my parent's generation

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I have been thinking about the fact that the three of the poets I have made part of my morning reading are from my parent’s generation. As is Paul Fussell whose memoirs I am reading.

Here are pics and birth years of people in my family and people whom I have been reading.

Copy (2) of 22.TIF
David Jenkins, my father's oldest brother

David Jenkins b 1922

Paul Fussell, whose memoir Doing Battle: The Making of a Skeptic I am almost finished reading.

Paul Fussell b 1924

Clyde and Dorothy Hatch, my wife's parents
Clyde and Dorothy Hatch, my wife's parents, sitting with my niece Kim Weinert nee Hatch

Dorothy Hatch b 1924

My Mom on the left; her mother, Thelma in the center; and big sister, Eloise on the right
My Mom on the left; her mother, Thelma in the center; and big sister, Eloise on the right

Eloise Reveal b 1925

Clyde Hatch, my wife's father
Clyde Hatch, my wife's father

Clyde Hatch b 1925

Mary Jenkins, my Mom
Mary Jenkins, my Mom

Mary Jenkins b 1926

Jon Jenkins, the middle son between my Dad and Uncle Dave
Jon Jenkins, the middle son between my Dad and Uncle Dave

Jon Jenkins b 1927

Anne Sexton b 1928, whose poetry and letters I am currently reading

Adrienne Rich b 1929, whose poetry I am also currently reading

Paul Jenkins, my Dad
Paul Jenkins, my Dad

Paul Jenkins b 1929

John Updike b 1932, author whose books I have read over the years and whose poetry I am currently reading.

These people are listed from oldest to youngest. I think of them as roughly in the same generation. I suppose Updike is a bit too young to be included. Of this group, only my Mom and her sister, Eloise are still alive.

I am struck by the many experiences of American life represented here.

When Paul Fussell exclaims in his memoirs with disgust at the then Vice-president, Richard Nixon, I am reminded that my father later voted for Nixon for president because he was too wary of that dang Roman Catholic, Kennedy.

Both Fussell and Sexton come from very wealthy families, Fussell in California, Sexton in New England. Both of these people break out of the insularity of their background and have very helpful criticisms of their and consequently our time.

I have a funeral to attend today. Eileen’s cousin and contemporary Harry Hatch (link to obit FWIW) died a week ago Tuesday. He was roughly Eileen’s and my age. She seemed a tad shook by this death as is understandable. I was surprised that she assumed I wouldn’t go to the funeral with her. I assumed I would and am planning on it. I told her that not all husband are like the Mad Man Don Draper (whom I am coming to despise the more we watch this silly series).

Actor Jon Hamm who plays Don Draper in Mad Men... a stinker in my opinion

So I need to get some practice in this morning before we drive to Muskegon. Maybe I’ll write more about my parent’s generation later.

But now I gotta skate.

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1 thought on “my parent's generation”

  1. Eileen (via Steve)– my condolences on the death of your cousin, Harry. My prayer is that your memories confort your loss. Kindy regards, Michelle in NH

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