Good times.

                          
I finally sorted through the pictures from my grandma's party, and before giving them back to her, I wanted to share a few of my favorites... and introduce my grandpa into the mix.

I'm pressed for time this morning, and have so much more that I want to say about these two - especially my grandpa, who I haven't raved about yet, as I did with my grandma.  But I'll save those stories for another day, and leave it at this...

My grandparents were like my second parents.  I stayed with them often, went on vacation with them, waited anxiously for them to pick me up from the baby-sitter's- or preschool, went to work with them, and loved them with all my heart.  And still do.
           
Their marriage, like any other, was a mixture of happiness and affliction, and unfortunately towards the later years- the years that I had the pleasure of knowing them- affliction seemed to prevail.  Alcoholism reared it's ugly head- most likely for the entire duration of their marriage, but as ugly it was in the glory years, it was even more atrocious during the "golden" age.  As much as I saw him as the best grandfather on the entire planet, he often wore a different hat with my grandmother.  An unexpected early retirement, combined with an empty nest, symbolized old age- which never seemed to suit this charismatic, forever-young-at-heart, machismo.  His days of packing his 5 kids in the car and spontaneously heading into the mountains were long gone.  The early morning commutes to his L.A. barber shop were just particles of dust in the wind.  He was limited.  And he and Limits didn't get along so well.  

Shortcomings aside, they stayed together until my grandpa passed away, a few years back.  He loved her to death, and never failed to tell us how lucky we are to have her in our lives... or how we must take care of her when he is gone.  Sitting at the head of the table, he'd devote his long toasts to her time and time again, tears in his eyes, and a lump in his throat.  Like I said, their journey- a bit rocky, to say the least- included plenty of good times too.  

And that's why these pictures make me happy.


{wedding}
  
{love}

{the diner}
*Nostalgia at its finest.
   
{cuties}
  
{family fun}
*My grandpa's sister is on the far right.
        
{cover girl}

{style'n}

{5 generations}
*That sure is a cute baby. =)
   
  
So much for being "short" this morning.  Happy Friday all.
 

14 comments:

  1. That's amazing to have a picture with 5 generations!

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  2. OMG those are great!!! That swimsuit one...what a covergirl!!!!

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  3. I just teared up when reading this post, Torrie. Your grandparents seem like really special people who mean so much to you and your whole family. I love seeing all the pictures. Your grandparents are so chic! And you are definitely a very cute baby. Have a wonderful weekend!

    xo
    Valerie

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  4. I love old photos so much! The swimsuit shot is incredible. You'll have tell us more about where they came from. :)

    PS. Is that you as the baby? If so, you look so much like your mom!

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  5. Thanks for sharing this story, Torrie, it's beautiful. And I can tell that they mean the world to you.
    The pictures are incredible! Especially love the one of them in the water - so candid and just plain happy!

    xo

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  6. the pictures are amazing torrie. you are so lucky to have them. the last picture is gorgeous of all of you, but especially YOU! =)

    i'm inspired by the honesty of your words and the love in your heart. thank you for sharing. xo

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  7. HI Torrie, Thanks for your note the other day. I have taken a very long unexpected blog break. Coming back here, I'm reminded of how special your blog is and how much I love the seemingly unexpected randomness of your posts. You are always so thought-provoking and wonderful at sharing little but important tidbits of your life. These are beautiful photographs and I so enjoyed hearing the story of your grandparents. They sound like lovely people, flaws and all. Beautiful post, as usual. Hugs, Minnie.

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  8. What a lovely post! Your grandmother was just gorgeous...and so was your mama for that matter. Oh, and that baby is pretty cute too. I wonder who she is? haha

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  9. So wonderful! I love digging through old family photos - she's going to love it! I started scanning photos over Christmas when I went home, but made a very little dent in a huge amount of photos, but its such a worthwhile venture. Thank you for sharing :)

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  10. Wow just look at her and the rest of you gals. I have always loved family history and seeing old photographs. I just look at the pictures and wonder about the story behind those people. Thanks for sharing these!

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  11. @180|360 Yes… That’s my mom and I!!

    Someone just approached us the other day, and asked if she was my sister. She loves that question of course :).

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  12. Thank you everyone for "getting it." :)

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  13. I love this post because it is so honest and real about marriage and life and love. Your grandparents were such a stunning couple, like movie stars - the swimsuit shot is so delightful. This post is so so poignant, Torrie like a haiku. The sadness of not being able to just pack up and head into the mountains but also the joy of being with family lasting through and always, ever tolerance.

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