2 new stories from Jerry (audio)

I have more time now in retirement so I can dig into the archives for the Jerry Sherlock Story. The time has come to share these two stories that Dad wouldn’t initially let me publish.

So let’s set the scene for this segment of my conversation with Dad. I was recording with him, outdoor in Smithfield, RI on Sunday, July 29, 2007.

For part of this recording session, I had some clarifications that I wanted to make on some of the stories covered thus far. One of the clarifications sparked a couple of stories he had not told ‘the kids’ (meaning my brothers and sisters).

As I processed the files for publication, Dad had me hold off on these two stories as his grandchildren were too young. Time has marched on. Dad has left us now going on 7 years and the youngest of the grandchildren is now over 21. I see no reason why we can share the stories now. I believe Dad would approve.

As time permits, I’ll continue to refresh Jerry’s Story but these were the only two stories that had been held back per his request. 

Without further ado, here is my conversation with Jerry in 2007 when he reveals two stories he had not previously shared.

https://www.hipcast.com/podcast/Hm54TQ7X




More on the differences between the K and C ration from wikipedia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/K-ration


The opening and closing piano clip is from Shady Dave 
https://freesound.org/people/ShadyDave/sounds/325611/

Jerry and his grandchildren - a sample

Jerry with Allison back in the day




Jerry with Carolyn back in the day




Jerry with a bunch of the little ones at the time




Jerry with his grandchildren no longer "little ones"

Impromptu

Bob and Mike came in for a couple of days to visit with Jerry. We had an impromptu party Friday night with Jerry. He had fish and chips which he likes and got to pose with a few of his grandchildren:

Jerry and some of his grandchildren

When Jerry's grandchildren took a couple of minutes to pose on the Thanksgiving weekend, this was one of the results.



Jerry, don't think your cap would pass muster that way!

Swim team success

Papa's granddaughter Avery is doing well on the Smithfield (RI) High School Team.

Newly created swim team is undefeated : foxprovidence.com

Dear Papa,

I think I want to just say a few things from the perspective of your 13 grandchildren. What a lucky lot we are. We are all still figuring out what our contribution may be to this world we live in, we face unique challenges ahead. You have the benefit of knowing what your contribution was. Our freedom and our family.

As you have shared your story here and with us in person, we have come to know the exact extent of this. You returned home from the Pacific with stories no one would believe. So instead of telling them you moved on. While that is a simple sentence I know it could not have been that easy. I’m sure meeting Grandma helped. As well as these crazy kids of yours that started showing up. The stories from their childhood are also fun to hear. Baseball, food, sewing, wheel-barrels, cranberries at Christmas, and cleaning the floor. They look back on it with a fondness that is shared with us.

When we get to the moment on Jerry's story when we are present, we will have gone through some very significant moments in your life. And we each have our own Papa stories to share. And share them we will. But on today, Father’s Day I wanted you to know just how much we love you.

Our lives would have been so different if you were not in it.

I still might not be able to add to 15. But hours of Cribbage practice have made that a reality. I still haven’t won a game unless you were on my team, but that’s to be expected when playing against the Master Champion of the World (and Central Falls).

My first trip to the WaterFire would not have been as magical. Inspiration for artists is all around them through out their entire life, access to moments like this helps me stay inspired everyday.

Hot dogs, Del's, peanuts, pretzels, ice cream in mini hats and baseball. PawSox Games were looked forward to as summer treasures.

You are close to holding the world record for games/events attended by any Papa. Swim meets, graduations, baseball, softball, soccer, volleyball, backyard badminton and volleyball tournaments, eagle scout ceremonies, bring your grandfather to school day… the list goes on.

Our stories about you will continue. And at some point they will be recorded. Our oral history as a family has been started. Thanks for sharing with us. We listen eager to learn more about your life, and your place in our countries history. We can only aspire one day to be as influential in the lives of our loved ones as you are.

Happy Father’s Day.

Now sit back, relax, and try everyone of the desserts tonight. You deserve it.

Semper Fi.

~Allie

Volleyball

Jerry will be viewing the RI High School Division II Volleyball championship today between Cranston East and Mount St Charles. Grandson, Kegan Moody, is playing for Cranston East.

The Providence Journal posted an article and has pictures from the semi-finals games here
http://www.projo.com/highschool/content/Volleyball_Szostak_Division_II_05-26-10_4HIKP_v3.39ceae9.html

and the outlook for today's championship game is here:
http://www.projo.com/highschool/content/sp_hs_volleyball_28_05-29-10_KCILV5F_v3.1106327a.html

All photos copyright of the Providence Journal. The originals can be found here:
http://www.projo.com/highschool/slideshows/2009-10/0525_volleyball/

Proud Papa

Meserve_ProudPapa, originally uploaded by shersteve.

Jerry posed with his grandchildren