I grew up in the same home and on the same farm that my father, Jesse Albion Merrill Jr., had grown up in since he was 10 years old. The Merrill roots were firmly planted in St. Albans, Maine. A change of scenery was difficult since there were always cows to be milked, animals to be fed and chores to be done. My father liked it that way. He has never enjoyed traveling and the thought of getting on a plane is not a thought of comfort nor excitement for him.
I've always assumed my grandparents, Jesse and Dora Merrill, were the same way. I never even remember my grandparents being gone. In my memory, they were always in their red and white trailer just down the hill. And for the most part, they were. But, it looks like when I was four years old, they did indeed leave. They flew clear across the country to Phoenix, Arizona to visit their youngest daughter, Shirley and her family, who were stationed there with the military.
I love this picture! I love the look of pure joy on my grandfather's face. I love the dapper little hat he is wearing and the profile of my grandmother wearing her glasses. Did my grandparents enjoy traveling? I do not know the answer to this question but it is clear that they were happy to be done traveling at this moment and thrilled to be seeing the faces of loved ones once again.
I can almost picture myself sitting in their living room visiting them and watching Little House on the Prairie. They are such beautiful people. Love this picture.
ReplyDeletei'll try commenting again and see if it works this time. i just love the smile on grampie's face-i remember him stern-looking most of the time (unless he was playing a practical joke). grammie looks exactly how i remember her-so pretty!
ReplyDeleteWhat do you know! Your comment came through this time! I think you will be surprised to see how often Grandpa had a smile on his face--you're going to love the photos!
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