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Cards our Grandparents Saved Article Published 07 August, 2007 By Matthew Cook BComm FCUIC mattcook@seaside.ns.ca
The cards reveal a great deal about my father and his family. He joined the Royal Canadian Air Force in February, 1960, and served until 1964. At seventeen years of age, away from home for the first time, it is evident that he missed his family a great deal. Some cards are very simply signed, such as several Mother's Day and Father's Day cards which are signed, "Love Cliff," or "Your Son Cliff xo." A personal touch is added to some, such as one that says, "Happy Father's Day, Dad," in my father's unmistakable handwriting, and another that adds the word "Dad" after the pre-printed "Happy Father's Day." Most are not dated, but the approximate year they were sent can be determined. One Mother's Day card is dated May, 1963. Another card, from both my parents to my grandmother is dated 1972, before my oldest sibling was born. What I find remarkable is that a young man - a teenager even - thought to send cards to his parents at special occasions throughout the year. This young person, living on his own, had no one to remind him to send a card to his family. It is a statement about the bond of family and the methods of communication. In today's age of unlimited long distance calling and electronic mail access, sending a card in the post requires more effort. For that reason, coming across these cards, knowing that Dad took the time to prepare them, seems all the more exciting. At the time, however, corresponding by post was practically the only method of communication. The cards were obviously carefully chosen, the verses tenderly communicating the love and admiration my father felt for his parents, such as these verses from a Father's Day card:
Heartfelt thanks for all you've done." "You've always been so wonderful So grand in every way - That I think far more of you, Dad, Than any words can say - I wish you far more happiness Than this one card can tell - And I hope today and always, Dad, Life will treat you well." It is strange to see so many cards signed by Dad. Whenever anyone gets cards from my parents now, they are signed in my mother's handwriting. Most moving are the words written in my father's hand. They speak of his financial situation in the early 1960's, too poor to buy a present for his parents. Although he sent home half of the $90 a month he earned in the air force, there is an unmistakable tone of regret that he could not send more: "Hi Dad. Sorry all I have to send is this card. I'll get you a case of good cold beer in July." In a 26th anniversary card: "Dear Mom & Dad, Another year without a gift from me but someday I'll make it up." And make it up he did. I remember Dad being so proud when he spoke of withdrawing his military pension upon his discharge and surprising his mother by giving it all to her in cash. With not a hint of regret, on the contrary, with great satisfaction and pride, he recalls how he could have a better pension now had he let the investment grow. For him, being able to give such a gift to his parents is still worth the sacrifice. The cards speak of how much he missed his family. In several cards, he laments how he wishes he could be home:
"Hope to be home soon." "Hi everybody. Odd to put that on a Mother's Day card but every time I write home I think of everyone." The anniversary card ends: "So this card is small but there is a lot behind it." Obviously the cards meant the world to my grandparents. All these years later, the cards they saved are a heart warming reminder of struggle through adversity and the deep love of family and of home. It is truly amazing the wealth of information about a family that can be gained from cards our grandparents saved. © 2007 Matthew Cook BComm FCUIC About the author:
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