Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons

July 16, 2008

It came to mind this evening that I would like to tell you a story about Grandma Rose and Grandpa Sam.
In the story please see how much they loved me and their family and how much I loved them.

Grandma Rose

Grandma Rose was born in Russia in 1908. She was one year old when her parents Manya (Mary) and father Joseph brought her to the United States so she and her brothers and sisters could get a good education.

She married Grandpa Sam in 1931. December 25, 1931 on Christmas day. They loved each other very much.
I was born on February 24, 1933. Oh, how I loved my mother and how much she loved me. When I was young I felt she could make everything OK.

One day in New York City, where we lived, the apartment house across the street caught fire and burned to the ground. Fire trucks, with sirens, ladders and hoses sped down the street. It was too late.

I was three years old and so scared, I cried and cried. Grandma Rose put me in her lap and rocked me for at least an hour humming songs some of which you know. When I finally calmed She took me to the kitchen and baked batches of chocolate chip cookies. Then she gave them to me with a glass of milk. Whenever I get scared now I think about this and I calm down--after seventy two years. That is how strong love can be.

Grandpa Sam

Grandpa Sam was also born in Europe in Romania on November 24, 1904. He came to the United States for the same reason. His parents Rebecca and Israel wanted their children to have a special education.

I was born when Grandpa was thirty years old. He never had to tell me he loved me, I just knew it, He kissed me, took me on many adventures and always watched out for my safety.

Grandpa was very poor in those days. It was the Great Depression.
He insisted that the family go to the mountains for the Summer, mainly because of the diseases that killed children in those hot Summer days. (Polio) in the City.

He took the train to visit us every two or three weeks. Oh how I missed him. In those days the hundred mile train ride took four hours. He was so tired. I would go to the Station with a bottle of water and then holding hands we would walk to our little cabin. I cried after the weekend was over and he left to go back to work. Often when I feel lonely I think about Grandpa Sam and how much he did for us,

Being close to your family and loving them (even when you are angry) is the most important thing in the world. Please try and remember this

A Terdiman Westchester County

Poignant; very moving stories written by sons and daughters about the influence their fathers had on them.

I didn't read this book until after the death of Tim Russert. Like the one about his father, this book is just brilliant. It is so honestly portrayed by those who wrote about their fathers. I was very moved and will read the entire book again and again through the years.

amazing book. I recommend it to every one. I should buy his first book for Tim Russert and his father. Great buy.

As a father of 4 and grandfather of 10, I had to pause more times than I can count while reading Tim's wonderful book. Like other sentimental Irishmen, I had to take to reading those heartwarming letters from sons and daughters in solitude. It was my way of truly appreciating each of them. Tim's recurring theme song about a father's most precious gift to his child, "Time! Time! Time!", leads me to believe that my wife and I got at least one parenting thing "right." We cannot recall ever having missed a single event/activity/game in the lives of our 4 terrific kids. It was of primary importance to the whole family. Our 3 daughters and son are now reading Tim's book. We hope they agree. . . . and will do the same for their children. It's all that really matters. Thanks, Tim, for leaving us with this special reminder. God bless.