When I was about 10 years old Marcel joined the navy. It didn't make much difference in my day to day life, but, oh, the excitement when he came home on leave I don't know if Mama always knew when he was coming but it was usually a big surprise to me.
I remember times just before dinner when Marcel would come sauntering through the back gate. I don't know why I was so excited about that. It wasn't like he was going to spend his leave with me. One of the fascinating parts of his leaves was that they seemed to be measured by the hour. He would have a 36 hr. leave or a 72 hr. leave.
He took time during one of his leaves to teach Monica and Gabby how to do a handstand. (notice the pin curls in Monica's hair). During that handstand lesson Marcel also demonstrated his one-handed handstand. I was so impressed.
One day, dinner was ready and there was a big plate of Chocolate Drop Cookies in the middle of the table for desert. I seem to remember that it was Rita that did the baking of them, but knowing what I know now, I am doubting that memory. Anyways, Marcel came in the back door, spied the cookies and said "Oh, boy, hamburgers." We laughed.
The picture of Marcel in his sailor suit with Mama and Papa was taken in Canada in front of the Beauregard family farm house.
In 1949 we took a family trip to Canada. It was a big celebration. 50th Wedding anniversary of Papa's parents and 25th wedding anniversary of Mama and Papa. Marcel got leave to come with us. Pa had bought a Hudson (car) and evidently the seats were pretty wide because it fit all 8 of us. I remember Bernie and Gabby sitting in the front seat with Mama and Papa and we three girls were in the back, sitting on the edge of the seat or on the floor because Marcel was laying across the back seat sleeping.
I have some pictures and will do future posts about that trip.
3 comments:
That is very funny. This big brother says you can't sit on the seat because I am going to lay down and the girls do it.
Another great story! I knew my grandfather was in the Navy, but I had no idea he was so young; he was my age then! I couldn't even imagine doing something like that this young, but I guess it was a different time (and a president worth fighting for...oops, did I say that out loud?!)
Anyway, I'm really enjoying the pictures. I don't think I've ever seen pictures of my grand-relatives as children; only my parents and their siblings. Keep 'em coming!
Sean
I had forgotten the story of sleeping in the back seat while you girls sat on the edge. But I recall you all had small fannies and everything seemed to fit. I had traveled through the night to get to Detroit and needed the sleep to help Pappa drive. When I got to Detroit everyone was waiting to leave, we left within 15 minutes of my arrival.
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