The war ended in 1945 - May in Europe, August in Japan. There was enormous relief and celebration.
Bob couldn’t come home until he was officially discharged a year later: May 5, 1946. It was a big event. Chris had turned three just 5 weeks earlier. He remembers a particular moment of anticipation on the day.
During that long time, when the family was separated by the war, someone must have told Chris that he was the Man of the House now. The little man had responsibilities. He was thinking about himself as the Man of the House while he waited for his father to come home. His mother must have been excited and all dressed up. Chris was wearing a coat and matching cap. He walked back and forth in front of one of those big wooden radios, thinking and waiting.
That year was exciting all over the country. All over the world. My own parents married in June of that year. Their wedding, in Portland Oregon, took place 1000 miles north of the recently reunited Stephens family. The families wouldn’t meet for almost 20 years.
His father’s return was not the only big change to Chris’ family. His brother, Gregory Alan Stephens, was born on November 30, 1946.
The young family breathed in the ocean air during those sunny days in San Diego.
No comments:
Post a Comment