My Mom is the oldest of 9 children and my Dad was the youngest of 11. I grew up with a sister who is 5 years younger than me. I can remember growing up and listening to my Aunts and Uncles tell stories about what it was like when they grew up. They had 100s of stories. Amazing stories that kept my ear for hours.
Dad was a pipefiter in the union in Detroit. Mom was a student at the University of Michigan and worked full time. My Great-grandma, Grandpa and Grandma lived in the same house with us out in the country. My dad, with the help of his brothers, built a beautiful house on a lake that we moved into when I was 1. My grandpa and grandma didn't have any retirement so they moved in with us. I spent a lot of time with them and learned quite a bit about life. Raising 11 children while working at a service station was pretty tough, but very rewarding.
Since my grandparents lived with us, and our house was on a lake, every summer most of my cousins would come out to visit. Family reunions were a riot! I looked forward to every party, holiday, wedding... you name it. One particular 4th of July, I snuck out of bed and had my head in the banister. I was listening to all of my aunts and uncles reminiscing about growing up in Centerline, Mi. My dad caught me and asked me why I wasn't in bed. I angrily replied, "Dad, I don't have any stories!" He didn't get it. I was upset that I lived in the country, had only one sibling and my best friend was my dog. Boring!
It was then that I started planning my future. I wanted to get married, live in a neighborhood, have a large family and not have material posesions rule my life. By material posesions I don't just mean "stuff" like cars, boats, toys and tools but also titles and degrees. Over the years I would add to the list of things that were important and I saw a pattern immerging. All of the things that I considered significant involved people and relationships. "It is not what you are doing, where your are doing it or even how you are doing it that matters. What really matters the most is WHO you are doing it with and WHY!"
...to be continued
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Mike,
I never knew your parents came from such large families. I really enjoyed growing up in a big family (I've got stories!) and I think you are right on with your opinion about the importance being not on what/where but who you are doing things with and why. I've always found you to be a very sociable guy, and I like that about you. Plus, I can see that your kids love you and that you are a great dad. Our kids all need a hero....why not let it be their dads! We miss you guys around here. Hopefully we can venture down you way sometime or see you when you visit.
Steve Ghezzi
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