One of 18 - NOT Just a Number

In Episode Seven we introduced & honored our Sister

In Episode 6 we introduced you to Mary Kathleen (Kathy) # 6, Edward Dennis # 7 & William Joseph # 8. 

In Episode Five you were introduced to our brother, Brian # 5 - A LOVER NOT A FIGHTER. Welcome to Episode Six: "MY HAT IT HAS THREE CORNERS", where you will meet Mary Kathleen # 6, Edward Dennis # 7, and William Joseph # 8 - none of whom is just a number!

For a Gallery of Images related to this episode, go to https://www.oneof18notjustanumber.com/episode-six.

Credits: Sound Engineer - Chip Kipps | Original Music - Harold Crisman (Grandchild #38) | Produced by Christopher Thomas # 12 & Mary Cecelia # 14 | Executive Assistants - Christina Blanek, Kyle Callaghan (Great Grandchild # 26), and Colleen Wright (Grandchild #51) 

Mother would always say that our brother Brian Francis # 5 was conceived in Detroit but born in Oswego, New York. She was uncertain that a Detroit hospital would suffice and thought the baby best be born back in Oswego! Brian Francis #5 is born September 30th, 1943.

From the beginning Brian was a lover not a fighter. On October 16, 1994, our hearts broke as we said goodbye to Brian.

In this Episode we remember and honor Brian and you will hear Brian’s son, Brian Peter, read an impressive recall of his father’s experience growing up on the East side of Detroit.

For a Gallery of Images related to this episode, go to https://www.oneof18notjustanumber.com/episode-five.

AND THE BEAT GOES ON commences with the Spring of 1938 with our father pursuing his degrees at Syracuse University. You will be introduced to John Foster # 2, Paul Edward # 3 and James Patrick # 4 - none of whom are certainly NOT JUST A NUMBER. 

Then we take a journey from our parents’ hometown of Oswego, NY to the East side of Detroit, MI when our father is hired to be the Organist and Music Director at St. Bernard Catholic Church. Enjoy as you listen to John, Paul and James as they reminisce about their early days in Oswego, the BIG MOVE to Detroit, and their memories of the family homes on Lillibridge and Iroquois. 

For a Gallery of Images related to this episode, go to https://www.oneof18notjustanumber.com/episode-four.

The oldest of our Callaghan tribe was Margaret Virginia # 1.  Margaret was born in Oswego, New York on October 20, 1937.  She was a gorgeous baby with blue-blue eyes and blond curls. 

Both grandmothers’ names were Margaret so her given name was an obvious choice. The first # 1 grandchild on both sides, she was dearly loved. 

Sadly, on June 13, 2011. Margaret died - leaving us utterly heartbroken.  Margaret left us with two short stories that perfectly depict our grandparents and their hometown of Oswego. Her daughter Beth shares “Oswego Memories” which Margaret wrote not long before she died. “Oswego Memories” focuses on our paternal grandparents, Edward “Fishy” Callaghan and Margaret Hogan Callaghan.  Margaret’s daughter Mary Rose narrates “Lost and Found”, which focuses on our maternal grandparents, Paul Joseph O’Brien and Margaret Conway O’Brien. 

For a Gallery of Images related to this episode, go to https://www.oneof18notjustanumber.com/episode-three.

Welcome to "One of 18 - NOT Just a Number: Episode Two.  In our first episode we introduced you to our parents Mary O’Brien Callaghan and Jack Callaghan. 

In Episode Two we explore more about our parents' upbringing and their indoctrination to Catholicism, to Music and to each other. In addition, you will also be introduced to Margaret Virginia - #1: our beloved big sister who offered steadfast patience, love and guidance to each of us. 

For a Gallery of Images related to this episode, please go to https://www.oneof18notjustanumber.com/episode-two.

Welcome to "One of 18-NOT just a number." Who knew that when our parents were cast in High School as the romantic leads in H.M.S. Pinafore that they would fall in love, marry and... have 18 children.  Join us on this unique journey as we recall growing up with 17 brothers and sisters with our mother, Mary O'Brien Callaghan and Jack Callaghan at the helm. Our parents' tenacity and fervent faith continue to be an inspiration to us.  We hope that it will be an inspiration to you, too. 

For a Gallery of Images related to this episode, please go to https://www.oneof18notjustanumber.com/episode-one.

Credits: Sound Engineer - Chip Kipps | Original Music - Harold Crisman (Grandchild #38) | Produced by Christopher Thomas # 12 & Mary Cecelia # 14 | Executive Assistant - Christina Blanek, Kyle Callaghan (Great Grandchild # 26), and Colleen Wright (Grandchild #51)  

Welcome to "One of 18 - NOT just a number."