b. 1932
Grand Rapids, MI
Carol is my friend’s grandmother, and I was fortunate enough to meet her just before the publishing of the Stories of Elders book. She comments on some things that, today, we may not notice; like the reduced friendliness of police, or poverty. In this episode, Steve and I discuss what poverty means, what neighborliness means, and some recent laws that changed law enforcement in Carol’s lifetime.
b. 1947
Pass Cristian, MS
I met Charles “Bones” Rhodes, his daughter Honey, her husband Roddy, and their son Mark, through a mutual friend. We had all gotten to know each other soon after Hurricane Katrina, for which I was a relief worker. I didn’t expect to interview multiple generations at once, but it was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
In this episode, my dear friend Steve joins me to provide an outside perspective on these intimate stories.
Birmingham, AL
Born 1925
I met Bettilew on accident the same day I met Ann Veren. I was sitting in a coffee shop, and Bettilew’s granddaughter complimented my earrings. We got to talking, and after telling her of the work I was doing, she insisted I interview her grandmother. I’m so glad it worked out the way it did. What a pleasure it was to meet both Bettilew and Ann!
Bettilew tells two stories in this episode. One endearing, one about the war. Both are valuable to understanding our past.
Read the original post I wrote after just having met Bettilew in 2015.
Conway, SC
Born 1920
Ida Mae Harris passed away last week, only days before I was to meet her again at a signing event in her city. This is a special podcast edition to honor her life. She speaks about the Depression, and gives very good advice for enjoying the richness of life.
New Brighton, PA
Born 1932
I grew up with Dolly. She took care of us when we visited my grandmother. She was a life-long nurse, still caring for others even after her mother passed away. In this interview, she describes teaching her elders who were immigrants to read in English, and shares her concern for younger generations.
