Category Archives: Dad

Growing up in Rockaway, NJ and his life experiences which were shaped by historical events (even if we didn’t believe all of the stories!)

Looking Back on “Dad Called it Decoration Day.”

Posted on May 25, 2020 by kjw616

During various news reports this weekend, I heard several newscasters discussing the history of what is now called Memorial Day but was initially referred to as Decoration Day. Well, that was not news to me, since I discussed this same … Continue reading →

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Grandpa Got Caught

Posted on July 18, 2019 by kjw616

What’s a man to do when he has six children ranging in age from four to eleven, he has a mortgage to pay, his wife does not speak the language of the country where he is living, and he is … Continue reading →

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100 Years Ago Today

Posted on April 10, 2019 by kjw616

One hundred years ago today, my father was born in the town of Rockaway, New Jersey–the fifth child of Russian immigrants. While I would never claim that “my dad was better than your dad,” I will assert that my father’s … Continue reading →

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Dad Called it Decoration Day

Posted on May 30, 2017 by kjw616

Since yesterday was Memorial Day, we saw scenes from several services around the country commemorating our fallen soldiers. This set off a conversation with my husband. I asked him if he had ever heard of the day being referred to … Continue reading →

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What Would Dad Think?

Posted on April 24, 2017 by kjw616

My dad never discussed politics with us, at least that is what my now senior mind recalls. We did not sit around the dinner table and have animated discussions about the upcoming elections and he did not voice many opinions … Continue reading →

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Da, Nyet, and Spasibo

Posted on March 30, 2017 by kjw616

I did a lot of research prior to my trip to Paris several years ago, and the overwhelming theme was that the French would treat you a lot better if you made an attempt to speak their language. Having spent … Continue reading →

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Is There an FBI File Somewhere

Posted on December 5, 2016 by kjw616

I have decide it’s time to resurrect my attempts to find an FBI file on my father because I am convinced one must exist somewhere. Here’s my reasoning: He was an American living in the Soviet Union—a Communist country– who … Continue reading →

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Big Brother Was and Is Watching

Posted on November 21, 2016 by kjw616

There is much uncertainty in this country regarding what changes will take effect under the new administration. How much is rumor and how many of the ever-changing pre-election campaign promises will happen is yet to be seen. Concerns run the … Continue reading →

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Another Veteran’s Day

Posted on November 10, 2016 by kjw616

Today is Veteran’s Day, and every year on this day, I think of my dad—a very proud veteran of the Second World War. Going to war is never easy, but in his case, he served knowing that the rest of … Continue reading →

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Depression-Era Ingenuity

Posted on November 7, 2016 by kjw616

Anyone whose parents or grandparents grew up during the Great Depression knows that living during that time taught them to be thrifty and innovative. They repaired rather than throw away and buy new. If they had a car, they learned … Continue reading →

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