Grandma's Been There

The 4th of July is all about celebrating independence. And for school kids, it's a wonderful coincidence that our country's Independence Day falls just as students celebrate the beginning of their temporary independence from classrooms, teachers and textbooks. What a way to kick off a summer vacation!

Live streams from big cities, little towns and even from the cabs of cross-country trains, twenty-four hours a day. I would have given anything to have these when I was growing up while I was stuck in a classroom daydreaming of seeing the world outside of Brooklyn. This week, after a brief visit to my fourth-grade geography class, we're off on a cross-country trip to San Francisco!

Trigger warning: This week's story contains descriptions of situations involving a child being denied halvah for reasons known only to the perpetrator who is now deceased and no longer available for comment. Listener discretion is advised.

My father could hold his own with the best stand-up comedians. Whether he was happy or angry, the gems just flowed from his lips. I loved repeating his words of wisdom, especially at school where my teachers definitely did not appreciate hearing them. For Father's Day, here is "My Father Said."

I wish this story was all there was to tell about my first grade experience because today's account doesn't include the subject matter that requires a trigger warning. We'll tackle that version in the future when I think you're old enough to hear it. For now, here's the "suitable for all audiences" version of my year in the first grade.

When old treats fade away, do they go to the same place we do when we pass away? I hope so, because there are so many wonderful foods I miss and I'd give anything to taste them again just one more time.

Today's episode is four separate short stories, portraits of childhood in Brooklyn during each of the seasons. Take a walk through the old neighborhood with me and experience it for yourself.

John D. Rockefeller III said, "The arts are not for the privileged few, but for the many. They should function not merely as another form of entertainment, but rather should contribute significantly to our well-being and happiness." I say, "You were born with talent."

Since tomorrow is Mother's Day, this week's episode is a tribute to a very special class of mothers. Today, we'll sing the praises of mid-twentieth-century Brooklyn mothers.

Did you ever drive anybody to the 'G' Building while you were waiting for your ship to come in? You don't understand the question? Stick around for this episode. I'll teach you to "Speak My Language."