyed 2004. ESPN, remote control, picture in a picture, recording programs for future viewing, 2004 Red Socks champs, and Arnie's Army still intact. Not to mention all of us and Andrew "smoking" the basketball court, Bob's first child, Caitlin working in a chic store at Armory Square , Hannah and Hunter in their Steelers outfits, Ben and Tommy doing so well in college, the diversity of Ned and David playing both musical instruments,
chess and baseball, beautiful Emma with her kissable lips, Paulie hitting a home run during a Babe Ruth championship game and Kelly a factory working mother of two. We are truly blessed. How many Dads use Ivory soap to wash their hair and is Vitalis still on the market? Mom did it all. Her early years were preoccupied with diapers, washing dishes and talking on the phone. She will tell you they were the best years of her life. Mom, what wonderful lessons you gave to us. The best example is how you and Dad looked at each other as you walked up to bed each evening with a big mug of coffee and the air conditioner going hum hum ……….
The Girls
The girls did the inside work and the boys did the outside work. I object, this is not fair! First of all we are talking three to seven and the inside work was 24/7 and the outside work offered lots of opportunities to play. Perhaps, this is why for many years I wanted to be one of the boys. The good news is that gender is not important, just how you use what you have. Patty and Teresa, my best friends. Three women could not be more different and so very close all at the same time. This bond we have, is a force unlike many others. We support each other, laugh with each other and enjoy all aspects of our personalities. I would like to keep many of our stories private, However, did you know that at one" Sister's weekend" somehow our bathing suits jumped off our bodies as we were in the hot tub. Look out Marilyn Monroe!
The Bovs
There is power in numbers and you guys have it. Your own baseball and basketball team all rolled up into one. I will tell you, as I show family photos the first remark I hear is how handsome you all are. Many times I find at parties I attend that all seven of you should be there. You are such good company and people are attracted to you. You have a very unique bond that can be experienced with your emails to each other. So I want to know, "who put you guys in charge?" It is very interesting to hear you point out each other’s shortcomings. You have a gift.
Did You Know?
Do you remember how great it was when the Rich Plan truck pulled into the driveway at 58 Steel St? Imagine a family our size having lobster for supper.
Did you know I could have had a gambling problem? I remember the St Alphonsus Bazaar in 1965. I liked to bet on the numbers. Well I ran out of money, and asked to borrow a dollar from Becky R. I put her dollar down on the board and I lost. I looked at Becky and said "sorry." I do remember Mike winning at a Mount Carmel bazaar. Then there was Turning Stone, Sister's Weekend, as Mom, Patty and Teresa were heading to the ladies room, I decided to play a few other tables. They caught me, but I did win.
Did you know that I was convinced in 1961 that I was the best ice skater in the entire world? I even taught at the Y-Field. That was until Mom and Dad took me to the “Ice Escapade”.
Did you know that one of the highlights of my 2004 summer was the day I played golf with Jack, David and Mike at AGCC? I do believe Mike and I won!
Did you know that in 1960 I tried to open the first charge account in the name of a minor at Doan’s Grocery Store? I had to have those Twinkies!
It’s time to wrap this up, but I do not know how. I want to leave you with a few thoughts. You have all touched me very deeply and I hope I paved the path for you growing up. Even as a little girl, this was very important to me. I did not want to “screw it up” for you. I always was very comfortable with the responsibility I was given. I never considered it a crutch. It also never troubled me when as a college student I would take Pete and Bob for ice and boy were they dirty, but I did get the car.
I do have one observation I need to make about our big brother Mike. As in the courtroom, which he commands, or on the golf course where he excels, we are all drawn to him for many different reasons. This is a unique gift, which he captures. I believe with all my heart, this gift was given directly to Mike when Dad passed on. So Michael, when we look at you we also see Dad. Thank you.
Comments to the Ringwoods
“Hey Nancy, I saw your brother.” MY REPLY: “Which one?”
“Let’s watch the Ringwood family get into that car.” MY REPLY: “No problem.”
“I’ve never had sliced ice cream before.” MY REPLY: “Is there another way to serve it?”
"What do you mean you have a SURPRISE before you go to bed?" MY REPLY: “SUGAR!”
So since I started this with a prayer I feel I should end it with the same. "Lord infuse young hearts with vocations." We may not have any priests or nuns in our family, but we are all truly blessed.
Nancy (2004)