The pickle jar Part 1

[Stewart Way]

Frank
This story made me think of my Father and his determination that my sister and I have a college education. He was born and raised in the woods of NB Canada. Typical 1 room schoolhouse that went to the 10th grade. When he graduated he took a course in diesel and moved 150 miles away to work for his eventual father in law. WWII came along and in 39 he joined the RCAF and became a fighter pilot. After the war he married my mother and went into business for himself and also did crop dusting in Maine after immigrating for a "better life". When my sister and I came along, he sold the plane, sold the business and got a "good" job so he could put us thru college. There was never a question if my sister and I would go to college, only where.
My parents saved all they could. We didn't have a second car until I was 12 even though he would sometimes travel a month at a time and then home a few days, but by the time I was 12 they had paid the house off. We walked or taxied to the store and where ever else we needed to go.
My father did well. By the time college came along he didn't have to dip into the savings, just pay as we went.
Once my sister and I graduated college (70 and 72) he started to spend a little. Bought a ski boat, traveled a lot, and after retiring in 1981 spent 2-3 months a year at the old homestead in Canada.
He passed away in 1999 but we still have the old place in Canada and the wife, kids and grandkids will be going up for a stay again this summer. The rest of the family fly up and I pull an inclosed trailer with 4 wheelers, golf cart, canoe, toys and luggage. Mom doesn't go up anymore. At 87 she doesn't like to travel. My son and I are currently restoring the old boat. Its nothing special but we'll keep it anyway.
I don't have a pickle jar but when the first grandchild was born we set up an account so that hopefully they will have the same chance I did. Thanks mon and dad.

[FrankChastain]

Stewart, thanks for the great story. There are probably 100's out there and a friend of mine sent the pickle jar one to me. Don't have a clue if it is true but, well worth reading anyway....Frank

[Dick Butler]

Growing up my Moms family of 4 brothers were always visiting my grandparents who lived less than a mile from our house. Each Uncle took turns "going for a walk" around the neighborhood with me. Each talking about school, what subjects did I like and always encouraging me to get a college education. One who was a Ph D. encouraged me to become an M.D. so I could do research, teach or practice Medicine as I loved Science.
All of them are gone now but I always knew their motive and appreciated their encouragement. I retired from Medicine a year ago and it is a very satisfying memory of my career and family. Now it has been my turn to encourage higher education and it has produced several more motivated family students.....