On The Street Where You Live

I read today that legendary singer Vic Damone has died.  He was 89 years old.

My dad often sang the song, “On The Street Where You Live.”  When I heard of Mr. Damone’s passing, I immediately was led to listen to that one hit song of his;  just because my dad used to start singing it in his recliner chair in our family room, but by the time he reached the crescendo part of the song he would be standing up singing and making motions with his hands.  He had a very good voice (of course, not as polished or professional as Vic Damone’s) and I know that when I was very young he participated in some plays and had singing roles at a neighborhood playhouse.  I was too young to go to the plays, but often saw photos of him acting and singing in them.  I wonder whether or not he had a role in “My Fair Lady” at the playhouse? I need to ask my mom, who is now 93 years young!  She has trouble remembering certain things these days, but she can often can recall several memories from decades ago! For example, she often reminds me about the one time she took me and my siblings to the beach in Long Beach Island, N.J.. I may have been, 4 or 5 years old? Anyway, she turned around and noticed that I was gone. In a panic, she started looking for me. Quite a while later, she found me; sunburned and not concerned that I was alone for so long. I wasn’t really very far from where we were set up on the beach and I was just playing with my pail and shovel in the sand. That was the LAST time she ever took us three kids to the beach alone!  When us kids were older, we used to spend family vacations in a rental house on Long Beach Island.  My dad wasn’t an avid “beach person,” but my siblings and I would often walk to the beach for a day in the sun and sea.  My dad and I were alike in one way; we both didn’t like to ride in boats because we would get sea sick!

Back in 2014, I wrote a post entitled, “Remembering Dad” here at this blog. It is a story about true events that happened where I was led (while feeling totally inadequate!) to share the gospel of Jesus Christ and how to be born again with my own father. My mom was in the room with us and recited the prayer of salvation along with my dad. He died at the young age of 71. The title of that song has increased significance in my mind because my dad was saved on the street where he lived.

Now that my mom is approaching her 94th birthday in April, she often tells me on the phone that she doesn’t fear dying because it “happens to everyone.” She asked me recently if she was a good mom. I replied, “of course you were, and always have been!” In any relationship, there are troubles, disagreements, and situations that we can’t have control over. She has endured a lot.  When my dad died in 1994, and when my sister died in 2011, they were two of the most difficult times in her life. She says that she hopes to see her daughter and her husband in heaven when it is her time to leave this earth.

The assisted living place where she currently resides conducts church services and Bible readings for the residents.  I’m so glad to hear that she often attends when she is feeling well enough to be present for the sermons.  I think they have really helped her and the fellowship has been very good for her.

I go back to visit her once a year.  For the past two years, my daughter and granddaughter came along with me!  So grateful for that!

 

Last July, we had a “four generations” professional photo shoot with Gram!

    Top photo:  4 Generations.                           Bottom photo:  My Mom (left) and her sister (right).

This coming April, our family is planning a 1920’s themed birthday party for her! The women will be dressed in flapper accessories, and the men will wear felt fedora hats and carry fake cigars like the “gangsters” used back then. My brother loved the idea and said he may go “all out” and wear a pinstriped suit to the dinner party! LOL!  Since many family members are spread out in different states, I hope that we can have a good turnout for this party and get-together.  I know that my dear cousin and her mom (my mom’s 98-year-old sister!) plan to be there!

Memorable times with family are some of the most important times in my life.  I’m sure, dear readers, that you each also have special memories!  If anyone feels inclined to share them, please do in the comment section!

Thanks for visiting and reading!

~ Christine

Tags: Family Memories, Singer Vic Damone