Grandfather Clock

By Curtis Johnson In May of ‘63, daddy’s demise came early when he was only 58, leaving mama widowed at 35 with eleven minor children. Essentially stair steppers, our ages ranged from 9 months to 16 years. I would be proud to own something that my father once possessed. There was the Social Security benefit of $89 per month from the Feds. It appears there was a welfare check of $30 per month from the county. I also recall that there was a one time cash benefit of $200 from the Masons. I remember my dad owning a 22 rifle, which my mom still possessed in ‘71. However, beyond then, I do not know what mama eventually did with it. Essentially, beyond that rifle, daddy did not own anything to pass on to the next generation. It appears that daddy’s hard work acquired many benefits for him and his family, but very little in ownership. Daddy was a company man. He drove a company car; we lived in a company house; and a company doctor handled our health care. I am 66, and I have a friend who is 86. We were talking a week ago primarily about his recent move to a new community. He and his wife sold their home and is presently renting a much smaller property. They are freed from many cares relative to upkeep, and they were able to dispose of things they no longer needed. However, one item that he mentioned stuck to my mind like glue. This treasure piece will be kept, because it is not only a material item, but is also connected to a long family tradition. My friend inherited the clock from his father, who inherited it from his father. When he passes on, his grandfather clock, originally owned by his grandfather in Sweden, will become the treasure piece of his son in the fourth generation. How grand is that! I could not help but remember that ‘I did not inherit’ any kind of treasured traditional piece from my father. Of course, I do not underestimate the Christian heritage that he provided, and the valued lessons he taught. I also inherited his DNA and the memories. O, back then, a grandfather clock would have been unthinkable. But I cannot deny that something tangible of my father’s memory would have been great. Any way, my friend’s grandfather clock inspires me as I look ahead to the next generation. I am just a little more motivated to be sure that I pass on something tangible to my children. 04262016 cj PS