family
Mom would never have described herself as a feminist. The local politics made that unlikely. She just didn’t see any reason why she couldn’t do the same job as the men at the railroad, so she went for it — and excelled. She was the first Wire Chief there, responsible for keeping the surprisingly huge and complex communications systems up and running, and therefore the trains rolling.
She was the first computing professional I knew of. When I was a little guy, I was thrilled when she told me that boys were also allowed to work on computers.
One of the greatest things she taught her kids was not to be afraid to say yes to good opportunities we didn’t feel qualified for. That worked out pretty well over the years. But more than that, she never let us forget that we were completely loved and accepted.
Love you too, Mom.
My mom passed away this morning. We knew this was coming. She’d been sick for a while. The last stages were mercifully brief and comfortable.
I’m looking at the old, unused clothesline and remembering hanging up clothes to dry when I was younger. That made me think of when my dad taught me how to make a springed, wooden clothespin into a little gun that could shoot self-striking matches across the room.
And then it occurred to me that people might get mad at you for teaching a young kid how to make burning match guns.
Dad was always great about sharing dangerous knowledge.
This is a copy-paste of a conversation I just had with my kid.
Kid: Can I get a ride home at like 10:15
Me: Yeah
Kid: Never mind im gonna be here late
Me: Oh, OK
Kid: Okay like can u do 10:17?
That’s still within the margin of error of when I was going to be there in the first place.
In case you wondered if kids ever get cheaper, this just happened:
Kid: Hey Dad, uh, can you pay my tuition?
Me: When’s it due?
Kid: sheepish grin, looks at wristwatch
Me: Use the open sriracha before you open a new bottle.
Kid: OK! opens the new bottle
Me: Why did you open that?
Kid: I couldn’t find the other one.
This is literally where I found the old bottle when I opened the refrigerator.
My kid wanted to watch Airplane! tonight. This is the best, goofiest movie ever. I could watch it 1,000 times.
All household children deny knowledge of the situation, but I am skeptical.
My wife took a vow to put up with me 25 years ago today. Since then, she’s been my ride-or-die best friend through our many grand adventures. We didn’t always know how they’d work out. We’ve always gotten through them together. I know there’s nothing too big for us to face side by side.
Here’s to the next 25, my love, and all the others after that.
So many memorials today. Dad, Laurie, too many friends. I love you all and miss you dearly.
Guest Post By Gabby There Here
Grandma and Grandpa got here yesterday!My camera is working again to!I took a picture of a mirror,and when I saw the picture I saw me and my camera flashing!Anyways,I am very exited!They’re staying 2 weeks!