My Mom and Dad

The year was 1943.
He would wave to her, and she would smile. He then asked her if he could walk her to the city bus stop; she said "yes". He would give her Father a gallon of homemade wine should he see the elder gentleman sweeping the sidewalk outside the house. She liked the way he made her laugh, and he thought she was pretty. They both wore hats,for those were the days when men wore fedoras, and women had an abundance of choices. Women always wore skirts and dresses, and everyone in general looked dapper.

Thus, began a courtship between Anne and Ross for approximately one year. He then proposed, and they were married on June 24, 1945. One Saturday night they won a dance contest, and the prize was a standing art deco lamp that now resides in our living room. Everytime I look at that lamp, I wish I could have seen them dance their socks off. That would have been priceless.

They bought a house, moved to the suburbs, and produced four children. My Mother became a homemaker, because for the majority of women, that is what you did. She loved it, and took pride in it. They both taught us table manners, and manners in general. All holidays were celebrated: Valentine's Day through New Year's Day. They showed us how to live an honest life by example. That seemed to be a very high priority for them.

My Mother wasn't a famous movie star, my Father didn't invent the telephone. They were two average Italian Americans, who fell in love and wanted to be together for the rest of their lives. I use to hear the pride in my Fathers' voice when someone would ask him questions about their children. And my Mother, well, if she could have sung out her joy from the top of a mountain, she would have. Instead, she made her happiness apparent everyday, and still does.

It is important for me to know these facts about my parents. They were not always my parents. They were young, single and went to jitterbug dances. Their concerts consisted of the big band era. However, when the stories get told from generation to generation, a legacy begins. It can be told verbally, through letters, other relatives or close friends. The medium isn't as important as the message that is conveyed.

So, this is the legacy of my parents, and it all started out with a smile and a wave.