"Life is lived forward, but understood backward. It is not until we are down the road and we stand on the mountain looking back through the valley that we can appreciate the terrain God has allowed us to scale.” Jill Savage

Thursday, November 15, 2012

Greyhound and the World Fair

Okay a little story from Chatty's past.  Tell me what you think.

I was 11 in 1964,  My brother was 18.  My dad as I have said before worked for Greyhound - and was pretty high up the ladder.  Well he decided in the summer of 1964 that my bother and I should see the World's Fair and visit the surrounding states to see the history.  He wasn't someone who asked if we wanted too and we were the type that didn't say no.  So my poor brother had to take his 11 year old sister for a coupe weeks all around the northeast.  And he knew I didn't want to go.

My parents put us on the bus - my heart was breaking.  I wanted to say home.  I did not want to go.  But go I went.

The first stop the bus made I went in and bought this postcard.  


 

This is what I wrote my mom.  I spelled my name Sandy then - I changed my name to Sandie when I was 15 which was a sort of declaration of independence for me.  That will be another story.


I don't even remember the cute boy - lol.  So off we went and landed in New York.  Well all I did was cry.  My brother's name was Andy (I was Sandy) and he didn't know what to do with me.  He did know I loved the Beatles.  And the movie A Hard Day's Night was just coming out.  So he brilliantly found the movie theater that was playing A Hard Day's Night and he put me in there in the morning and came to get me when the last movie was over.  It was the days movies played one after another and you could stay in there all day long.

He  got to see the Worlds Fair and I missed it, but I must have seen it a hundred times.  Every day he would take me there and then go on.


Click on here for the New York  Worlds Fair in 1964

We went to Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell - he saw it - I missed it, but again I saw the movie.





Click on the picture.
A Hard Day's Night in 1964.

We went to Washington DC and I missed that too, but again saw the movie.
Now he asked me once in the hotel if I wanted something to eat and I said no.  He went out to get some food - he walked 2 blocks and guess what - when he got back I wanted the hamburger and God bless his soul he gave it to me. 

We always had each others back in this family we had.  And when he died in 1997 a part of me died as well.

He was such a great guy, my daughter named my grandson after him.  He died 4/4/97 and my grandson was born 4/5/01.

And the funny thing is I don't have any memory of the world's fair or the movie.  Just the trip.

Love, sandie





59 comments:

momto8 said...

oh my gosh...can you imagine now expecting an 18 yr old to navigate AND take care of his younger sister? times have certainly changed..
a fun story!

~Lavender Dreamer~ said...

That was sad. But I'm sure you made a bond with your brother that lasted a lifetime. I'm sorry he passed...I know you miss him. Usually we come here to laugh...I'm glad you shared this. Sweet hugs!

Shelly said...

Oh, this was a poignant story- loved reading it!

I'm mostly known as 'MA' said...

I wouldn't have been one to sit and watch movies with all that to see, but I'm glad you do have some good memories of the trip and your Dad too. It's strange how people appreciate different things in life and how those things change as we grow older too. I never had a brother, only sisters. Sweet memories for sure. Hope your Thursday is a great one!

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

-chuckle- A different time, hu? Today, few would send off an 18 and 11 year old off, like that.

And a little girl could not be left in a movie theater all day, by herself.

Different times... But an interesting memory.

Jeanie said...

Very interesting story Sandie, with a lot of back story I am sure. It sounds like your brother did the best he could with the situation. So nice that your grandson is named for him.

Anonymous said...

I doubt you would see that happen today, what great memories, sad though,

Remington said...

Oh memories....some happy, some sad....great post, my friend!

Anonymous said...

Great memories but oh sad about your loving brother left this world so soon. Now he has met the Lord. The minute he stepped into Heaven's realm. His soul they say went instantly from death to being a spiritual body to Heaven but you will reconize him later. In Gods time.

You will see him again one day Sandie.

What a JOY that will be.

Anonymous said...

Sandie,
What a great story. I imagine that that trip made you and your brother even closer than you were.
Pat

Lois Christensen said...

First, I have to tell you that I was also at this very same World's Fair!!! I was just born and my mother's family came from Ohio to see me and they all went to the fair one day with me also! This photo is from Flushing, Queens, where my hubby grew up. We lived around 10 minutes from here. Amazing coincidence! Too bad you missed everything. Cannot believe your brother left you in the theater all those times!! Sounds like wonderful memories with your beloved brother!

TexWisGirl said...

awww. thanks for sharing those memories of your brother.

jack69 said...

What a bitter sweet entry. You must have seen the movie a thousand times!!!! LOL

I smile thinking of the unhappiness I was experiencing on the move when I got the puppy. Wish you had gotten a puppy instead of riding one. LOL

But our experiences make our lives. I did get a smile about the name change from Sandy to Sandie. Because I tried for awhile to make a change from jackie to jacky. didn't work for me.

Love it all, life is really good. The love for your brother I also understand. SWEET!

jack69 said...

What a bitter sweet entry. You must have seen the movie a thousand times!!!! LOL

I smile thinking of the unhappiness I was experiencing on the move when I got the puppy. Wish you had gotten a puppy instead of riding one. LOL

But our experiences make our lives. I did get a smile about the name change from Sandy to Sandie. Because I tried for awhile to make a change from jackie to jacky. didn't work for me.

Love it all, life is really good. The love for your brother I also understand. SWEET!

Southhamsdarling said...

Well, Sandie, I would have thought you would have remembered the film, after sitting through it so many times! How sweet thAt your brother gave you his haburger. Just imagine doing something like that these days!

Cranberry Morning said...

Oh Sandie, that was such a sweet family story! I'm so glad that postcard was not thrown out. And the story of the movie over and over was so believable! I know you miss your brother. These sweet relationships never really leave us. And you have fond memories. Loved this post.

Suzan said...

Such a different day and time from then compared to now! I fear for my grown daughters to go on a trip with friends.
Did you ever ask your Mom what she thought of your Dad sending off her 11 year old daughter? She couldn't have been very happy with you being gone like that to places unknown! You had a fantastic brother - but you know that!!
Soooo funny about your name! Back then- there were always a couple of Susans in my classroom, so in Jr. College - I changed my Susan name to Suzan. Then when I turned 21, I had it legally changed from "s" to "z" :-}}}

Lisa @ Two Bears Farm said...

You make your brother sound so special. So sad that you were so homesick, but I did have to laugh over you watching that movie so many times!

MadSnapper said...

all i can think of is the danger these days of leaving and 11 year old girl in a theater alone or letting her go off with her brother. but back then was much different, we used to go and stay all afternoon watching several movies. my dad was the same way, if he wanted us to do something there was no getting around doing it. we just did it. sorry you lost your brother so early in life. when you were taking your trip i was waiting for my son david to be born.
left home to get away from daddy telling me what to do and stepped right out of the fry pan into the fire.

Susannah said...

I'm sorry you were so homesick but you have wonderful, sweet memories of you big brother.

The Boston Lady said...

Somewhere is a picture of me (at 5) and my grandparents standing in front of that globe at the 1964 World's Fair! They lived in New Jersey and we went to the fair during a visit to their place. I remember nothing because of my age, I guess.

I love your story about your trip with your brother. And that postcard is priceless. More than priceless? The memory of that trip (and all those showings of A Hard Day's Night!) with your brother. I bet you wish you could do it over again! Ann

LL Cool Joe said...

Your brother sounds like a really special person, what a wonderful story. It sounds like he looked after you so well. :) I bet you miss him.

Michaele said...

Oh I just loved this story. Humor and heart. What a great memory.

Michaele said...

p.s. cute post card!

Betsy Banks Adams said...

Interesting story, Sandie.. Sounds like you have great memories of your brother. I had two older brothers and both are gone now... I miss them!!!!

Sounds like your grandson is a great example of keeping the memory of your brother alive. Glad Andy is carrying on your brother's name.

Hugs,
Betsy

Grandma Bonnie said...

Wonderful story. Memories are a blessing of our loved ones. I bet you treasure the memory of your brother taking care of you while traveling. Now days we can't even send the kids to the corner store alone. I hope you have a great day.

Ms. A said...

There's no way on earth I would have trusted my 18 year old son, away from home, with his younger sister! It's not that he couldn't take care of her, it's just that things were so much different in those days.

PS: I hate to point this out, but today is Thursday. You've lost a day, again.

Susan said...

Hi Sandie...Well my gosh, that was a good read. Did your Dad ever find out your bro left you alone in a theater for so many hours? You were brave to be in the theater all by yourself. And you were just a little girl, too!

Well, nowadays, no 18 year old would take his baby sister on such a trip. I'm amazed your parents let your bro go on a bus,etc., to all those places with his little sister.

Anyway, at least you got to spend time with him and now he's gone from this world.

Take care, Sandie, and have a nice evening. Susan

Unknown said...

Interesting story, it's nice to have those memories.

Marsha Young said...

He sounds like a good brother, and a typical "guy" when it came to his little sister. At least on that trip.

Sorry you lost him too soon, but glad you have good memories with him.

A really good post. Marsha

Ann said...

what a great story. It sounds like your brother was a great guy. My brother and I were pretty close but I don't think he would have been that generous with me.

Gina said...

What a great story and even better, what great memories to treasure!

Bev said...

Wonderful story...wonderful memories!!

Wanda's Wings said...

He sounds like a true "hero". It's good to have those special memories.

Dee said...

Did your mom find out? Your brother was smart and kind hearted. You both were just kids. I am happy it had a good ending and a life time of sentimental memories. My daughter changed the spelling of her name from Amy to Aimee in her rebellious age... truly hurt my feelings...she is now back to Amy :)

valerietilsten59.blogspot.com said...

What an unbelievable story.. to go on a trip at 11 with your 18 year old brother, your parents were very trusting of your brother.
I met my husband in 1964 and married in 65.
You have fond memories of your dear brother Sandie,
a lovely story you have shared.
what an adventure to remember.
val

Debbie said...

He was a really special brother! I love this story, especially the postcard. I love that you still have it. (I can't believe you missed all the adventures!! I probably would understand if I were just enough older to *get* the Beatles, right?

This was a great post and story, btw.

Nonnie said...

Oh my, my, my. My parents wouldn't even let us go to the movies, let alone get on a bus and travel like that. What an amazing brother you had, and what a special bond. Thanks for sharing this. So cool that you still have the postcard, but the memories are even better.

Miss Debbie said...

Funny and sweet! I can't imagine your dad sending you off like that. He must have had a lot of confidence and trust in your brother.And it seems it was well put!

Dar said...

Andy had to feel the same special bond with you. What a bittersweet truth. Life sure throws some curves. I had the chance at the tender age of 13 to live in New York as a nanny for 3 children. I cried my eyes out at the thought of it and talked long with my mother. She knew I was not ready for such an opportunity and insisted she needed me at home. To this day, I am grateful she did not want me to go either.
Can you imagine sending a kid to see the world's fair alone? Unreal! I'm happy you and your brother had bonding time over that burger, and with your Dad on the bus.
BlessYourHeart

Paula said...

Oh my goodness I can't imagine my brother (eight years older)taking me anywhere like that. Anyway we were too country. lol

Holly said...

Oh Sandie, That is such a wonderful story. It is so apparent how special you both were to each other! Those kind of relationships are true gifts, aren't they?
Blessings!

betty said...

What did your mom think about at the time when your dad was planning this Sandie? I'm sure for your brother it was an adventure being 18, but I can see your reluctance to go at 11, especially being so far away from your parents. That was sweet of your brother to find something to do for you to make it less miserable. So I bet you know all the lines of the movie by the time you got home. Did your dad ever find out you actually never made it to the World's Fair?

Your brother sounded like a wonderful man and brother. There is something special about older brothers and little sisters.

I think God blessed you in having GS born so close to your brother's passing in dates; makes a sad day be a happy day the next day when you celebrate GS's birthday.

thanks for sharing this (I think you shared it a bit before because I do remember bits of the story?)

betty

Karen said...

A sad story, You must miss your brother very much, and writing this post must have made you very sad. Hope you feel better soon.
Best Wishes
Karen.

rubyslipperz1052 said...

I think you were quite brave to sit in a dark theatre all day by yourself. I probably would've sat frozen, holding my breath out of fear. (that would've been the first time). Then, I would've cried to be taken along with the brother.

I'm sad that he is gone and you miss him so much. =(. But, memories can sometimes bring warm fuzzies to give us comfort.

hugZ,
annie

Mary said...

I agree...happy life is for the now.

Anupama K. Mazumder said...

Fone memories! The postcard is so cute!

Volatile Spirits

Granny Annie said...

A great, loving family story.

Lynn said...

Well that was a different time - it's hard to imagine sending a young girl off with her brother like that.

I'm sorry your brother has passed away - lovely that your grandson is named after him.

Tanna said...

You and your brother shared a very special bond, Sandie. I love this story. I'm always amazed at the two of you launching off on such an adventure! blessings ~ tanna

Auntie sezzzzzz... said...

Nov. 16th...

Wonderful! Your Christmas shopping nearly done! Super!

Actually, I don't have much to do now. Adults don't do much gift exchanging and Mommy usually knows what younger 'grands' want.

I've been cutting back on the Gift Giving Frenzy for years. Hard to do, at first. Got easier, as time went on. :-)

Marie said...

Thanks for sharing such memories.:) It's so special that your GS is named after your brother.
I almost forgot that your GS and I share the same birthday.:)
Happy Friday, Sandie!

Nikki (Sarah) said...

Oh Sandie...this really touched me...what a tribute...and memory to Andy....I didn't realize your grandson was named after him. I wish you were here...boy I'd hug you to tight.....

Jim said...

Thank you, Sandie, for this bit of your earlier life. You for sure had a nice older brother who took care of you well then. I have a feeling he did that until his early death.

Beetles fans are like that. My daughter lives (in London, U.K.) right around he corner from Paul McCartney's London house. See it here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xoleCl26e4w

Our granddaughter, KP, walks this walk every day, from those six story flats on the left on Circus Road, past the Abbey Road studios, and to her school past the next corner.
..

Anonymous said...

That's the same age difference as me and my brother and sister (twins). I would have hated that responsibility when I was 18, your brother was very patient.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I can feel the love you have for your brother in this story. I know you miss him still! Sending you a big hug! Linda

Annesphamily said...

What a story Sandie! I love it! My father passed away on April 5th! I will always remember your grandsons birthday now!

What a great older brother you had! Times have changed and I am not sure for the better! We lived in simpler times and I miss them.

Debby@Just Breathe said...

What a sweet story and what an adventure for an 11 year old. I think I would have cried too!

Angela said...

I just can't imagine letting my kids go off on a trip like that without me. I could never do that. Your poor brother had to budget the money out to. He must have been a very mature 18 year old.