Writing from his mother’s perspective, Jim Dette pays tribute to the memory of his grandfather Jim Burke. My son has been after me to write down some of the remembrances of my father I’ve shared with him over the years. Before it’s too late, I’m sure he’s thinking. He keeps referring to an old, faded photograph of a group of refinery workers. It’s one of the few I have of my … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: Sea Voyages With Father
Family Photo Album: Sea Voyages With Father
by Leave a Comment
Family Photo Album: The Boys of Summer
For years my father, Roger Millea, a retired urologist, has refused to use a computer. So for his 83rd birthday, I flew to Rapid City, South Dakota, presented him with an iPad, and tutored him against his will in the ways of email and the internet; encouraging him to connect to the modern world and more specifically to me in New York City. In the two years since, I’ve yet to … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: The Boys of Summer
Family Photo Album: Neither a Nun Nor Married
Aunt Peggy Last year my mother began to hang old photographs and framed documents on what she calls the “family wall” in her living room. No need for a coat of arms or Céad Míle Fáilte sign when we have the family wall. There’s my Donegal-born paternal grandfather’s naturalization certificate from 1935, which states “British” as his former nationality. There’s my mother’s … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: Neither a Nun Nor Married
Family Photo Album: The Autobiography of Patrick Cashin
Patrick Cashin recorded his autobiography on March 8, 1971, his 60th birthday. In 13 minutes and 20 seconds of cassette tape, he tells his life story with pride and a humble directness. “March 8th, 1971,” he begins. “The Autobiography of Patrick Cashin. To my wife, Ellen, my daughter Theresa, and my sons, Patrick, Thomas, Michael and James.” He goes from his birth on a farm … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: The Autobiography of Patrick Cashin
Family Photo Album: Mary’s Gift
This is a photo of my maternal grandmother Mary Clifford, or Nom as she was always known to me. She was born in the rural picturesque parish of Cartron, Kilmore, Co Roscommon in 1913. Kilmore is a tiny townland tucked away between Dromod and Carrick-on-Shannon, Co. Leitrim. At the young age of 16, Mary left Ireland behind and set out for a new life in America. As with all the … [Read more...] about Family Photo Album: Mary’s Gift