Laughing Through Life.

My Chicago Grandmother Kept the Spirit Up!

When I was born, family Really took care of its own. My Chicago Grandmother, Josie, had a restaurant on Division St, with 2 apartments above. My Aunt, Uncle, & cousin lived right above, while we lived over them. Her home was a 3 flat (3 apartments) just a couple blocks away on Wolcott. She had the first floor, with various family members taking turns in the apt behind hers, and in the larger apt. upstairs. Family were the best tenants back then.

I grew up with this strong Chicago ethnic family who loved to laugh. The image shows my dear grandmother Josie, along on a trip to Niles, Michigan to visit my Dad’s side of the family. My Grandparents, and extended family up in Niles, Mi., were wonderful, but a bit more reserved. I remember when this pic was taken. My Mom said they should get closer, and Josie squeezed in on my Grandfather much to his dismay.

The Chicago family did everything together. My Mom had 2 sisters and a brother, resulting in many cousins, Aunts, and Uncles to know and love. Every birthday, anniversary, Christmas, and Easter saw a full house gathering. The kids went off to play in the neighborhood, the parents went on to play Poker.

We’d go on vacations together in convoys! Each Uncle drove their own car and we’d go across the country, all staying at little motels along the way. The Journey was as much fun as the destination. Over the years, we’d been to Mexico City and Acapulco, California with Hollywood, Knottsberry Farm, Chinatown, and Pacific Ocean Park; we toured Philadelphia to Coney Island, and had taken numerous trips to Miami and Wisconsin Dells, making stops along the way at every site there was to see. Mammoth cave, Carlsbad Caverns, The Hopi Reservation ( I remember their Snake Dance!!!), Pikes Peak, everything was an adventure to be savored and shared. Most destinations were the Beach, every beach, any beach. Everything was fun back then. My Grandmother raised her kids to see the bright side of life, explore and enjoy the best life had to offer, and to look out for each other along the way. She was our beloved explorer for 99yrs, and a great example of how to live.