Grandma and Grandpa
A Collection of Interviews
By Rosa Lannetti
An Interview with Grandma
I know my grandmother by her scent. Her shalamar perfume puts me at ease right away. Her comforting presence is so far away, but always in my heart. I know my grandmother by her character. Giving, caring, and kind. She is a lovely woman, who worked hard and helped people.
What is something that you are proud of?
I’m proud of a lot of things in my life, especially being married to Grandpa, having a son, and having three grandchildren.
What would your award be for?
I believe my award would be being the best mom to my son.
What childhood experience shaped you into who you were?
I had an aunt who was a nurse, a baby nurse. She influenced me the most because by fifth grade I knew I wanted to become a nurse.
What were some steps you took to become a nurse?
I took math and science courses. I volunteered as a candy striper at the hospital. It was a program, where young high school students could volunteer to wear pink and white striped uniforms, fill pitchers of water or pass around library books, and have conversations with patients if they wanted to talk.
Who influenced you during your childhood?
My parents, my siblings, my grandparents, and aunts and uncles. My entire family.
How did your friends influence you?
They didn’t. I believe that if you're easily influenced by your friends you have a weak strength. Or maybe you had a bad goal.
How are things different today from when you were young?
I believe there was more up-close time with family. I didn’t have after-school activities, and our time was so spread out. It was also much safer because I used to stay out in the dark with my friends; my mom would stick her head out and say, “Yoo-hoo.” We’d say it right back and she’d know everything was okay.
How many states have you been to?
I have been to 46 states.
How many different states have you lived in?
I have lived in six different states. My father was a construction electrician, so we would move to the next location whenever he would finish his job.
What is your favorite memory with your son?
When he was in elementary school, he was in G.A.T.E. [Gifted And Talented Education]. They would have two field trips a year. We [Grandma and Grandpa] would go as parent volunteers and we’d just have fun with the kids.
Is there anything else you’d like to say?
I am happy to know that our grandkids are growing up nicely. They are learning and active in school and in out-of-school activities. I am proud of their accomplishments and wouldn’t have asked for any other grandchildren.
An Interview with Grandpa
I know my grandpa by his personality. He always has a smile on his face, and is often quiet, especially about himself, but when he speaks we listen. He is hardworking and loves to achieve mini projects on his property. We love to help him. I know my grandfather by his morals. “Always respect others, regardless of clashing beliefs,” he said. This will always stick with me.
What is something that you are proud of?
I’m proud of my family, and the fort in the middle of the pasture [jokingly].
What would your award be for?
Man of the Year.
What childhood experience shaped you into who you are?
I grew up around lots of good people. I learned that different opinions were important. I also learned that people with different beliefs didn’t hate each other. That's shaped my mindset.
What were the steps you took to get your job?
My parents taught me to work and how to enjoy work. I went through high school, college, grad school, then grad school again to get credentials for my job.
Who influenced you during your childhood?
The Greenhouse and our tavern customers. They were like family, more than customers. These are the same people who taught me to respect separate opinions. When it was Thanksgiving, my mother would invite them to dinner because they were good people. Everyone helped and relied on each other, and I looked up to them.
How did your friends influence you?
They didn’t.
How are things different today from when you were young?
There used to be something called a party line telephone. Everyone had different numbers, but there was only one circuit – which meant people could listen in. Only one call could be accepted at a time, so If you were on too long other people would ask if they could use the phone. I also remember there were only three TV channels. Today, there are a lot of things you can access that you shouldn’t be able to, because there’s lots of evil that comes with all this information. My parents didn’t have to worry about these things
How many states have you been to?
43 states.
How many different states have you lived in?
I’ve only lived in one state, Pennsylvania.
What is your favorite memory with your son?
When we were building our house, I got Paul a little red and yellow wheelbarrow. We were building the leach bed [a septic system]. He would shovel gravel into his little wheelbarrow and spread it out. He was very helpful, and when he was a little older than a toddler, he’d be picking in our garden, and contently eating a pile of peas as we [Grandma and Grandpa] worked.
Is there anything you’d like to say?
I am happy that our grandkids are growing up properly. They’re learning so much and are active in activities in and out of school. I love going to their athletic games. I’m proud of their accomplishments and wouldn’t have asked for any other granddaughters.
