Thursday, January 26, 2012
I was a fortunate kid to have grown up on First St. in the '60's and '70's. Bill and Rosie lived next us in the terrace and are a treasured part of my childhood memories. As if it were yesterday, I can see Bill walking down River St. with his dome-shaped lunch pail, to his shift at the steel company. The sound of the pounding steel still lingers. On a number of occasions I was outside playing when he returned from his shift. After looking both ways, (in case dad was watching) I ran across the street and half way to the co-op to meet Bill. He would greet me with a smile, grasp my scrawny hand and say "hello sweetheart" as we walked, or for me ran the full half a block home. Bill walked very fast, especially for me, a tiny little 7 year old. Many summer nights Mom, Dad, Bill and Rosie settled in the backyard to relax at the end of the day. Bathed and with my hair in rags for church in the morning, I would curl up on Bill's lap and listen to the chatter and laughter of the adults. I believed, if I was still and very quiet I would somehow get passed over when it came time to gather the troops for bed. I think it may have worked once or twice. Simple memories but cherished ones. Thank you Bill and God bless. You are missed. Love Marjie
