Moments and Memories

By Xlibris US

Some people might think this is strange, writing a book about someone who has passed away. Well, thats just a matter of opinion. After all, if we believe, if we really believe, than there is no need to worry because the essence of the individual concerned is still present; just not to the human eye. I believe, and so this book is for you dad.

Although you have been gone for so many years, I still think of you. At this point in my life I wish I had discovered my interest in writing and had composed something like this when you were here with me. Now, there are only memories but even those are precious and my eyes begin to water thinking of you.

The fact that I am the middle and only living son in a small family, I chose to remember my father who passed away in 1981 in a special way. So, after seven years of research and careful thought I brought this book about my father to life; a unique man who definitely experienced a wonderful life.

I hope you enjoy the story of our trip to Ireland and the many individual stories of my fathers life and the history of his family. Perhaps this is the start of a tradition of memories of other family members that may produce more stories and maybe another book a beginning for someone.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Xlibris US
• Release date: Feb 10, 2014
• ISBN: 9781493151578

Book preview

Moments and

Memories

The Life and Times of

William Edward Devine

Dec. 6, 1910-Jul 12, 1981

James G. Devine

Copyright © 2014 by James G. Devine.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the copyright owner.

Rev. date: 01/31/2014

To order additional copies of this book, contact:

Xlibris LLC

1-888-795-4274

www.Xlibris.com

[e-mail]

143541

Contents

PREFACE

Chapter 1: The Beginning

Chapter 2: Family Crest

Chapter 3: The Ancestral Link

Chapter 4: Guardian Angel

Chapter 5: William Edward’s Life

Chapter 6: Gift of Hands

Chapter 7: Moments Captured on Film

Chapter 8: Daughter, Wife and Mother

Chapter 9: The Country

Chapter 10: Rat Pack

Chapter 11: Groceries—We Deliver

Chapter 12: A Cottage Life for Me

Chapter 13: The End and the Dream

Chapter 14: Some Final Thoughts

Chapter 15: Until We Meet Again

PREFACE

T h is book was started a number of years ago. My father’s 25 th anniversary was approaching and I wanted to do something special. I started accumulating a number of stories that surrounded his life but I needed something to bring everything together. I created a story in which my grandson and I went off to tour Ireland for a holiday. During this vacation period I chose to drop in these individual stories of my father as they are presently found within the book. I think everything worked out nicely.

My cousin Jim was a big help by filling in the missing pieces. Without his help I don’t think this book would have been completed. My cousin Paul read the draft stage and made appropriate comments to help bring this book one step closer to fulfillment. My sister, Mary, answered several questions to survey sheets I sent her while she lived up north asking for information on my father. She’s no longer here but she was helpful and I will always appreciate her effort.

If there is any repetition—I extend my apologies. I had hoped to have a balance between the facts of my father’s life and the corresponding dates. Each story stands on its own merits. It is my hope that anyone reading this book will have a greater appreciation of who my father was as a person.

As you read through the book there may be moments you can identify with and have a liking for. Some events may also induce memories that cause you to smile and hopefully will tug close to your heart.

May each of us always hold on to those special moments that have occurred in our lives and the memories formed. Both those moments and memories will keep us strong as we journey through life.

James G. Devine, November 2013

Chapter 1

The Beginning

From small beginnings come great things.

—Proverb

E van Devine closed the exam booklet and let out a long sigh. His final High School exam was over and he could already feel the relief and pressure that he had been under during the past two weeks. There was still time left as he looked up at the clock on the wall. He sat at his desk thinking, trying to appreciate the silence still left to him.

Perhaps he would go over to his grandparent’s house and visit with the respected couple. He hadn’t seen them in the last couple of weeks and looked forward to their warm good nature. They were almost 80 years old but still very active. He loved the conversation he had with his grandfather and enjoyed the carrot cake and muffins his grandmother always had available.

The bell rang, the booklets were collected and Evan made his way out of the classroom and towards his locker which was on the first floor. He grabbed his jacket and stuffed a variety of items inside his backpack and made his way to the exit doors.

Hey Evan! came a familiar voice from the yard as he stood at the top of the school stairs.

We’re going to The White Rose for cokes and fries. Want to come along?

The group of boys and girls stood huddled on the front lawn looking at Evan and waiting for an answer.

Sorry guys. I’m going to see my grandparents. Another time, thanks.

He stood there for a moment as the group gathered their things and made their way to the coffee shop across the street.

The ride on the bus was short as was the walk up the three blocks to the detached house that sat in the middle of the street. The car was in the driveway so he knew that both of his grandparents were at home. Evan looked at his watch. It was almost 1:00 p.m. He could feel the hunger pains in his stomach and looked forward to a wonderful meal. His grandparents should be having lunch about this time.

He opened the front door and called out to let them know he was there. His grandmother greeted him and gave him a big hug.

My God, such a pleasant surprise! she said as she led him into the kitchen.

I like your moustache Evan. It makes you look older and more mature. Are you going to keep it? she asked as she sat down beside him at the kitchen table and placed one hand on his hand and the other on his shoulder. There was silence as she gave him another hug and then she went to put the kettle on.

I’m not sure at the moment. I think I’ll leave it for a couple of weeks before making any final decision. How have you been feeling grandma? he asked, always concerned about their present health.

Fine dear, your grandfather keeps me on my toes most days.

Where is grandpa? His car is in the driveway. Evan took off his jacket and hung it on the back of the wooden chair.

He’s upstairs with his books and toys. What exactly he’s doing I never ask. Sometimes he has a nap otherwise he is reading another novel or writing a new story.

Jim, Evan’s here! she called as she was getting the cups and plates from the cupboard.

Evan walked to the bottom of the stairs. His grandfather was slowly making his way down to the bottom and when he was clear he embraced the young boy.

Good to see you Evan. I like the moustache—very distinguished. Staying for lunch?

Yes! You two were the first ones I thought of this morning. I’ve missed you both. I thought this was a good opportunity to spend some time with each of you.

We made our way back into the kitchen and settled ourselves at the table beneath the skylight.

How does it feel to have all of your exams over? His grandfather asked the young man.

Great! I wrote the last one this morning. Piece of cake! he said as he smiled at the elderly couple.

You were always very smart in school Evan. I’m sure you’ll find something challenging in the future. It just takes time. Looking forward to University in the fall?

That’s one of the reasons why I came over to talk to the both of you. I’m thinking of taking a break. There are some issues I want to deal with first; sort of unfinished business. School can wait a little longer.

There was silence from everyone for a brief moment. Terry brought over the tea to the table and poured some in each cup. Then she brought out the carrot cake.

After you finish telling us what you want to do, I’ll make you a nice lunch. It’s already past your grandfather’s schedule.

His grandmother sat down at the table with the two men she loved with strong affection.

Evan started to explain what he was thinking. He wanted to travel, explore, think and try to decide what he wanted to do with his life at this moment. He hadn’t mentioned anything to his parents and wanted to have someone support him if necessary. He also wanted to do some research into his family tree; have a better understanding of both the Irish and the Pakistan sides of his heritage. This seemed to be the ideal time.

His grandfather excused himself and went back upstairs. In the meantime Evan’s grandmother asked the boy what he wanted for lunch.

Do you have any bacon? he asked.

I think so, dear, replied his grandmother with a smile.

His grandfather came down the stairs carrying a thick file folder with him. He sat back down at the table and placed it on the table.

This is all the material I have gathered over the years on your great grandfather and the Devine’s. Some are stories, some notes and information. I meant to type it all up but just never seemed to get around to it.

Evan was impressed.

Perhaps this would be a good time to plan a trip to Ireland and get a sense of reality with all of this information. Would you like some company—a tour guide as it were? Your grandmother and I were always planning to return but that idea somehow got placed on the back burner.

Sure! That would be wonderful. Maybe it would settle the argument I’ve been having about me wanting to travel when school was finished. Who knows, maybe I can convince my mother to plan a trip back to Pakistan at some time in the distant future.

His grandmother placed the plate in front of her grandson. His eyes lit up at the sight of eggs, bacon, tomatoes, home fries, half a banana and two large sausages. She boiled the water and made a fresh pot of tea. This was marvellous.

You always seem to read my mind when it comes to food Nana.

I should! Your father always came over on the weekends looking for your grandfather to make him the same big breakfast. So, we’ve had lots of experience over the years.

We could bring the file folder with us on the trip as well as my camera and share some of the stories I’ve written. In that way you’ll appreciate the land and the people more and how everything connects with your heritage.

Grandfather got up to get a phone and called the airlines. He checked his calendar, made reservations for three and even selected the appropriate seats. They would leave early next week. It would be his graduation present. They were all very excited.

The next thing was to break the news to his parents. Evan didn’t think it would be any problem as they would be away in Ireland only for a couple of weeks and during the early part of summer.

While his grandfather was on the phone, Evan had a closer look at the folder. He scanned through the many pages and found one titled Introduction and pulled out the typed pages. When his grandfather got off the phone he asked if he could take the pages with him to read. He would return them to his grandfather in a few days.

There were hugs all around and plenty of smiles. His grandfather hurried off before the boy left as he wanted to start packing.

Evan made his way home. There was more of a bounce in his step at this moment. Upon arriving home he hung his coat up at the front door. He made his way to the kitchen, gave his mother a kiss and sat down at the table to tell her about his exam, his visit with his grandparents and their upcoming trip to Ireland.

It was all too much information for his mother as she stopped what she was doing and looked at her son. She said nothing at first.

What about work. I thought you had everything planned and were excited about starting? What about the camping trip with your father that both of you had been talking about for months? I thought I would have more time with you now that your exams were over.

All those things can be adjusted, he said. Everything is flexible. This is an opportunity of a lifetime especially to be able to spend time with my grandparents. I don’t want to miss it.

They stared at each other before Evan spoke.

Think of the stories I can tell you when I return. Then perhaps you and I can take a trip back to Pakistan and you could help me discover the other half of my heritage.

She smiled. We’ll see. Not so fast.

How long until supper, he asked.

About another hour; your father is getting off work early so he’ll be able to join us for dinner. I can’t wait to see the expression on his face when you tell him all of this news.

I’ll be in my room. Maybe I’ll have a nap or just unwind a little.

He lay down on the bed