You Have to Care

Caring for the Hurt Heart, Retrieved on February 27, 2024 from https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/life-refracted/201708/52-ways-show-i-love-you-caring-and-caregiving and johnhain/Pixabay

I have been trying to make at least weekly blog posts more recently to help keep my mind occupied and to fulfill my craving for writing as an enjoyable pastime. It has taken me a few days to think of a good topic to write about for this week, and something that I won’t think less of later and delete. Of course, I always have ideas for topics to write about, but I also like to think about what readers may potentially be interested in, as well as to share a story that may benefit someone else or that someone else may learn from.

Therefore, for this week, I have decided to write about the topic of caring. Certainly, it may not be a very important topic for some people, but for me, caring is something I do each and every day. Sometimes I care so much that it hurts. I care about myself. I care about others. I care about what I do, what I say, the manner in which I behave, how I come across to others, and how well I may “read” or analyze others, as well as situations. I have always been that person who must also take care not to overanalyze people or situations, as well. Sometimes, it is better to take things just as they appear on the surface and not read in too much, or it can make you crazy. And, that is definitely not worth it as I learned long ago.

I recently spoke with a group of teens in a healthcare setting, and one teen girl of approximately 14 years old very openly spoke about her background and experiences. It was refreshing to take in her bravery and courage in explaining some of the painful things she had experienced in her life, as I also drew out of her as much as she was comfortable with sharing. She basically shared that hers had been a life of emotional pain in which her parents were either not involved with her and/or led her in such a direction as to eliminate themselves from her life. Of course, I expressed my support and sympathy to her, but didn’t dwell on things. Thankfully, the girl additionally stated that she had at least one extended family member in her life who cares about her.

It is important to me that I ask others in certain settings where I can if they love themselves. It is so important to truly, genuinely, and sincerely love oneself. I never really learned to start loving myself in a way that was caring and supportive until I was around age 25. So, when I asked this girl if she loved herself, I must say that I was surprised and happy that she responded that she did, especially after all that she had experienced. But, what came next was interesting and touching to me, and I addressed it with her.

What this young lady stated next was that she didn’t care about anything. While she loved herself, she didn’t “care” about herself. Well, that was my opportunity right there. I took the opportunity not only to speak directly to her, but also to address the entire group as a whole. I let them know they HAVE TO care. They have to care. This particular girl, of all people, I stated in a nice way, had life experiences to know that it was very important that she care for and about herself. She has already experienced this world to be a harsh place, as I stated to her and the group. And this world can definitely and unfortunately be very harsh, however you HAVE TO care because other people out there in the world will not necessarily care about you. I stated that you cannot expect the outside world to feel sorry for you. You HAVE TO care. I was very insistent, adamant, and passionate about this. What did I just say? You HAVE TO care. I further stated that while they may not realize it, the decisions they make now can affect the rest of their lives. I shared that I was their age once, and I have experienced that. Therefore, decisions they make about whether or not to care influence their lives.

This is something I have learned and that I practice. You have to care. If you don’t care, who else will? If you don’t do something, who else will? I am often the first person in any type of group situation or work situation to take action or speak up about something. Sometimes, I have to restrain myself to give others an opportunity. I try to take initiative, to be positive, to make the best of something – if not for myself, for others. I don’t mind putting myself out there and looking like an idiot. I really don’t care (oops, I should care!). Sometimes, it just takes someone to do something first for others to feel comfortable or confident. I learned long ago that it doesn’t really matter what other people think of me. At the end of the day, I have to live with myself. I have to love and care about myself. I have to have done my best, sometimes more than my best. If I haven’t, I am the one to have to live with the regrets. And, I don’t want the regrets. I would rather put myself out there and potentially appear as though I am foolish rather than not say or do anything at all.

I would like to think that I am not the typical cookie in the cookie jar. Of people I have known or met in my life, I am that person who will do my best to be brave and courageous, and who will step up to something. I saw a lot of myself in the girl who spoke in the group of teens. I saw her bravery and courage. I also saw the pain that she was carrying and trying to heal. And, I hope that what I said to her and to the group had some impact, and hopefully, a positive impact. She seemed to take it in. Everyone appeared to be listening, even the ones with the “toughest” exteriors.

So, have I made it clear? I hope so. You have to care. You HAVE TO care. If you don’t care, who else will? If you don’t step up, who else will? If you don’t say something, who else will? If you aren’t there, who else will be? I may not be the sharpest tool in the shed, but thankfully, I wasn’t born yesterday. And, I try to learn from my mistakes and life experiences. One major thing that life has taught me is obviously that you have to care and you have to do things, otherwise there may be no one who will care and things may never get done. Hopefully, my message has been resounding in this post about the importance of caring. Everything and everyone matters, including yourself, even if we may think otherwise. Therefore, you have to care.

Much to be Desired

Half Empty or Half Full? Retrieved on December 2, 2023 from https://www.inc.com/jason-aten/how-cup-half-empty-rule-eliminates-stress-reduces-burnout-makes-you-a-more-effective-leader.html

I think about different things to write about, and sometimes it is challenging to state what is on my mind, but also keep it as appropriate as I would like it – and be comfortable with it in a public space. I got to thinking, today, about things that have left much to be desired. This all started when I was self-checking out at a certain local grocery store today, and just as I was getting out my credit card to pay, a woman pushes her cart right up into my personal space so that I didn’t even have room to use the machine. I asked her to please move back. She moved back about two inches, still not enough space for me to use the machine. I asked her again to please move back, that she was crowding me, and of course, she denied that she was. My goodness. I guess I should’ve asked her if she wanted to pay for my groceries!

At this particular store, here I am minding my own business, just about to be on my way out, and some lady who I had never seen nor interacted with ever before picks on me to give a hard time. Really? I am the kindest, most friendly person, but don’t mess with me or underestimate me. After all that, the woman moved to one of the self check outs next to me that was available. That tells me she had nothing better to do than be rude and ugly to someone today, and that just happened to be me. Sometimes people and their behavior leave much to be desired. I had to tell myself not to let her or that situation steal my joy, that it was a great day, and I just shook my head about it. I was also thinking that, of all things, it is now the holiday season and people are supposed to spread joy and happiness, but some people are obviously unable to do that.

The situation that I experienced this morning actually got me thinking about so many other situations and things that have left much to be desired for me. What particularly came to mind were situations involving businesses that I used to patronize. Note that I have said “used to” for good reason. There is always room for improvement, myself included. Businesses and establishments that provide quality goods, services, and customer service are becoming fewer and far between these days. I think of the many local Chinese restaurants that I no longer frequent due to poor customer service. I love Chinese food, but I will not be overcharged for my meal – or wait an excruciatingly long time for it, and then have the managers argue with me about it. I told them they lost a customer.

I think of a Mexican restaurant that I no longer patronize because the manager, himself, refused to take my phone order for food that I would pick up in one hour. I was out of town, about to drive home, and did not want to call during my drive, but he refused to fulfill my order, though I had made many prior orders. I let him know he lost my business. I think of the submarine shop that I no longer patronize because their gift card machine would not accept my gift card. This was a family-run business franchise, and I let them know I came specifically to use the gift card and would not be back since I could not use it. I think of the many mechanics’ shops that no longer get my business due to their attempts at leading me along, not fixing the problems, or actually making them incredibly worse. I also let them know they have lost my business. So much is left to be desired.

I could write out a lengthy list of places that I no longer patronize. Certainly, I recognize that people are not perfect – and products and services are not always the best. However, what happened to the customer being right – at least a customer who is reasonable? Why can’t I return a certain brand of shampoo that I purchased from a particular box grocery store because I switched to something else? I don’t happen to have my receipt, but a gift card could be issued, and I would turn around and spend that money in that store. But no, there is now some policy that shampoo is an item that is not accepted as a return without a receipt – what? I ask the customer service representative to call over the manager, and this is someone with whom I have negotiated before. The only thing is, the last time, he was more agreeable, and this time, he was not. I left the counter grumbling to myself about what I was going to do with this brand of shampoo that I no longer wanted – it still sits at home on my shelf, unopened. Much is left to be desired.

Now, don’t get me wrong – there are also those establishments that are very good and that I have frequented for many, many years without issue and without complaint. I am a person who is quick to give compliments, but I am also brutally honest about what can be improved. In the experiences that I have had, most businesses need to do better at making – and keeping – the customer happy, and at least apologizing or trying to make amends for errors or issues. I have much, much respect and appreciation for people and businesses, therefore, who always do right. In my community, I can say that about a couple of particular restaurants, including Olive Garden, and Sakegura – a nice Japanese restaurant. My family and I have been customers at these establishments for many years – at the Olive Garden since it opened 12 years ago, and Sakegura for at least 15 years or longer. The owner of an area development company and his business have also been extremely outstanding and really impressed me. When you reach out to people, and they are respectful, professional, attentive, knowledgeable, insightful, and kind – as well as always doing the right thing – those are things to take notice of and aspire to. Thankfully, therefore, there are some people and things that leave nothing to be desired.

And so, thinking about all of this today got me thinking even further back in time – to the point where my ideals were developed and established related to doing one’s best to make the customer happy. I traced it back to my parents owning and operating a Sears retail store for many years when I was a child. Looking back on this now, I can see how truly formative it was for me, as a young girl, to observe my parents – especially my mother – running a business. While my dad was the principal owner, my mom really did most of the work, especially the work that was most stressful – at least in my observation.

My mom would remain at the store for long hours on some nights after closing, frustratingly trying to balance the books. It was always one particular register of one particular lady. My parents could not quite figure out if the lady just wasn’t very good at math and made genuine errors, or if she was pocketing some of the cash. She was very kind and soft-spoken, but it was always her register that was the issue. Mom even asked me to keep an eye on her from a distance, and I never saw her taking any cash for herself. It seems that she couldn’t count well or the customers were outsmarting her.

My mom would also typically interact with any dissatisfied customers. I observed a few of those interactions, and later came to a realization that people are not always honest about something when they only want to get their money back. For example, an item was in perfect working condition when you picked it up, but one or two days later, you are returning it, broken? Those made for some difficult and stressful situations, especially with bigger ticket items. Then, my parents had to explain the situation to corporate, and that just created more stress. After awhile, they just stopped selling some of the bigger items – like tractors, washing machines, and refrigerators, for example. They were just too much trouble.

While Mom was working, my brother and I would stay at the store during summers and after school, and I was always eager to be a “Helper.” I would help stock the shelves with orders once the semi-truck arrived. I would fetch orders for customers when they came to pick them up. And, it was always enjoyable to talk with some of the customers and employees. Most of all, though, I had to “stay out of the way,” but I tried to make myself useful as often as possible. This is where I truly learned some important aspects of business, even though I was still a kid.

Observing someone having to remain civil and professional with an unreasonable and/or unruly customer were teachable moments for me. I actually remember one particular lady being so unruly and physically threatening that she was no longer permitted to be a customer, or she would face legal consequences. I remember her to this day that she was extremely unreasonable and unstable. These were important things to learn, as well – that not all behavior is acceptable, nor should it be acceptable, especially when it puts others at risk. My dad later told my mom that she should have just called the police instead of trying to handle it all herself. That is a scary situation when you don’t know what someone could do or what they are capable of when they are not in their correct state of mind.

So, that brings me right back to the situation I experienced today with the woman who picked me to pick on. We definitely have to choose our battles, as I have often experienced in life. It seems like, more and more often, there are fewer truly exceptional situations and interactions with people that we experience. Too often, things are lacking and there is too much left to be desired. I would like to encourage and challenge people and businesses to do better. There is always room for improvement. Just take some more time to put forth your best efforts and be more kind and honest, and then, experience the resulting fruits that come your way. We definitely need more of that in our world, not less.

Stopping to Smell the Roses

Enjoying the Mini Roses Today, October 29, 2023, Snellville, Georgia

Sundays are usually my days to at least attempt to stop and smell the roses. I am definitely doing that today – literally. Around my house, the roses and azaleas are in bloom, and I am enjoying those before the frost hits and freezes the blossoms. During the past couple of weeks, I have also made it a point to buy flowers from the grocery store. I got some carnations and mini roses, and have been enjoying them as they perk up the house – and help me remember to enjoy the simpler things in life, especially when life gets too complicated.

In life, I sometimes find that we experience some of the most difficult or challenging times when we are tired, stressed, lonely, hurting, etc. Challenges don’t always happen when we are in a place of strength and confidence. I looked back over my life and asked myself, today, “Why is that?” I know the answer is that it is all part of life, however I sometimes think that people are tested or challenged in times of “weakness” so that we may potentially recognize just how strong we actually are.

From a therapeutic perspective, I have learned – and I teach others – that we all have it within ourselves to help and heal ourselves. Sometimes, we just need a (good – or outstanding) guide to help us find our way or stay on the right track. This is something I firmly believe. Prior to my counseling training, I would often seek external supports, such as money, materialism, shopping, trips, etc., to fill the void. But, I learned long ago that while all of that is nice, it must be done in moderation and has its place.

Ultimately, these “things” do not fill the void. We must find it within ourselves to love ourselves and believe in ourselves enough to fill any voids. However, I also understand that it may be easier said than done. I have experienced that, myself, with loneliness – loneliness creates a void and can cause people to feel hurt. And – that loneliness has actually helped me to be able to relate better, personally and professionally, with others who are also lonely (or worse), particularly elders who have lost spouses.

At any rate, life had gotten too complicated for awhile, but things are settling down again. I keep remembering and reminding myself to stick to my values and do the right things, and also take some much-needed time for self-care. I am also always extremely thankful and grateful for the people in my life who have provided wisdom and guidance to me, and who have helped me stay on the right track. Therefore, I am very much savoring and enjoying my opportunity to stop and smell the roses today….getting back to the simpler things.

Tribute to my Parents

My parents with my son at age 1 in 2004

I have been thinking of my parents a bit more than usual, lately. Today, posthumously, marks their 60th wedding anniversary. My brother and I came along several years after they got married, and that’s probably a good thing since they were young when they got married. Living life gives us life experience, and if we take that in, heed it, learn from it, and try not to repeat the same mistakes again, it is a good thing. And so, I generally believe that is how my parents lived. Granted, they were not perfect – none of us are – but they tried their best, and I am better for it.

While my parents were living, I always let them know how much I loved them. I had a good relationship with my dad and a strained relationship with my mom, but they were always my parents and I always loved them, no matter what. I always recognize that I would not be where I am today without them, and I am the person who I am today because of them.

My parents always tried to “be there” for me, even when they weren’t. They definitely always tried to be there for my son, and be as loving and supportive as they could. My son is my parents’ only grandchild, and they moved from out-of-state to be closer to him, physically and emotionally, and I’m happy that they did. Had they not done that, I’m sure both the lives of my son and myself would have been different and likely worse. I recognize that and I always remember it and keep it in mind. I do not take it for granted, and I am always thankful for it.

I love my parents, and I miss them. I have tried my best to be a good daughter and a daughter they would be proud of. I certainly have my flaws – even though my son says I don’t have any (he’s so great!) – and I try to live my life in the best manner possible. I try to follow in my parents’ footsteps, but have not always been able to do so. My parents have been wonderful role models and guides in my life.

My parents were married nearly 55 years until my mom passed away. It was wonderful to witness and be a part of their love for each other. Their love conquered everything, and I observed that in many different ways and in their varied experiences with each other. They were truly made for each other. I wish I could experience in my life at least something similar to what they shared rather than feeling like the outsider looking in.

I am proud to be my parents’ daughter. I carry my name and heritage proudly. I do my best to continue to love, remember, honor, and keep my parents proud of me. I do my best to live morally, ethically, and “correctly,” even when it is extremely difficult and challenging to do, sometimes. I have my parents – always in my mind and heart – as my role models and guides. I think of them and remember them often, and always appreciate who they made me and how they supported me. Happy Anniversary Mom and Dad! I hope you are celebrating as my son and I remember and honor your memories today.

Trust in the Lord

Have Faith, Retrieved May 21, 2023 from https://www.muslimaid.org/media-centre/blog/3-reasons-you-need-faith-in-your-life/

I don’t often write about issues related to God, faith, religion, or spirituality, but those are of utmost importance in my life. I am a person who is accepting of others, including in the realms of faith and spirituality. I accept and respect what anyone believes or does not believe, even if I may not understand it or if it may be contrary to my own beliefs. I have my own strong faith and opinions, and I am able to accept and respect the beliefs of others without forcing my own beliefs onto them. My counseling training and experience have helped me to accomplish this. This is just one area in which my counseling training and experience have helped me to personally grow and develop.

I recently read a book written by a colleague and friend which was a fairly concise autobiography and which included many references to her faith journey. Her story is one of mistakes and unwise decisions in a life where she felt unwanted and unloved, until she allowed God to work in her life. I have honestly never read a story quite so extremely personal, and I let my friend know that to pen her life story was very brave and inspiring. There were instances in her life that I could relate to, especially in regard to intimate relationships (or the lack thereof), and we have also spoken about this in the past, as well. What was most inspiring to me about her life story were the many Biblical references she included that have helped to shape and mold her, and that show God’s love of her.

In my own counseling work, I often ask people if they could go back into the past and change one thing about themselves or their lives, what would it be? When I ask the question, I try to leave it very open-ended so people are not tied to having to choose one particular thing. Every so often – but rarely – someone says they would not change anything because they would not be the person whom they are today. While most people answer my question with something they would change or improve, a few people respond that everything in their lives would be different if they went back and changed something. This is extremely true and insightful, and I encourage people to explore that, understand it, and appreciate it. My friend who wrote her book also answered this question to herself in the same way, and she has explored it, much to her benefit.

I also often encourage people to find something positive even in the worst and/or most traumatic experiences in our lives. Sometimes, people are unable to do this in the moment of crisis – which is understandable – but on the road to healing and recovery (from whatever it is), it is important for us to find even that one tiny thing that is positive in a terrible experience to help us learn, grow, and stay sane. I find that people who are mentally resistant to this continue to experience their own roadblocks and setbacks; people who are open and willing to view something in a different light generally have a more healthy attitude and positive outlook. In this way, they have helped themselves, and they may even be able to assist and/or support others who have experienced the same or similar situations.

In my own life, as a Catholic and a Christian, I am a lover of God. God is truly paramount in my life. Even though I am no longer able to regularly attend church, I am a person of faith, trust, spirituality, belief, and prayer. In my mid-30s, I questioned whether or not my faith was the best one for me. I went on a faith journey of exploring whether or not it was, and ultimately, I found that it was, despite some of what it did not provide for me. I did not want to be that person who was just raised in a faith without having a choice of what to believe or not believe. I explored and searched many different faiths and denominations. While Catholicism doesn’t have “all” that I seek, neither does any other faith or denomination that I explored. The next closest thing to what I believe is Episcopalianism, but that also does not provide all that I seek in a faith. Therefore, I have had to bring to my faith my own aspects of spirituality that help me continue to believe.

This also brings me to talk about life’s ways of testing and/or tempting us to do things that are not good, beneficial, or desirable for us. I like to think of these things more as tests or challenges rather than temptations. When we encounter such tests and we remain steadfast in our values and beliefs, we are demonstrating strength, courage, patience, trust, faith, and endurance in God, and ultimately, in ourselves. We are constantly surrounded by so many things that can sway our values and beliefs, but reliance on God and His love and support – as well as good people that He places in our lives to help and support us in our decisions – see us through. We experience what we do as a result of life, just the life process itself. God does not “prevent” things from happening to us, but provides us with all variety of life experiences. It is our choice whether or not we want to take those experiences (from the best to the worst) to help us grow and/or to support others. Faith and trust in God and His love can help us make the “right” and “best” choices for us.

This brings me right back to having trust and faith in the Lord. God is always there for us, regardless of the circumstances. My counseling training has also helped me overcome “Catholic Guilt.” I am truly thankful for this since I know and can accept myself as being “human,” and not feel guilty or shameful simply for being human. Further, reading my friend’s book helped remind me how much God loves us, and inspired me to write this blog post. It also reminded me that one of my favorite Psalms is Psalm 23 which states,

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.

He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

He restoreth my soul: he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for thou art with me; thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.

Thou preparest a table before me in the presence of mine enemies: thou anointest my head with oil; my cup runneth over.

Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord for ever.”

Another favorite Biblical passage is 1 Corinthians 13:

“Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude.

It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful;

it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth.

Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things.”

Regardless of what one may believe or not believe, I hope that all have strong support in their lives to assist them with their life journey, as well as with holding healthy beliefs and values and with making positive and beneficial choices. Life is all about choices. Hopefully, we all have those strengths and supports in our lives to help keep us on the right path.

Trees Lost in Snellville due to Tropical Storm Irma

A tree in my neighborhood lost to Tropical Storm Irma, Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

After the Carribean, Puerto Rico, Cuba, and Florida were hard-hit by Hurricane Irma, its effects were felt here in Snellville, Georgia after it traveled up the west coast of Florida early last week.

We lost power for almost 1.5 days in Tropical Storm Irma that came through this area.  Traditional schools were closed for three days, and online schools closed for one day.  If what we experienced was a tropical storm, I’ve definitely never seen a rain and wind storm whip around the trees as it did.  Its amazing that more trees did not fall than actually did.

Another tree down in my neighborhood. Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

In my neighborhood, alone, I counted six trees that fell after driving through my area, including a huge oak. With the heavy winds and the ground being saturated, trees with surface roots or those that were rotten fell easily.

A fallen tree in my neighborhood. Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

Just yesterday, in a nearby area, I observed power lines that were laying on the ground. Now, six days after the storm passed through, there are still people in my area who do not have electrical power.

A couple of limbs that were ripped off of a tree in my neighborhood. Snellville, Georgia, September 12, 2017

Seeing the news on TV and the Internet of the damage that Irma did, my heart and prayers go out to everyone who weathered it.  May those who lost their lives rest in peace.  May those who are cleaning up and rebuilding get the help and support they need, quickly.

Mother Nature has shown that a category five hurricane is definitely something to take extremely seriously.

Being Most Thankful for Family (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

Happy Thanksgiving! (Retrieved from http://www.vintag.es, November 27, 2014)

On Thanksgiving, what I am always most thankful for is my family.  My family is always there for me in thick and thin.  My family has weathered many storms and enjoyed sunny days together; I can count on my family for love, compassion, and support, and I provide the same to them. I don’t have a very large family, nor do I have much money, but I have a big heart, full of lots of love. My love is shared with and among my family, for whom I am most thankful on  Thanksgiving and every day.

Other things for which I am thankful include food, faith, community, freedom, education, technology, career, and health.  I am thankful for food, though it is not easy to get by from month to month with food prices continuing to rise.  I appreciate my faith because, if it was not for that, I would not be where I am today, and things would likely be much worse.  I am grateful for community, such as organizations that provide fellowship, to my family.

I am always thankful for freedom and I remember my grandmother’s stories about when she lived in Communist Poland, with people fearing for their lives when homes were raided in the middle of the night and people were never seen again.  I am grateful for education, though the large debt required to pay for it is a hardship.  I appreciate technology that makes life easier.  And, I am thankful for career in many capacities, including that of being a mother, as well as for the potential of a stable gainful and enjoyable employment in a workplace with decent people, if that is ever attainable.  I am thankful for my good health so I do not have to pay out-of-pocket to see the doctor as a result of being without health insurance.

So often, organizations such as colleges, churches, and charities have fundraising drives to help give to those in need.  When I am asked to donate, I reply that I could benefit from some assistance, myself.  As a poor single white mother, so often such places overlook people such as myself, as has occurred again this year.  People in my shoes are reduced to begging for even a little bit in return.  People may maintain the perspective that whites have privilege and that is definitely a stereotype that hurts poor white single mothers such as myself because the majority of any aid, as I observe, goes to people of other races.

I am also thankful for the holes in some of my shabby clothes and worn-out shoes, the place that I live even though it is not my own, the student loans that provide opportunity, my nearly decade-old vehicle that is still in great shape, and that sacrifices that I am able to make for the benefit of my family.  I am thankful for the $15 haircut that I get every two months instead of going to a salon and spending loads of money, and the $3 bottle of fingernail polish that I can use for a manicure or pedicure instead of going someplace to have it done for me.  I am grateful for the free lunch that I eat twice each week at my apprenticeship, and for the store closing sale at the local KMart where I can save a few dollars on Christmas gifts for my son.  I am thankful for what little I have because more is always spent than saved.

These are additional reasons why I am thankful for my family, particularly at Thanksgiving.  Every so often, there is that rare person who comes along who might be caring and/or supportive, but with my family, I know they will always be there, in good and in bad, in sickness and in health, for richer or for poorer.  People should be more important than money and possessions, and indeed, my family is most important to me.

So, on this Thanksgiving, I invite you to think about family, values, and people in need.  Think about and be thankful for people who are close to you.  Think about people whom you see at work or in church every week who have little or nothing, and who are usually overlooked in their need.  Take action on what you can do rather than what you cannot.  Open your heart and mind to see what you do not want to see, and take action for what you otherwise would not have done.   A little bit goes a long way, especially for folks who don’t have much.

Happy Thanksgiving!  Remember what you are thankful for!

Remembering American Military Veterans on this Memorial Day (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

American Flag at Snellville, Georgia, May 26, 2014

My son put out the American flag today, in special remembrance of America’s military veterans and in celebration of Memorial Day 2014.  Putting out the flag has become somewhat of a tradition for him throughout the past few years, particularly since it was a requirement for one of his achievements as a Cub Scout.  Today, he put out the flag as a new Boy Scout.  Last evening, my family also watched the Memorial Day tribute celebration on television, as broadcasted by PBS.  That has also been a tradition in my family for many years.  This year is the 25th anniversary of the annual Memorial Day broadcast.

In remembrance of military veterans in my family, I have authored this article, having arranged photos and/or memorabilia of all of those known family members and/or ancestors who have served in the American military.  I am thankful for those who have risked their lives and/or who have given their lives for the freedoms that I enjoy.

One important issue to keep in mind, however, is that our freedoms may be our right, but should also be practiced with appropriate reason and rationalization.  I stated this, particularly due to interpretations of the Second Amendment of our country’s Constitution, in regard to the right to bear arms.  We should all keep in mind that while we have a right to bear arms, that does not mean that we have the right to take another’s life, unless circumstances absolutely warrant it in matters of self-protection.  Let us not allow the right to bear arms, as well as monetary-backed interests to that aim, to remain more important than protecting people’s lives.

May we all strive to live together in peace and harmony.  Let us all remember the sacrifices of those who serve and who have served in our military forces so that not only our freedoms are maintained, but so that the spirit of democracy may infuse those in other countries, as well.  May our military forces stationed in Afghanistan soon return home, and back to our wonderful democracy!

Memorial Postcard in Remembrance of the American Civil War, 1861-1865

Grand Army of the Republic Veteran’s Medal from the American Civil War, 1861-1865

Fred Henn, Civil War Veteran, Hamburg, New York, Circa 1870-1890

Harry H. Gale, Member of American Military in New York State, Hamburg, New York, 1880s

John Briggs, North Collins, NY, Soldier in World War I, Circa 1917

John Hintermister (the Elder), American Military Veteran

Funeral Card of David I. Briggs, North Collins, New York, 1968 (Killed in Vietnam War) (Wentland Funeral Home, North Collins, New York)

Funeral Card of David Briggs, North Collins, New York, 1968

Henry Curtis, World War II Veteran

Eugene Spires, World War II Veteran

James Kibbe, Korean War Veteran

Peter Krakowiak, American Navy Veteran

Arnold Bennett, Vietnam War Veteran

I am also aware that one of the Tomaszewski men (formerly of Gowanda, New York, and now of Chicago, Illinois), a cousin to my mom, was a pilot in the Air Force, possibly in the Vietnam War.

These photos, information, and memorabilia represent individuals within my family, and from my family ancestry, who have served in the American military.  My former spouse also briefly served in the military. I salute you for your risks, sacrifices, and in the case of David Briggs, his ultimate sacrifice of his life, for the freedoms and protections of others.  While I have taught history, and honor and appreciate our military veterans, I am not one who has the will to risk my life in possible sacrifice in the military.  You all are a credit to our country for your service, and to the preservation of democracy.

My Krakowiak Family Ancestry, Including Drewin, Tomaszewski, Babcock, and Spires (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

The Krakowiak Family (Lottie, Peter, Larry, Anna, John, and Maria), Gowanda, New York, 1958

My mother, Anna Maria (Krakowiak) Babcock (born 1944) is from the Krakowiak Family; she was the middle child.  Her parents are Wladislawa “Lottie” (Bulera) Krakowiak (November 12, 1914-December 13, 2007) and Janek “John” Krakowiak (October 24, 1907-December 1, 1967).  Lottie’s and John’s other children include Peter Krakowiak, Maria Anna (Krakowiak) Spires Walker, and Larry Krakowiak.

Lottie’s parents were Wawryniec and Katarzyna (Mordka) Bulera, and John’s parents were Walenty and Jozefa (Stepnion) Krakowiak.  Lottie had two sisters, Staca, and Marianna (Krakowiak) Drewin.  Staca did not stay in touch with Lottie after her family immigrated to the United States in 1950, so I do not know what became of her.  Marianna had three marriages, and had a son with each of her husbands.  I only know the last name of her third husband, and not the names of the previous two.

Marianna’s sons have several children between them, and they likely have grandchildren and perhaps great grandchildren by now.  Marianna and her family lived in Kielce, Poland, and I was able to visit and meet most of them (15 of them) when I studied abroad at the Jagiellonian University in Krakow Poland in 1992.  Once Marianna died, no one remained in touch with each other, as only Marianna and Lottie communicated with each other at that time.

John is one of about 10 children from his family.  As an adult, he had one glass eye.  I don’t know what experience or situation caused him to get the glass eye.  I do remember my grandmother telling about how John’s mother had told him that no one would ever want to marry him because of his glass eye.  Once John married Lottie, and the family later moved to Germany, and then on to the United States, there were no further contacts or communications maintained between John or any of his family members.

From what I understand, both Lottie’s and John’s parents were farmers.  When Lottie was a young girl, she herded geese on the farm – that was her job.  In bare feet and on frosty mornings, she herded geese.  My grandmother had about a third grade education, and was fluent in Polish and German.  She took some classes in English upon coming to the United States, though never learned to write more in English than her name.  She also did not drive and never had a driver’s license.  She walked to her places of work (or was driven by others), and she walked to stores and businesses in the Village of Gowanda.  She worked at the garden nurseries of Knowles and Fisher, and she also worked additional jobs, such as being a waitress at the local diner in Gowanda (now Olympia).

The Krakowiak Family came to the United States through Ellis Island, and to the Buffalo and Western New York State area, in 1950.  Cousins to the Krakowiak’s were John and Josephine Tomaszewski of Gowanda, New York.  John Tomaszewski secured a guarantee of employment for John Krakowiak at the Moench Tannery in Gowanda.  Thus, the Krakowiak Family was guaranteed a sponsorship by the Tomaszewski’s, a condition that was required of immigrants for entry into the United States at that time.  The Krakowiak Family (all but John) moved to Germany from Poland in about 1948.  The reasons for the family’s move were to escape the effects of World War II, and to seek a better life in the United States.  They did not want to experience another war in Europe.

As a result of their citizenship in Poland, Germany was the best route out of Europe for them.  So, Lottie and her young family traveled on foot and by train to Germany where she worked at two or three large corporate farms, particularly in the kitchen.  (In her later years, Lottie was able to secure a number of financial security payments from the German government due to proof of her work at the farms.)

For about two years, Lottie worked on the farms until the Polish government allowed John to leave Poland.  Lottie and the children were forced to wait those two years because the Polish government had desired John to remain in Poland.  It was a tense situation during the wait because the family worried that John might not be allowed to leave Poland.  Once he was allowed to leave and was reunited with his family, they sailed to the United States from Germany.

When they arrived in Gowanda, the Krakowiak’s lived with the Tomaszewski’s until John was able to purchase a house.  The Krakowiak Family then remained on Union Street in Gowanda, often experiencing flooding in the basements of the two different homes in which they had lived due to rising waters and/or flooding by the Cattaraugus Creek that runs through the center of town.

For about the last one to two years of his life, John developed cancer.  My family believes that the cancer was caused by John’s handling of the many chemicals at the Tannery without any protections.  John died in 1964 when he was 60 years old.  My grandmother, “Babcia,” as we called her and is the word for “grandmother” in Polish, was healthy and well, living independently until she was 86 years old, at which time she went to live in the Gowanda Nursing Home.  She died as a resident there when she was 93. Babcia had an extremely strong will, and it was very challenging for her to live at the nursing home as a result of it as well as her strong independence.

My father, Bruce Babcock, married my mother, Anna (Krakowiak) Babcock in 1963.  In 1971, I was born, and the following year, my brother was born.

My aunt, Maria (Krakowiak) Spires (and later, Walker) was already married to Eugene Spires (May 7, 1919-November 7, 1993) when I was born.  Maria and Gene had two children, Desiree “Desa” (Spires) O’Malley and Phillip Spires.  Desiree is married to Joseph O’Malley.  They have one son, Joey, and live in Connecticut.  I met Joey when he was a baby.  Phil married Dawn (Clark) Spires on October 17, 1992.  They have one son, Benjamin – named after his great grandfather, Ben Spires.  Phil is a Corrections Officer.

After my uncle, Gene, passed away, my aunt, Maria, met and married Roger Walker and they live in Florida. My uncle, Gene, was also a veteran of World War II, having served in the US Army, fighting in France during the war.  Gene worked for the State of New York at the Gowanda Psychiatric Center in the maintenance department, and as a painter.  Gene and Maria also operated a farm; and Gene owned a gun shop for many years, being a licensed firearms dealer.  My aunt also worked for the State of New York at the Gowanda Psychiatric Center, as well as when mental health patients were transitioned to community housing, then still being employed by the State through J.N. Adam Developmental Center.  She retired from there after about 27 years of State service.

To my knowledge, Peter Krakowiak never married, nor had any children.  Once he graduated from high school, he went into the Navy.  Once he completed his service in the Navy, he moved to and lived in Chicago for the remainder of his life.  My family has not heard from him in many years; he had kept in touch with my aunt, but she stopped hearing from him many years ago.

Larry also moved to and lived in Chicago for several years, where he was married to and divorced from a woman named, Pam.  Sometime following the divorce, he moved back to Gowanda, where he has lived and worked since then.  He does not have any children.

Much of the Tomaszewski Family still lives in or near Gowanda, though I am aware of John’s and Josephine’s oldest son and his family living in Chicago.  John and Josephine had three children, including two boys and a girl.  When the boys became adults, they married and had children.  The daughter, Gloria, is single and does not have any children.  The eldest son of John and Josephine is an airline pilot, likely long retired by now.  He may have also served in the Vietnam War, as I recall.  The Tomaszewski’s are my third cousins.

Other family related to the Krakowiak side of my family include the Covelli’s from Buffalo, New York, and the Turdly’s from Brooklyn, New York City.

John and Lottie Krakowiak, and John and Josephine Tomaszewski, are buried in Holy Cross Cemetery of St. Joseph’s Roman Catholic Church in Gowanda, New York.  Eugene Spires is also buried in Holy Cross Cemetery in Gowanda.

To follow is a collection of photos that I have of the Krakowiak’s, Drewin’s, Babcock’s, Spires’, O’Malley’s. and Clark’s.

Author’s Note: Information and images identifying my brother have been removed from this post as of April 27, 2016 as a courtesy per his request.

Anna (Krakowiak) Babcock as a Girl

Bruce and Anna Babcock, and Parents at Wedding, July 1963, Gowanda, New YorkThis is a photo of my parents on their wedding day in July 1963.  From left to right are Emmett Sprague, Bernice Gale (Briggs) Babcock Sprague, Bruce Babcock, Anna (Krakowiak) Babcock, Wladislawa “Lottie” (Bulera) Krakowiak, and John Krakowiak.

Baptism of Michele Babcock (-Nice) at St. Joseph Church, Gowanda, New York, August 1971

This is a photo of me when I was about two weeks old, just after I was baptized at St. Joseph Roman Catholic Church in Gowanda, New York.  In the photo are: front, left to right: Phil Spires; Desiree Spires, Me (the baby), Maria (Krakowiak) Spires, and Eugene Spires; rear, left to right: Anna (Krakowiak) Babcock, Emmett Sprague, Bernice Gale (Briggs) Babcock Sprague, Wladislawa “Lottie” (Bulera) Krakowiak, and Fr. Rog.  My dad took the picture.

Bruce and Michele Babcock with Phillip Spires, Gowanda, New York, October 17, 1992

Eugene Spires, Gowanda, New York, October 17, 1992

(L to R) Peter Krakowiak, Desiree (Spires) O’Malley, Joseph O’Malley, Anna (Krakowiak) Babcock, Gowanda, New York, October 17, 1992

(L to R)-Joseph O’Malley, Larry Krakowiak, Anna (Krakowiak) Babcock, Gowanda, New York, October 17, 1992

All photos of my cousin’s wedding reception were taken by family friend, Alice Tschopp.

Dawn Clark Senior High School Photo, Gowanda, New York, 1985 (From Gowanda High School Yearbook, Jostens, 1985)

Sisters Lottie Krakowiak and Marianna Drewin, Gowanda, New York, Approx 1985

Me with the Drewin’s, Krakow, Poland, 1992

Maria (Krakowiak) Spires, Roger Walker, Larry Krakowiak, Gowanda, New York, Christmas 1997

I hope that you have enjoyed my information and photo record of the Krakowiak side of my family!

Sources:

Eighty-five: Valley Bugle (1985).  Gowanda Central High School Yearbook.  Gowanda, NY: Jostens.

Photos and information of Michele Babcock-Nice (2014), 1974-1992.  Snellville, Georgia.

Photos and information of Wladislawa “Lottie” (Bulera) Krakowiak, 1950-2007.  Gowanda, New York.  Now the Property of Michele Babcock-Nice (2014).  Snellville, Georgia.

Tschopp (1992).  Photos of wedding reception of Phil Spires and Dawn (Clark) Spires.  Property of Michele Babcock-Nice (1992).  Gowanda, New York.

Other photographers of other professional photos, unknown.

My Babcock, Gould, Crawford, Kibbe, Prince, Curtis, Mather, McEwen, and Hoyler Family Ancestry Photos (By: Michele Babcock-Nice)

My great grandfather, Jonathan Mead Babcock (1878-1933), was the son of Samuel and Jane Babcock of Villenova (Balsam), New York, near South Dayton in Western New York State, outside of Buffalo.  Beyond them, I do not know anything more about my Babcock side of the family.  While there are several Babcock’s buried in Villenova Cemetery, the resting place of my great grandfather and great grandmother, Bertha B. (Gould) Babcock (1880-1963), I am unsure whether or not Jonathan had any brothers or sisters.  I would tend to believe that he was an only child.  When he was born, he weighed 13 pounds.  Perhaps that was enough for his mother to desire not having more children, I don’t know.  Jonathan Mead Babcock was born in 1878 and died on May 5, 1933; he was only 55 years old.  As a man, he was tall at 6’4.”  He worked as the Collins Railroad Foreman and Collins Town Constable.

Bertha B. (Gould) Babcock, Jonathan’s wife, was born in 1880 and died on May 11, 1963; she was 82 years old.  Both she and several of her family’s ancestors are also buried in Villenova Cemetery.  Bertha was one of two daughters born to Albert Allen (called “Arnold”) Gould (1856-1940)and Nancy Ann M. (Rump) Gould (1859-1914).  Nancy was Albert’s first wife; she died and Albert married his second wife, Addie (Prince) Gould.  (Addie Prince had a sister, known as Mrs. Hoyler, whom Bertha called, “Grandma;” I have a photo of her.  I believe that Mrs. Hoyler was Addie’s mother.)  Albert Gould’s parents were Alden Gould (1829-1913) and Arvilla (Barstow) Gould (1829?-1906, age 76).  Bertha’s sister was Hazel (Gould) Crawford Houston.

Jonathan and Bertha (Gould) Babcock, Alden and Arvilla (Barstow) Gould, and Albert and Nancy (Rump) Gould, are buried in Villenova Cemetery in Balsam, near South Dayton, New York.  Clarence and Julia (Gale) Briggs, and Charles Albert Babcock and Bernice Gale (Briggs) Babcock Sprague, are buried in the Protestant Cemetery in North Collins, New York.

Addie Prince’s first husband was Job Prince.  They had at least three children, whom I know to be Bessie Prince, Glenn Prince, and Mrs. Harry Trimmer.  Bessie Prince married Charles J. Woodmansee, and they had two daughters, Adiline Woodmansee and Vivian Woodmansee.  I know that Vivian married Clarence Stoddart, and they had two daughters, Joyce Stoddart and June Stoddart.  Glenn Prince married May L. (Baxter) Prince, and they had two children, Winston B. Prince and Ruth V. Prince.  Ruth married Ed C. Sterry.  They had two sons, Ed B. Sterry and Clendon Sterry.  That is as much information as I have on the descendants of the Prince Family.

Hazel (Gould) Crawford (and later, Houston) and her husband had two daughters, Bessie (Crawford) Kibbe and Thelma (Crawford) Ulander.  Hazel’s first husband was Frank Crawford, who moved to South Dayton from Ohio, as an employee of the Stove Mill Company.  After Frank’s death, Hazel married her second husband, Vernon Houston; they had no children. Thelma and her husband lived in Jamestown, New York; they did not have any children.

Bessie (Crawford) Kibbe married James Kibbe, and they had one son, Bryan Kibbe.  Both Bessie’s husband and son predeceased her; Bessie lives in Falconer, New York and is 95 years old.  Bryan developed multiple sclerosis when he was about three-years-old, and struggled with it throughout his life.  He died as a bachelor a few years ago at about age 50.  James Kibbe also died a few years ago.  There are several Kibbe’s that live in Falconer and throughout the United States.  They are all cousins (now far-removed) to my family.

Cousins to my dad on my great grandmother Bertha’s side of the family further include the Curtis’ and Mather’s.  One of Nancy Rump’s sisters was Louise (Rump) Curtis.  Louise married Albert F. Curtis, and they had two children, John Henry “Henry” Curtis and a woman known as Mrs. George L. (Curtis) Mather – it is possible that her first name was also Louise, just as her mother’s.  Henry Curtis never married, and remained a bachelor all of his life.  Henry was an army veteran of World War II.  Albert and Louise Curtis’ daughter married George L. Mather, and they had two children, Curtis G. Mather and Lettie Mather.  Lettie Curtis Mather was born in South Dayton on July 13, 1891 and died in Jamestown, New York on October 9, 1962.

Henry Curtis had been engaged in his early life, though his fiancé broke off the engagement.  From what I understand, he became a miserable and unhappy person after that, and seemed to never recover from it.  I remember meeting him at my grandmother’s home when I was about 10 years old.  All of the other adults did not want me to be around him, and I discovered why – because nearly every other word that he spoke was profanity.  He also spoke very loudly, actually shouting, though he may have done so because he was hard of hearing, I don’t know.  At that time, he was about 95 years old.  I felt sorry for him, and wondered why anyone could be so miserable and unhappy.  Henry died when he was 98 years old – the oldest of my known ancestors.

Curtis Mather, the son of Mr. and Mrs. George Mather, worked for an electric company.  A tragedy occurred during his work in which he was electrocuted, and died.  Therefore, Lettie Mather continued on the descendants of that side of the family.  I discovered this upon speaking with the mother of Michael Denea (formerly of Gowanda, New York) when we began talking about family ancestry while I was about 14 years old.

At the time, I was taking summer piano lessons from Michael, who is an accomplished pianist, and now also an attorney, possibly living in Arizona upon my last knowledge.  Mrs. Denea informed me that she was a descendant of the Curtis Family, which would make she and her family far-removed cousins of my family.  Michael is a fifth cousin to me.  Mrs. Denea provided me with several antique bibles that had been kept in her family.  She handed them down to me – four bibles – which I still have and maintain.

Going back to the Babcock side of the family, Jonathan and Bertha (Gould) Babcock had three children, including Eunice (Babcock) McEwen Hembury, Louise (Babcock) Heppel, and Charles Albert Babcock (1911-1961).  Charles worked at the Ford Motor Company factory in Lackawanna, New York for a few years before becoming employed with the State of New York in Gowanda in the business office of the Gowanda Psychiatric Center.  Charles married Bernice Gale Briggs Babcock (and later, Sprague) of North Collins, New York (I have presented photos and information about her and her family in prior posts).

Eunice Babcock married a Mr. McEwen (I don’t know his first name), and they had two sons, Clarence “Clair” McEwen and Leland McEwen.  Clair married Mary (I don’t know her maiden name), and they had five children.  Their children were Butch, John, Dicky, Betty, and Tom McEwen.  When Mr. McEwen died, Eunice married her second husband, Floyd Hembury; they did not have any children.

When I was in my teens, Clair and his son, Tom, visited my family in Collins, New York, having traveled from Pennsylvania.  Clair was very elderly at that time, and he had wanted to get in touch with the family in Collins.  Likely, Clair died shortly after that; we have not heard from them, nor stayed in touch following that time.  I know that Betty married Joe Hembury; Eunice married her second husband, Floyd Hembury after Mr. McEwen died; and Tom McEwen is father to two girls, including Keeley and another daughter whose name I do not remember.

Louise (Babcock) Heppel married George Heppel in Collins, New York; they had no children.  My father remembered that Louise had epilepsy, and experienced seizures.  He also said that whenever Louise visited his family’s home, George never accompanied her.  He said that he never met George during his life.  Therefore, we don’t know much of anything about George, and have only one picture that includes him – the wedding picture that includes him with Louise, as well as Charles and Eunice.

Charles A. Babcock married Bernice Gale (Briggs) Babcock (and later, Sprague) (1912-1987).  They had one child, a son named, Bruce (born 1943), who is my father.  Bruce married Anna Maria (Krakowiak) Babcock (born 1944) in 1963, and they have two children, Michele Elizabeth Babcock-Nice (me) (born 1971) and my brother (born in 1972; no children). (I will provide more detail about the Krakowiak Family in another post.)

My dad worked for the State of New York in Gowanda, New York at the Gowanda Psychiatric Center (34 years) and Gowanda Correctional Facility (3 years), once the State Mental Hospital was transitioned into the Gowanda Prison.  Nearly the entire time that he worked at the Psychiatric Center, he was a stationary engineer in the Power Plant.  My parents also owned and operated a Sears Retail Catalog Store in Gowanda, New York for many years.

I was married in 2002 to John R. Nice, Jr., originally of Jacksonville, Florida; we were married for a few years and have a son.

Author’s Note: Information and images identifying my brother have been removed from this post as of April 27, 2016 as a courtesy per his request.

Jonathan and Bertha (Gould) Babcock, Gowanda, NY, Circa 1900

Jonathan Babcock (Left), Lawrence, Mike P., and Andrew P. Working on Railroad, Collins, NY, Circa 1890-1900

Jonathan Babcock and Frank Briggs at Railroad Depot, Collins, NY, Circa 1900-1910

Jonathan Babcock and Horse, Collins, NY, Circa 1900-1910

Louise Babcock (Married Name-Heppel), Sister of Charles A. Babcock, Collins, NY, Circa 1910

Charles A. Babcock, Collins, NY, 1911

Eunice (Married Names-McEwen, Hembury), Charles A., & Louise Babcock (Married Name-Heppel), Collins, NY, 1913

Charles A. Babcock, Railroad Depot, Collins, NY, 1914

Addie (Prince) Gould and Arnold Gould with Bertha (Gould) Babcock, South Dayton, New York, 1930

Mrs. Hoyler, South Dayton, New York, 1930

Bertha (Gould) Babcock (Left, Wife of Jonathan Babcock) with Neighbor, Collins, NY, 1960

Bertha (Gould) Babcock, South Dayton, NY, 1890

Charles A. Babcock, George Heppel, Louise (Babcock) Heppel, and Eunice (Babcock) McEwen Hembury, Collins, NY, 1925

George Heppel and Louise (Babcock) Heppel, Circa 1930s-1940s, Collins, New York

Louise (Babcock) Heppel, Bertha (Gould) Babcock, Eunice (Babcock) Hembury, Arnold and Addie Gould, South Dayton, NY, 1930

Louise (Babcock) Heppel and Jonathan Babcock, Collins, NY, August 29, 1932

Eunice (Babcock) McEwen Hembury and Louise (Babcock) Heppel, Collins, NY, 1920

Thelma (Crawford) Ulander, Bessie (Crawford) Kibbe, & Hazel (Gould) Crawford Houston, Falconer, NY, Circa 1920

Thelma Ulander, Jamestown, New York, 1930s

Bryan Kibbe, Hazel (Gould) Crawford Houston, and Bertha (Gould) Babcock, Collins, NY, 1960

John and Carol McEwen, Pennsylvania, Circa 1950 (Cousins to the Babcock’s)

Frank Crawford and Hazel (Gould) Crawford Houston, Jamestown, New York, Circa 1890

Henry Curtis, Circa 1930s

Henry Curtis and Beth, May 1943

Henry Curtis, May 1941

Curtis Mather, Jamestown, New York, 1918

Curtis Mather or Henry Curtis, Forestville, New York, 1920s

Henry Curtis

Bernice (Briggs) and Charles A. Babcock, Gowanda, NY, 1933

Charles A., Bernice, and Bruce E. Babcock, Collins, NY, 1948

Bruce Babcock on his Second Birthday, Collins, NY, August 1945

Bruce Babcock Senior High School Photo, Gowanda, New York, 1960

Bruce Babcock in Psychiatric Attendant’s Class at Gowanda Psychiatric Center, Helmuth (Gowanda), NY, 1963

Gowanda Psychiatric Center Aerial View, Helmuth (Gowanda), New York, Circa 1960-1970 By Dexter Press, Inc. (West Nyack, NY) and Aerial Surveys, Henry DeWolf (Rochester, NY)

Bruce and Anna Babcock, and Parents at Wedding, July 1963, Gowanda, New York

This is a photo of my parents on their wedding day in July 1963.  From left to right are Emmett Sprague, Bernice Gale (Briggs) Babcock Sprague, Bruce Babcock, Anna (Krakowiak) Babcock, Wladislawa “Lottie” (Bulera) Krakowiak, and John Krakowiak.

Hazel Houston and Thelma Ulander with Baby Michele Babcock, Collins, New York, August 1971

Bessie Kibbe, Thelma Ulander, and Michele Babcock, Collins, New York, October 1973

Bernice Briggs Babcock Sprague with Michele Babcock (-Nice), November 1974

Michele Babcock Taking Piano Lessons from Michael Denea, Perrysburg, New York, 1985

Michael Denea is my fifth cousin.  We are related because my great grandmother Bertha (Gould) Babcock’s mother, Nancy Ann (Rump) Gould, was a sister to his great great grandmother, Louise (Rump) Curtis, on his mom’s side of his family.

Tom and Clair McEwen, Collins, New York, 1987

Thelma Ulander and Michele Babcock (-Nice), Jamestown, New York, 1987

Jim and Bessie Kibbe, and Anna and Bruce Babcock, Falconer, New York, 1987

Bryan Kibbe and Michele Babcock, Falconer, New York, 1987

Four Generations of Cousins-Babcock’s, Nice’s, Kibbe’s, Falconer, New York, 2005 (Jim, Bruce, Baby, Michele, Bessie)

Since the captions associated with each of the photos are self-explanatory, I have not added more information to follow each one in this post.

I hope that you have enjoyed reading and understanding more about my family heritage!

Sources:

Dexter Press, Inc. (West Nyack, NY) and Aerial Surveys, Henry DeWolf (Rochester, NY), 1960-1970. Gowanda Psychiatric Center Aerial View, Helmuth (Gowanda), New York.

Photos and information of Bernice Gale Briggs Babcock Sprague, 1860-1987.  Collins, New York.  Currently the Property of Michele Babcock-Nice (2014).  Snellville, Georgia.

Photos and information of Michele Babcock-Nice (2014), 1960-2013.  Snellville, Georgia.

Sears Portrait Studio (2003).  Photo of Nice Family at Christmas.  Conyers, Georgia.

Other photographers of other professional photographs, unknown.