re: I really wish I had listened more to the stories the old folks told, Let’s share some

One of my best friend's Dad was in Auschwitz. Lost his parents. His sister was there, but she later died. He was able to make it over to the US after war and went on to be a successful business man and later philanthropist.

Wasn't really a story per se, but it was often his look or non-response to certain comments or questions. You'd look at the tattoo on his arm and just wonder what he'd been through. Never told us.

Was actually able to visit Auschwitz last December. Something everyone should do if they're ever able. Put it on the Travel Board. Here are some photos if interested. LINK

I guess what I learned from being around him many years ago is to never forget.

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To be honest, I hate me sometimes.

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It’s pathetic to be honest. This place has taken from me more than I’d like to consider. And It’s all by my own hand. I’m a failure of my own making and have only myself to blame.

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Damn, baw. You're one of those dudes that gets all depressed and full of doom when you break out the liquor, huh?

70s were better to be a kid than in the 90s.

I had an old man neighbor best friend like that. WWII Navy vet though I really didn’t k ow that until after he died because he didn’t talk about it. I followed that man around every day from when I was 3 until about 10. Called him Grandpa. He taught me how to garden, use tools,
Watch the sky for the weather, make anything and everything imaginable. He was my best friend. And the first death of someone I loved when I was 12. I was lucky to grow up next door to him.

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My grand dad had this very long poem? he would recite. It lasted at least 8-10 minutes. He died before I was mature enough to know I needed to write or record it. None of my cousins remember what it was about or even if it was a poem or whatever. I regret not having smarter cousins. Dang it i

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Do you remember anything from it?


Was it funny? Poignant?


Was it the Signifying Monkey?

Was it a limerick with the word “Nantucket” in it?

Our generations are spread out. My grandpa was born in 1887 or 1888. I lived with him when he was in his late 70s, early 80s.

Lots of stories from him...

-He traveled by covered wagon with his family when they moved from Arkansas to homestead our family farm near Wilmore Kansas. (The Comanche had just been removed from the area)

-He used to hang with a son of Frank Rockefeller who had an enormous ranch near Belvidere Kansas. Said the boy had a 16 cylinder car...maybe a Packard.

-Flew a biplane in France in WW1. Dropped little bombs that he had in his lap.

-Worked in salt mines in deplorable conditions.

I would guess poignant. I don’t remember any laughing and he would tear up. No one remembers anything of it besides the fact he did it

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Fort Polk? My grandparents had their land taken also.

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Hey JD. It was North a little, but basically, yeah.