This column, written by a different Naperville resident every month, is dedicated to the wit, wisdom and practical advice that’s been passed down from their parents.
Growing up with seven siblings meant there was never a lack of someone around to play with. Of course, we must have had our disagreements, but it’s funny how I cannot recall those moments quite like I can the great times we had together.
Perhaps that played into my hope that my children would grow up around their grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. So began the cousin generation, which included cousins being classmates, sport team members, ballet dancers, swimmers and coaches, wedding attendants and babysitters. But what were probably my children’s favorite times were the cousin impromptu get togethers at their grandmas and grandpas’ houses.
Seventeen years ago, due to a day off of school, the “cousins group” had a play date at Grandma and Grandpa Peot’s house. Grandpa Peot, terminally ill at the time, was helped out of bed when he heard the children arrive. Always the comedian, he played pranks on his grandchildren, enjoyed their happiness of being together. I will remember that day always.
Trips to Cleveland to visit Grandma and Grandpa Corrigan’s house meant delicious apple pies, homemade spaghetti, lottery tickets, and hanging out in the clubhouse. And yes, more aunts, uncles, and cousins.
The other day my grandchildren, Liam and Sadie, came to play at our house. Uncle Kevin helped Liam along with his dad build the Playmobile zoo. Sadie and I started to set up Auntie Katie’s dollhouse. The big blue ball, though, distracted us and instead we played bounce Sadie on the ball for quite some time.
I am hoping my children and grandchildren will have an abundance of wonderful family memories.
Thank you, Mom, Dad, Sue, Gina, Bob, Teri, Ann, Jane, Carol, Jeannette, Charles, Connie, Patty, Bridget, Thomas, Francis, Mary, Jenny, Katie—and, of course, Chuck/Charlie.
