Jewells of Thought

I am not certain that we celebrated all together very many times. Papaw Freddy’s older brother, Horace was born on the 21st, the day after mine. So literally once I arrived the line got even longer. It was me then Horace, his grandsons, and then his daughter in laws. That is four Alsman Birthdays in one week one right after another.

There was one special birthday I remember we spent up at one of Papaw and Grandma’s favorite restaurants. It’s called the Hilltop up past Spencer. We spent several meals at the Hilltop not all of them with Aunt Margaret and Uncle Horace though. This time specifically I remember getting a present from their gift shop. It was a purse in the form of a monkey either a purse or just a bag. It was neat and fun. I think Lilly got one too. Unfortunately I no longer have that monkey.

Horace was a decade older than Papaw he died at age 82 and Papaw 4 months later died before making it to 72 years old. They were very close, I remember something changed about Grandpa after Horace’s death and then before we knew it Grandpa was gone two weeks after my 20th birthday. I had pretty much 20 years with him when my Mom didn’t get to meet either of her Grandfathers. So I am abundantly blessed especially with nearly 13 years with Grandpa Leo and my Great-Grandpa Arla only a month or so apart.

Once I grew up more and read more about World War II and watched Band of Brothers I learned quite a bit of tidbits. Colonel Dick Winters from that series was also born on the 21st. He has since died, but reading some of the books about him and listening to his words from the introductions of the series he made me cry quite a bit. He mentioned his grandchildren in the very last show I believe and no matter how hard I try not to I still cry at his words.

Richard Winters lived in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Another reason why I have always wanted to go there. Besides the fact that chocolate is a girl’s best friend.

Do you have more than one birthday in any certain month? As many or more than 4?