Moving and emotional today~~~

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 8:58 pm

Lou and I went to Staten Island to visit with his cousin Louie&wife Ernisteen--

Being Staten Island was where we owned our first 2 family house --we had the downstairs and his cousin Dan and Noreen had second floor--we flipped a coin for that--
It was newly built---and there was one other house on the corner--which we naturally become friends with Lorraine--Paul and their kids-
Well today I asked Louie's cousin Louie if he would drive us to see the old homstead and he did--

As we approched Clausen St. and saw my 2family house my heart did a flip flop--and the tears were starting to weld up--

Well I knocked at the door and this lady peered out at me--opened the door and I said--*hello--my name is Barbara and we were the first owners of this house--and upstairs lived hubbys cousin--and *with tears* rolling down my face--I asked if I could come in to see the inside and she was so very kind--smiled and said *come on in* She told me they bought the house from the Kay family and thats the people who we sold the house to--waaaaaay back
I felt like I was *home* and all memories flowed back---I looked out the back door-of the kitchen--and said * we had a small pool for all the kids back there--
I asked if Paul and Lorraine still lived next door--*yes---but Lorraine passed away years back of sudden heart failure-

We then went and knocked at Pauls door---he looked and said *It cant be!!!* and we hugged and cried and talked about the kids--the times we had and when he came over to tell me that Debbie smacked his son Paulie with a stick!!! We laughed and cried--even more so when we talked about Lorraine---she had a heart condition which was never detected and one day landed in the ER---and passed away the following day--
We then spoke of Noreen's passing---and the loss of Dan's daughters--Dawn and Dena---

His kids are scattered to other states---but he said *I will be sure to tell them U guys came to see the old homestead--*

So today I went *home* again to --I guess to say--how I luved living for 5 years on Clausen St.

If U read this thank U~~~~~
I sleep with a peaceful heart

Barbara

hazel · Post by **hazel** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 9:03 pm

What nice people you've known through the years. It is fun to read about them. I found an old college friend on Facebook tonight and am so excited. Lost track 40 years ago!

Post by **tex** » Sun Jun 14, 2009 9:18 pm

Barbara,

You're an awesome writer. Reading your story, I couldn't even get halfway through, without shedding a few tears, and by the time I finished, I was smiling.

I reread it, and the same thing happened. You should be writing novels. They would be instant bestsellers.

You shouldn't be thanking us for reading - we should be thanking you for sharing, so thank you for sharing that heartwarming glimpse into your life.

Luve,
Galahad

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 4:43 am

Yes, it's a beautiful memory and a very moving story, Barbara.

Love, Shirley

jodibelle352 · Post by **jodibelle352** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:28 am

OMG! Barbara!

I'm going to do it! If you can do it then so can I! I have been wanting to stop, knock and have a 'look see' at the home I grew up in. It has been over 30 years since I've been inside it.

After reading what you and Lou did with your old home I'm going to take the time and go to the home I grew up in. I was just afraid that who ever lives there would think I was nuts doing it.

Thank You sooooooo much for sharing this with all of us. You've given me to boost I've needed for many years to go back 'home' just for a look inside.

Love and God Bless:
Jodi

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Mon Jun 15, 2009 7:44 am

Wonderful story, Sisbarb! When are you going to write that memoir? I'm serious, you know.

I guess lots of us are interested to relive fond memories as we get older. I joined Facebook a few months ago and as a result have been in contact with many of my old classmates from high school, most of whom I have not seen for decades. I found my best friend from junior high school in FL. She came to town this past weekend and we met for breakfast. Great fun reminiscing and catching up!

I have been amazed by all of the twists and turn our lives have taken. And I am finding out a lot about myself by listening to the stories of old friends - they often remember incidents that I have forgotten. One friend recalled how he and I always used to defend a vulnerable boy from the class bully in elementary school. I don't remember that, but find it interesting, because to this day I detest any form of bullying.

Thanks for sharing that poignant experience.

Love,

Polly