One of Anna’s comments did a terrific job of explaining how Mom and Dad met. I’ll let her tell the story:
The way Mom and Dad met was sweet. Dad was a Master Sergeant. The war was over and the troops were waiting to be shipped back to the States. Dad was in charge of entertainment. He had the jeep. He would go pick up the local orchestra and bring them to entertain the soldiers. Yes, Mom was one of the violinists. When he first saw her, he signaled to her to sit in the front seat of the jeep. Grandpa Raffe found out and took Mom's violin away and locked her in her room. Mind you, she was 33 at the time and was engaged to, I believe, Roberto (Angela's brother). Dad was distressed and finally got the courage to go confront Grandpa Raffe. He asked to marry Mom. Grandpa Raffe finally gave his permission, but he told Mom that if she did this and went to America, if things did not work out, she was never to return. In other words, he practically disowned her. Mom never went back home and never saw her family again.
In my mind, that belongs in a book. There is another part to all of this, but I will save it for the next post.
Wow, 33! And I'm feeling bad being a controlling Mom with my 18 almost 19 year old! I think I'll have him read this so he can see that I'm not so bad and that I get it from Grandpa Raffe - which makes it kind of his fault - right? (it will be a lot easier than trying to change the part of myself that wants to be in control of everything!)
Posted by: Bryan | 02/27/2009 at 05:05 PM
It is the double-whammy for you. Paw-Paw and Grandpa Raffe. And me. A triple-whammy, I guess. I finally realized, though, that the more we try to control, the more we find to control. Eventually, there is too much to control, and we lose it.
Posted by: Shaun Paddock | 02/27/2009 at 07:13 PM
By the way, everyone, I just realized that most of my comments appear with Shaun's name on them because this blog actually piggybacks on hers. I have to remember to sign out so I can comment as myself!
Posted by: Dad | 02/27/2009 at 07:17 PM
As a note, I have the original silk painting of that picture of Mom and Dad on their wedding day. Last year I had it taken out of the old frame and reframed. I was pleased to find that it was actually much larger and was trimmed with a very sweet lace all around the picture. It's like a silk scarf. I delicately ironed out the 50 year old creases as the framing place wouldn't do that. They were afraid it would fall apart or fade. Anyway, I picked out a beautiful backing and gold frame. It came out gorgeous. When you come to visit me (wink) you will get to see the original. It's hanging in the guest room along with 2 precious paintings of Mom's. Needless to say, I feel that room in our house is mine. As you come up the stairs and the door to that room is opened, you see that picture as the first thing. Can't wait to show it off to you, so come on over for a visit!
Posted by: Aunt Anna | 02/27/2009 at 09:29 PM
If you get tired of waiting for a visit, although I would sorely love to see you in TX, take a picture and send it to me; I'll post it.
Posted by: Dad | 02/28/2009 at 03:57 PM
From what I heard, you might be going to N.O. in June. While I won't bring my house with me, I won't have to hold my breath to see you. If you and the family go, I go. Meanwhile, I have taken a photo of the painting and will send it to you ;-D
Posted by: Aunt Anna | 03/01/2009 at 09:55 AM
I don't know how to comment on the photo album itself. It is WONDERFUL! Thank you so much for sharing that. I have never seen many of those photos. I was totally captivated by some of the photos. I really enjoyed that. Thanks again. If we all get together in June, I'll bring some photos for you to put on the site and then send back to me. I have bunches and it may be stuff you don't have. Let me know the plan. Hugs, Anna
Posted by: Aunt Anna | 03/01/2009 at 09:58 AM