New York, Yew York

Yes, I have wanted to go to New York City for, well it seems like, forever. My children don't really understand the reason and neither does my husband. It's just some place I want to see and experience as an adult. I have vague memories of New York City when I went there when I was 10 years old. I went with my mom, dad, Steve, Uncle Charles and Aunt Nellie. It was 1965 and we went for the World's Fair. I remember nothing about the actual World's Fair other than the exhibit on the presidents. I only remember that because the wax figure of Abe Lincoln was so life-like and he stood and talked. Back in those days before computers and all, it was a huge deal. I was scared to death because my mind was telling me Abe was dead; but my eyes were telling me he was there.

Anyway, that's the only thing from the World's Fair I remember. I have no idea WHERE in New York City it was. My other memories of New York was of my mom getting stuck in the subway door. That, again, was frightening to me. We ate dinner one night at a restaurant right off Broadway and there was a little trio playing (guitar, piano and drum). My Aunt Nellie wanted me to go ask them to play 'Dear Heart'; which I did. They wanted me to sing with them. I tried but I didn't know the song, which I'm sure was comical. The men were nice and polite and afterwards, asked if I wanted to sign a song I knew....my choice...'King of the Road'. My claim to fame for singing on Broadway!

Why do I was to go to New York City, my children? I don't really know how to answer it. There just seems like so much to see and do. There is Ellis Island, my family's name is listed there. I think I could spend days in Central Park alone, and all the art museums. I want to walk across the Brooklyn Bridge (I don't know why). I want to see where the World Trade Center stood. I want to attend mass at St. Patrick Cathedral; stand outside of the Today Show, go to the top of the Empire State Building; see the Rockerfeller Center; Woodworth's Building.  I want to stand on Broadway and see all the marquees. I want to ride in a horse and carriage. I would like to go over to Brooklyn and ride the oldest rollercoaster. And of course, the shows....

The Broadway shows are something I want to see.  After having seen some shows in Chicago, it only makes me want to see more on Broadway.  'They say the neon lights are bright on Broadway'

Yes, trust me when I say, I really, really, really want to go on a trip to New York City.  I hope I get to go someday soon.

Sad Memories

There are times when this blog will be memories for my kids and just random thoughts. This is one of the memory times.

Thirteen years ago my brother-in-law, Dale Pitsch, died. I remember the day in spurts....burts of times and images....things said....and not said......

It was a Sunday. Wayne and I had come back from taking the kids to church and Wayne had left to go mow lawns. I was downstairs putting clothes in the washer when Amie came down with the phone telling me it was Aunt Ann. I could hear her but I couldn't understand what she was saying. All I understood was 'Dale' 'plane' 'crash'. I remember asking her if Scott was with Dale or if my dad was with Dale. I don't know why I asked that but I remember asking.

I have no recollection of what I said to my children. I think I tried to remain calm. I always try to outwardly look calm when I'm giving bad news. At that time I didn't know what happened to Dale. I really thought he was just injured in a plane crash.

I don't know how I got to Ann's house. There was a stretch of US 131 where I remember thinking someone needs to pull me over because I'm driving too fast and I don't remember how I've gotten where I was, I knew I shouldn't be driving at all....but there were no police cars to be found. I was driving about 85 mph. Whenever I get to that stretch along 131 I still think the same thing, it's where I can always see the clouds so clear, I remember looking at them and thinking, I need to start praying, so I did....I starting saying the rosary.

Ann wasn't at the house when I got there. There were a bunch of guys outside and one of them told me Dale and John had both died. Someone tried to hug me but I didn't let them. I just walked away.

Ann was too young to be a widow. Scott was only 7; Jessica was 5 almost 6 and Eric was 4, all way to young to be without their dad.

Scottie was convinced that his dad would be fine, that the doctors would be able to fix him. Jessie spent time on the trampoline yelling 'hi dad' to the sky; and Eric was just too young to understand anything.

Then everyone coming over....all the Pitsches....trying to get in touch with all the Pitsches....especially Mr. and Mrs. Pitsch so they didn't hear it from someone else....trying to find Mars and Wayne and mom and dad.

It was a horrible day. Things I don't remember and things I wish I could forget.

I think peoples lives changes that day. Or should I say, family and friends of Ann and Dale's lives changed that day. I think the direction of some of their lives changed after Dale died and they aren't even aware of it. Most of the Dale's brothers and sisters don't even speak to each other and I wonder if it would be different if Dale was still alive.

When I learn how to post pictures, a picture will follow.

June 30, 2010

Today is my first day of blogging. MacKenzie thought it would be good for me even if no one reads my blog. I didn't know what to write about so right now it will be a combination of things...my thoughts for the day and memories of my family and my dreams and some pictures. Maybe someday my family will find this blog in cyberspace and read it. For now, this is my practice day. I can't figure out how to change the font, but a little at a time.