I am the proud product of Greek ancestry.
Both sets of grandparents emigrated from Asia Minor [Turkey] just after the beginning of the twentieth century and they established themselves here in the United States just as millions of other immigrants did during that era. There were no handouts, welfare, food stamps, subsidized rent. My grandparents worked hard and assimilated into American culture, yet, they still maintained their ethnic identities, traditions and beliefs which were passed on to my parents, and they, in turn, passed those traits and characteristics to me for which I am ever grateful.
Family has always been important to me.
Growing up in Medford, MA, a suburb just outside of Boston, we lived very comfortably in a two family home with my grandparents (mother’s parents) on the first floor and my parents, sister and I were on the second floor. As a result, I grew up with the richness of the Greek culture, heritage and language, which I speak fluently, and the richness of my ethnic and religious traditions of my forebears. It was a wonderful, loving and simple time… growing up in the fifties! Why, we even vacationed at Nantasket Beach each summer and I have many fond memories of that as well.
My mother stayed at home with her children and she helped my father in is business every Saturday when my sister and I were at home from school and overseen by our grandmother. Dad was the sole proprietor of a tailoring and dry cleaning establishment in Cambridge, MA, which provided us a comfortable, but not lavish lifestyle. Dad was also a proud U.S. Navy veteran of the Pacific theater of World War II. He worked hard, but that is what was expected.
As I grew up I emulated those morals and traditions, which I experienced at home and at church and the ethic of hard work, which ultimately will yield reward. We are often molded by our family, our friends and associates and I could never have asked to be growing up in a more loving and nurturing environment. At an early age, I recognized that work and labor are necessary and education as well. Even before I was of legal age to work, I started my own small businesses earning whatever extra money I could.
One of my first jobs during the early fifties was helping out at the florist shop next to my dad’s business.
I did odd jobs, helped deliver flower arrangements, cleaned the floors and at the end of the day I was rewarded with…fifty cents! Remember, it was the early fifties and fifty cents would buy 10 large candy bars (no, I didn’t spend money on candy) or you could take 10 public bus rides. Yes, it was a simple time and, I guess, it is all relative. Perhaps, that is partly why I enjoy collecting and owning the classic cars of that era as it brings me back to those simpler times.
I earned more than enough money which I saved to put myself through college at the University of Massachusetts, buy a very sharp car at the time for commuting and enjoyment, and continue to enjoy life and still work hard.
