I also remember before that a big man was looking down on me before that death episode, while I was in my bed. Years later I came to the conclusion that it was my father looking on his first born son. I huddle up at the time. Much later he made a statement that the Todiscos in 7 generations has boys for their first born. If so, we are in the 9th.
Uncle Fred's first boy, Tootsie his first born a boy. Charlie's first born, a boy. Arthur 2 boys. Mario 3 boys, Arthur the first boy. [ed: OY, Dad! What is it with the obsession of primogeniture? I already detailed how this statement of the first son of the first son in Dad's family is not really true.]
My first sibling, Mario, was born 18 months after me. Then came Olga, Emma, and about 5 or 6 years later, Bobby. There could have been 4 more children, but my mother's insides were a mess and although she became pregnant in between she had 4 miscarriages. It didn't help her. It would be years before she would under go an operation to sew her insides.
With four siblings we had to double up. [ed: share bedrooms] My life at the early years was very good. My father took me with him whenever he went to visit his sister, or brothers, or other relations.
I even remember sitting in a theater in the North End. It was an opera and I don't know which. There was a lot of singing, an orchestra playing, and a shooting on stage.
He [ed: Dad's father] was very much into the operas. When radio began to come forward, he was at his favorite seat listening to the New York Opera Company. Saturdays and Sundays. He loved them. He would call attention to an aria that was to start and attempt to sing a few notes of it. He knew the music , unfortunately he couldn't sing a note. Yet he could tell what note he heard.
Another interesting read. When my daughter was born my husband's family said sneeringly, 'It doesn't matter that it's only a girl!' I hope times have changed a bit in this respect! Have a great day, hugs, Valerie
ReplyDeleteWhen The Young One was born and the secretary who recorded the births came in, she said Oh, you had another girl. As in too bad you didn't have a little boy.
Deletehappy new year to you and yours CJ !! I hope everyone is safe and sound; I know the east coast is getting slammed; this time from ole man winter ♥♥
ReplyDeletehow sad your dad lost so many siblings :(
Stormy outside, but everyone is home today and safe.
DeleteDad was also the last of his family to pass. It distressed him greatly to attend the funerals of his siblings. He would say this isn't right, I'm the oldest. They should bury me.
So very sorry to hear about Gleek.
Interesting and sad to know he had to suffer through his siblings deaths. :(
ReplyDeleteIt really bothered him especially when his youngest brother died.
DeleteHope you stayed warm and inside today and none of your family members had to go out to work. What a storm. Not sure what tomorrow will bring besides these frigid cold temperatures. Oy voy! Enjoyed more of your family story. Hugs-Erika
ReplyDeleteWe were all home. Lots of schools are cancelling for tomorrow. Another snow day for you?
DeleteI always enjoy hearing your father's thoughts and reminiscing's. What about you, CJ. Do you like opera?
ReplyDeleteI like the light operas like Gilbert and Sullivan, but the heavy stuff I left for Dad.
DeleteI feel the reminiscing is even more so, now. Too bad your father had to bury his younger siblings. But at least he got to spend time with his father (your grandfather) at the opera. Hope you are NOT buried, but I fear it looks very bad there.
ReplyDeletePart of the reason Dad got to spend time with his father was Dad was the Heir Apparent. Visiting the older relatives, listening to the adults talk was part of an education. If something happened to his father, Dad was expected to assume the role of man of the house to take care of the rest of the family.
DeleteSorry about the 4 miscarriages. Opera. I like certain types of opera's, but not all, but I guess that is like all music!
ReplyDeleteI've said it before..what a treasure to be able to read your family history.
ReplyDeletewhat a terrible thing to go through for your dad and your grandparents.
My mother had many miscarriages before she had my brother, who is the firstborn.
I love opera and classical music. although Wagner is bit much at times.