11.13.07
Old Photos Tell A Story
Since readers of this blog seem to enjoy old photos, today I decided to share one more. Knowing just a little about the man on the left, to me, this moment captured in time speaks volumes.
Even though John Augustine Grace was my grandfather, I realize now that I never knew much about him, and I certainly never had the chance to meet him. All of my grandparents had died by the time I arrived.
From family accounts, I know that John was quiet, dutiful, and Irish. On his World War I draft card, he describes himself as having a “medium build,” “gray eyes,” and “dark hair.” From the photo, we can visually verify that he worked as a conductor on the trolley cars, in Manchester, New Hampshire.
If one can extrapolate a profile of an entire portion of Manchester’s population by assessing the virtues of one man, I would state that my grandfather, like many men of Irish descent, had his mind set on providing for his (seven) children, bringing them up “in the faith,” and giving them the core roots of dignity and values so that they could attain a better life. He spent his days working, and little else is known of him.
Perhaps, ultimately, that is all we need to know. In this life, there is little of lasting worth that can compete with love of family and provision for them. John A. Grace rose to the call of duty, and was ready to serve his country in 1918, although he was not asked to do so. He lived, he loved, he died. That is really the essence of what most of us do.
Patricia Cummings
