One of the things I was able to do during this interregnum was visit my parents, John (called Jack) and Agnes Jane ( called Jane), frequently. This was a real bonus for me. Living apart for so many years, I could only keep in touch by phone or mail, plus the occasional wintertime vacation visits to Florida. Beginning in '73, I wrote to them every week, with the latest family news, as sort of a "tie that binds," if you will.
Dad retired in 1956, in New Jersey. He and Mom bought a small house in Hollywood, Florida, in the neighborhood where mother's three sisters and spouses were living. I was so glad to see them make this move because it brought them close together again - a reminder of those early years in the century when, one by one, they left Ireland and settled on our east coast.
After about twenty-six years of living in Florida, with summertime visits to New Jersey, they decided to return north, permanently. My sister located an apartment close to her, which was a blessing. They were so happy to be near family and their extended family (I had 32 cousins) for family reunions.
This closeness allowed me to watch them carefully for signs of slowing down, which began about one year after their relocation.. How thankful I was to be on hand to make the right decisions that would insure their happiness with proper care.
More, later.
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