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In The Beginning







Hey everybody, check out my latest short story about events and ancestors of our family tree.    This story goes way back to Christmas Eve 1954!   Let me know what you think and any fun memories you would like to share. 



In the Beginning


The doorbell rang loud as the family gathered to exchange gifts at the Grandon home on Haviland Ave in Hayward, California.  It was Christmas Eve, 1954 and all had arrived hours before.  Who could be at the door this late they wondered?   


When Grandma May answered the door no one was there.   Just a small, neatly wrapped, untagged package placed neatly on the doorstep. 


“Well, it looks like we have a secret Santa in town!” she smiled, examining the box.    Everyone had the same curious look as she scanned each face looking for a clue as to who might know about this mysterious gift.  


“Open it up Mom!” her children shouted, excited to see what had been left.


Jerry and Pat gave each other a knowing grin as they played along.  Married August 8th of that year, It was their first Christmas as husband and wife.  They were still very young, just 16 and 17 years old, but they had carefully orchestrated this presentation of their first gift as a couple.   


Grandma May neatly peeled back the paper and bow as she always, leaving them in perfect condition should they ever be needed again.  The box was light and the printing indicated a “Color-King” ash tray set from Glassware by Federal.   This was obviously a ruse as the box was too light for any glassware and it had been securely taped shut with no less than 16 pieces of tape!


“Oh my!  Someone really wanted this gift taped shut!” she laughed.


Dad pulled out his knife and sliced each adhesive strip.  As the top was lifted up, tissue paper held the contents securely within the base.    Swaddled in the paper was a very little baby doll with a neatly printed card that read, “If you want to know who I shall be, un-pin my diaper and you shall see.”


Grandma May looked at the newlyweds with a big grin and eyebrow raised.  She opened the diaper and printed on the inside was, “Pat and Jerry G.”


Everyone cheered the news and hugged them as they pounded them with questions, When is the baby due?  When did you find out? How did you manage to keep this secret?  How did the package get to the door?  Who rang the doorbell? Why didn’t you tell me first?  When is the baby due?


The news was even more exciting because this was not only a new baby, but a first in many ways.  It would be May and Al Grandon’s first grandchild, and her parents (Manuel and Julia Santos) first great-grandchild.   A new generation of the family was on the way!








Comments

  1. dustbunny8January 5, 2025 at 9:46 AM

    Great story and one that should be passed down! Thanks for sharing.

    ReplyDelete
  2. AnonymousFebruary 2, 2025 at 4:37 PM

    I remember Mom and Dad telling this story many times, I still love it today. Thank you for the memory love you brother. T

    ReplyDelete

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