Came here to echo what many others already have: this is a beautiful story, beautifully told, and brought on some healthy tears. Iām so glad I read this story.
With respect to the speed sumps at Hudson Valley CC, upon further investigation with street views on Google Maps, some of the sumps do display a bit of an attempt to drain the dips with a small diameter pipe trough the curb on each side of the road. Other installations have no attempt to drain the dip. One location has a dip followed by a bump. Signing is also a bit sporadic, ranging from none at all, to the aforementioned āSpeed Dip Aheadā to āCaution Dip 5 mphā to āCaution Icy Pavementā presumably since the sump freezes when it doesnāt drain. What a bizarre combination of attempts at speed control. The next time we visit our son in the Capital Region, I may have to make a trip there to see these in person.
Thanks so much for sharing this story, Ted. My parents (and in-laws) are thankfully still with us but getting on in years, and I find myself thinking about scenarios like this more often these days. It was both touching and heartbreaking to read about your multiple "full-circle" moments with your mother (who sounds like an absolutely wonderful woman).
Oh my goodness... what a wonderful and touching story. The Fisher Price donut... I remember them so well. (I was born in the early 70's.) I never thought a story about one could bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that, Ted. (And thank you too, for letting Ted share that on your site, Paul.) I love the way you both see the world...
I'm glad I waited to read this once I got home from school. I don't think I would like for my students seeing me cry from reading Ted's story. Ted, a heartfelt thank you for sharing this.
Fantastic heartwarming story. We all have those things that remind us of loved ones now long gone. As my mother was suffering through dementia and I was visiting her in assisted living, one of the other residents asked who I was. While pointing to my mom I explained that I was her son. My mother replied ā Weāll see about that.ā To this day whenever anyone says that they bring a smile of remembrance to my face.
Came here to echo what many others already have: this is a beautiful story, beautifully told, and brought on some healthy tears. Iām so glad I read this story.
Thank you so much ā I like the idea of healthy tears.
Wow, amazing show and tell. But as a former Uni Watcher, the sweatshirt you have on with your mom looks amazing. Is that a URI Ram punching a rival?
It is, in fact! I used to love that sweatshirt. My sister went to grad school at URI.
@Ted, I loved this piece when it first came out and am so happy to see it shared with more people. Itās a treasure.
Thank you so much, Lori!
Ted, thatās a beautiful story and such a beautiful gesture. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you, Jeff.
With respect to the speed sumps at Hudson Valley CC, upon further investigation with street views on Google Maps, some of the sumps do display a bit of an attempt to drain the dips with a small diameter pipe trough the curb on each side of the road. Other installations have no attempt to drain the dip. One location has a dip followed by a bump. Signing is also a bit sporadic, ranging from none at all, to the aforementioned āSpeed Dip Aheadā to āCaution Dip 5 mphā to āCaution Icy Pavementā presumably since the sump freezes when it doesnāt drain. What a bizarre combination of attempts at speed control. The next time we visit our son in the Capital Region, I may have to make a trip there to see these in person.
Whew. I did not expect to be crying at work over a hunk of Fisher-Price plastic, but here we are.
A lovely story, beautifully told.
Sorry!
Thanks so much for sharing this story, Ted. My parents (and in-laws) are thankfully still with us but getting on in years, and I find myself thinking about scenarios like this more often these days. It was both touching and heartbreaking to read about your multiple "full-circle" moments with your mother (who sounds like an absolutely wonderful woman).
Thanks so much, Mike. This seemed a natural one to try to capture.
<< He and I have similar storytelling sensibilities >> I had that thought as I read the first few grafs. Great piece, Ted.
Thank you, Chris.
As my mother travels that same road, I found that this story made me love her more. Thank You.
This made my day. Thank you so much.
Oh my goodness... what a wonderful and touching story. The Fisher Price donut... I remember them so well. (I was born in the early 70's.) I never thought a story about one could bring tears to my eyes. Thank you for sharing that, Ted. (And thank you too, for letting Ted share that on your site, Paul.) I love the way you both see the world...
Thank you so much, Dan.
I'm glad I waited to read this once I got home from school. I don't think I would like for my students seeing me cry from reading Ted's story. Ted, a heartfelt thank you for sharing this.
Thank you for saying so, James.
A powerful reminder of the simple things that connect us to each other. Thank you for sharing.
Fantastic heartwarming story. We all have those things that remind us of loved ones now long gone. As my mother was suffering through dementia and I was visiting her in assisted living, one of the other residents asked who I was. While pointing to my mom I explained that I was her son. My mother replied ā Weāll see about that.ā To this day whenever anyone says that they bring a smile of remembrance to my face.
What a touching story. Thank you for sharing.
Wow that story was a gut punch. Wasn't expecting to be crying in the office on a Tuesday morning.
Sorry!
It was so beautiful - thank you for sharing.
Powerful. Donāt read this one on the train without proper sunglasses and a tissue. Thank you Mr. Anthony, and thank you, Paul.
Thank you so much.