For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for December 27, 2015

a wonderful family heirloom

It’s the everyday objects that tell the story of a family.

I hope Grandpa signed it for him.

Many of us have people like Mike’s Grandpa. In some ways it shapes what we are. Growing up near to coal country, I always knew there was a risk with mining. And there were times, sadly related in the papers, that the risk became reality.

I have my great grandfather’s straight razor. It has a VERY sharp blade that folds into a bone handle. And it is one of my most prized possessions. I discovered through my genealogy research that he and I share the same birthdate, though his came ninety years before mine.

I have my grandpa’s old mining hat, complete with the little kerosene “burner” lamp on the front. Appalachian Coal Miner.

I’m a woodworker, and I have my Grandfather’s 1946 Delta Bandsaw! He taught me to use it when I was a child, and my father inherited it when he died, and I inherited it when my Dad died. I use it almost every day, and think of them both every time I do. Someday, my son will have it to teach my grandson’s the fine art of woodworking.

Still have my grandfather’s deck of celluloid miniature playing cards. He carried these when he was a Marine fighting in France in WW1. I remember playing with them when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I’m in my seventies now. Still have them sitting on a stereo speaker.

Parents work like this so their children have a better life. One more reason to honor them.

I was given the baseball cap my grandfather used to wear to work (he was the head groundskeeper at the local ballpark for over two decades) shortly after he’d died 45 years ago when I was in sixth grade. I wore it continually, especially playing ball right up to my last game. I always gave Grandpa credit for the extra boost to my swing when I hit a home run with it on. Still have it.

Did we ever see Grandpa’s hardhat again? I don’t think so.

Great stories everyone. I enjoyed reading them.

I have my father’s Trolley Driver’s License from the 1930s when he worked in Manchester. Priceless.

Beautiful sentiment from Lynn. I wish I had heirlooms like this in my family.

I like what Lynn wrote about today’s strip.

Night-Gaunt49, you and I (and a few others) have told M2MM this same thing frequently over the past few months. Either he never comes back to see other comments or he is just stubborn. (I even tried putting the instructions as the first post one evening, and he ignored that, too.)

My son has the pocket watch and folding knife & fork combo that my one-armed great-great grandfather carried during the civil war. They are proudly displayed in a shadow box on the wall of his apartment.

I have my grandfather’s mandolin. I would love to learn to play it, but I don’t know of anyone around here who gives lessons.

http://www.fborfw.com/features/who/bio.php?number=31#If you want the whole story of John’s parents.

Lovely, Lynn :)

I have my Grandmother’s watch.