Tuesday, 5 May 2020

Two generations


I was watching TV last night when it dawned on me that I either couldn't remember my grandparent's names, or I never knew them in the first place. They all died when I was very young.

I was mildly shocked when I remembered this, so I messaged my sister to ask. I thought I had better text her as soon as possible, as she is the only surviving sibling and is very close to 80 years old.

One of the reasons I could not recall my father's father's name is because they both had the same one. The same ones, actually.

I never thought of my father's family as being the sort who would attempt to create a dynasty by naming all the boys the same. At least he didn't have 'Jnr' on the end of his.

The messages from my sister carried on for a while until she terminated the conversation by saying what a shame it was that I didn't put my faith in Jesus, and I went back to watching Killing Eve.
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26 comments:

  1. The Weaver of Grass5 May 2020 at 02:46

    I have just had a 'coffee' morning on Zoom with five friends. Only two of us had any siblings - it seemed quite unfashionable. And incidentally I sometimes feel like one of those petrol pumps!

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    1. Tom Stephenson5 May 2020 at 06:42

      H.I's daughter is an only. Those pumps are beautiful. They are in one of the most picturesque villages in Wiltshire. I hope they keep them.

      Delete
  2. the veg artist5 May 2020 at 08:32

    Several siblings and a few dozen cousins here! My grandparents on both sides are buried in the same tiny village churchyard, along with many relatives through the generations. Comforting in a way. Husband has everyone mapped out on a family tree/spread-sheet - much more boring!

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    1. Tom Stephenson5 May 2020 at 14:23

      I sometimes would like to send off a DNA swab to see whether or not I have Jewish heritage, but what's the point? First thing is now to see if I have Covid 19.

      Delete
  3. Tasker Dunham5 May 2020 at 08:45

    I'm like veg artist's husband - all in computer files, 5 out of 8 great grandparents from same small village.

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  4. Jacqueline @ HOME5 May 2020 at 12:19

    My sister has done our family tree so we know all the names. Am I the only one who doesn’t like Killing Eve ? XXXX

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    1. Jacqueline @ HOME5 May 2020 at 12:20

      Meant to say, the pumps are wonderful .... right up my distressed alley . XXXX

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    2. Tom Stephenson5 May 2020 at 14:25

      I think you may be the only one. If it's any consolation, I think your pumps are wonderful too Jack@.

      Delete
  5. Iris5 May 2020 at 12:39

    It's difficult to compete with 'Killing Eve'.

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    1. Tom Stephenson5 May 2020 at 14:27

      Oh, I don't know. There are - sorry, were - many good dramas commissioned before Covid.

      Delete
  6. John Going Gently5 May 2020 at 13:20

    I'm saving eve for a box set in the next lockdown

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  7. Bea5 May 2020 at 14:14

    I've a wee family tree in my head replete with names. No one received a 'repeat name' in the five generations that I know of. I think I prefer Jodie Comer to Jesus.

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    1. Tom Stephenson5 May 2020 at 14:28

      Say that after you have met Jesus and it will carry more weight.

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  8. SmitoniusAndSonata5 May 2020 at 15:15

    Not that surprising that you couldn't remember your grandparents names, really. As a small child, you'd never have heard them used.

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    1. Tom Stephenson6 May 2020 at 01:49

      They did refer to them occasionally when I was growing up, but they used nick-names.

      Delete
  9. Rosemary5 May 2020 at 15:27

    I stopped watching Killing Eve too.
    I hate it when I can't remember something that I really feel I should. It always happens to me just as I am trying to fall asleep, and I end up having to wake my husband up to see if he can remember. I can then fall peacefully asleep, but he can't.

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    1. Tom Stephenson6 May 2020 at 01:50

      I would insist on separate rooms - yours with internet access.

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  10. Joanne Noragon5 May 2020 at 16:48

    And my grandfather was such a scoundrel his brothers buried him in an unmarked grave, far from the family plots. I did go looking once, and all the cemetery records were lost in a flood. Karma.

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    1. Tom Stephenson6 May 2020 at 01:51

      What did he do, if that's not too personal a question. My great grandfather gambled away the family business in one night.

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  11. Rachel Phillips6 May 2020 at 07:28

    Did she ever say that to your brother do you think?

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    1. Tom Stephenson7 May 2020 at 02:23

      One of my brother's many tricks in his fraudulent career was to get her to convert him to the J.W.s. She has always been extremely naive.

      Delete
  12. gz6 May 2020 at 14:37

    Only one sibling here...but dad was one of five and his father one of nine (survivors of 13 babies..one pair of twins and two half pairs didn't make it). I started family tree-ing when I met nearly 100 blood relatives I didn't know I had, dad's family..when I was 53...mother didn't 'do' families. As her father was one of at least six...we have lost a lot of history thanks to her

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