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Granfather Talked of Trees by Lynne R. Dorfman

3/1/2016

16 Comments

 
My grandfather talked of trees, of Poland….
a country the size of New Mexico with no natural boundaries except the Carpathian Mountains in the south and the Oder and Neisse rivers in the west.
My grandfather spoke to me of coal mines in Freeland, Pennsylvania…
Coal mines where lives were lost – his own father’s life locked up in a deep, dark tunnel- and how he worked in a store selling mining supplies.
My grandfather talked to me of wars…
Too young for World War I, too old for World War II, he worked at Bethlehem Steel…
That once was America’s second-largest steel producer and largest ship builder.
My grandfather talked of dogs – how to train them to sit, stay, come.
How to love your dog without spoiling him (but we spoiled every one of them – Lady, Pixie, Sweepey, Sheba, and Abbey Road).
My grandfather talked of fairs and amusement parks – the big Ferris wheel, the rollercoasters, the up-and-down merry-go-rounds with their beautiful horses. We rode on them at Dorney Park each summer, just my grandfather and me.
My grandfather talked of polkas…
I stood on his stocking feet as we danced around the livingroom to music playing on a 45 record until we were both dizzy and breathless!
My grandfather talked of lakes – of diving off the big boulders at Lake Wallenpaupack, of catching fish with his bare hands, of boating on the cool lake waters. My favorite place to visit when I was five.
My grandfather talked of swimming like a fish – he loved the water, but I was afraid….
At Sailor’s Lake, we joined hands, took a big gulp of air, and went under to spring up like playful dolphins.  And suddenly, I was not afraid!
My grandfather talked of farms, of planting corn and tomatoes, of strong-withered beasts galloping and rearing in green pastures. We traveled throughout the Lehigh Valley just so we could stand on fence rails to watch them.
My grandfather talked of love – for my grandma, for my mom, for me. He talked with his sparkling green eyes, his strong hands, his big heart. He filled me with confidence, with the safe assurance of knowing that I was loved.

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16 Comments
Carol Varsalona link
3/1/2016 04:43:24 am

Lynn, it is so exciting to start a writing journey with Twitter friends. Your piece on your grandfather is endearing. Memories fuel us for life and allow our remembrances to be stronger. I enjoyed your looking back poem.

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Lynne Dorfman link
3/1/2016 05:07:16 am

Thanks, Carol. I am so excited to join this writing community!

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Rose Cappelli
3/1/2016 05:01:55 am

The memories of your grandfather are all encapsulated in the scaffold. So great that you continue to think of him in such special ways!

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Lynne Dorfman link
3/1/2016 05:09:28 am

I loved the "Imagine..." scaffold that you used as well. My grandfather continues to be a huge writing territory for me!

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Dana Kramaroff link
3/1/2016 05:07:59 am

This piece about your grandfather is filled with beautiful language and memories, Lynne! Thank you for sharing it! So happy to be on this writing journey with you! I will be at the Continuity day on Saturday...my first one since 2004 when I became a fellow. Maybe you will be there too? :)

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Lynne Dorfman link
3/1/2016 05:11:35 am

Thanks so much, Dana. I am happy to be here with all of you. YES! Continuity on Saturday morning at the PAWLP office. I am bringing some children's books to share as well.

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Jackie
3/1/2016 05:29:30 am

Lynne, I see so many stories in this one post! I love how your grandfather helped you to not fear swimming or jumping into deep waters. He sounds like he has been quite a positive influence. Looking forward to reading more about him. Jackie http://familytrove.blogspot.com/

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Aileen Hower link
3/1/2016 05:58:24 am

This is stunningly beautiful, Lynne. I'm glad he was able to talk about so much with you, especially about love. For some older gentlemen, that is not easy. What a gift!

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Adrienne link
3/1/2016 06:29:36 am

I never knew either of my grandfathers.Both died before I was born. I am always a little jealous of people who knew there's You have written a lovely tribute to a beautiful man.

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Donna Smith link
3/1/2016 07:56:59 am

Welcome to the SOLC! I loved your post today - a reflection on what your grandfather brought to your life. It was so special and will be a nice piece for future family members, who may never have had the privilege to hold his hand, to come to know a bit about a special person in their ancestry!

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elsie
3/1/2016 11:12:12 am

Lynne, I am so happy to see you here! What a beautiful piece about your grandfather. So many special moments in your memory. Welcome to slicing!

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Stacey Shubitz link
3/1/2016 11:24:03 am

WELCOME TO SLICING, LYNNE!
What a beautiful tribute to your grandfather. I loved the repetition of "my grandfather talked of..." What a beautiful way to tie your writing together.

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Tara link
3/1/2016 11:50:02 am

This was just beautiful - it had a ring of Cynthia Rylant's memoir picture book. I'm looking forward to reading your slices, Lynne.

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arjeha link
3/1/2016 12:48:16 pm

Lynne, so glad that you are joining the challenge. What great memories of your grandfather. Dare I say that I would play polkas on my accordion while my mom made dinner?

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Clare link
3/1/2016 03:53:10 pm

Lynne, so happy you are slicing this month. It is my first time with the month long challenge too. I love being a part of the weekly community. Your piece on your grandfather is beautiful! It had such a calming, predictable rhythm which emphasized the assurance and peace he gave you.
Clare

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Shelly
3/1/2016 05:37:36 pm

So many amazing memories of your grandfather! Thank you for sharing!

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    Lynne loves to write in the early morning hours, especially in warm weather when she can sit outside on the patio.  After a walk with her three Welsh Corgis, her mind is cleared and her spirit is inspired by the choir of birds in nearby bushes and trrees. 

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