Emotion as Memory Jerry Witkovsky

Emotion as Memory: Soon We End

At 93, I’m filled with more memories than I can remember. Still, things pop into my mind that can draw me back into a moment in time: The high school dance. Sneaking into the officers’ mess hall during my service. Dancing with my stepsister until we collapsed in giggles. A related topic will surface, and…

Grandparents! Write Your Stories.

My granddaughter Jessica was the one who inspired me to write my stories. “What was life like when you were a boy, Grandpa Jerry?” she started asking me last year. “What were some favorite games you played with your friends? What did you spend your allowance on? What were your parents and grandparents like?” As…

The Little Boy in Me

I’ve been staying with my adult daughter and her husband for the last three months, while we’ve all be sheltering at home under the Coronavirus. The other day I asked her: “Was I a good father to you?” “Why are you asking me this again?” she asked. “Why do you still need reassurance about this?”…

Blue Jewelry Box

On My Mother’s Dresser

  Sometimes a writing prompt will take you in a different direction than you expected. My mother died when I was only three.  And I wasn’t allowed in my parent’s (my dad and stepmom) bedroom growing up. This prompt was the first in a series of writing prompts for a “Grandparents, Write Your Story” program…

Grandparents, Please Write Your Stories!

My granddaughter Jessica was the one who inspired me to write my stories. “What was life like when you were a boy, Grandpa Jerry?” she started asking me last year. “What were some favorite games you played with your friends? What did you spend your allowance on? What were your parents and grandparents like?” As…