Buffalo Gal

First and foremost I need to clarify that I do not feel old enough to do something 36 years later.
But in about an hour, I will.
In the 1940s and 50s my grandfather built five cottages on Seneca Nation territory (then called simply Indian land) with a handshake agreement to lease the land beneath the cottages on an annual basis from the family who owned the land.
He finished my parents cottage in 1958 just in time for their wedding reception and honeymoon... held at what had become a family complex of cottages for my father's brother and sisters.
My grandfather died in 1968 and one by one the five cottages were surrendered to strangers. Each family took away the cash in the sales price and the memories of an idle, easy family time that they believed could never be replicated.
The time at cottage, where my cousins and I travelled in a pack and meals could occur at any of the five cottages on any given day, was the simplest and sweetest of my life. My cousins and I formed bonds that eventually stretched thousands of miles, but never broke.
I was a time zone or so away when my cousin Lee bought back his father's cottage about 28 years ago. Janie bought one across the road on the creek. Her son Billy and his wife bought and rebuilt another. Sitting between Lee and Billy's cottages was my parents' simple square.
We were visiting last summer when it went on the market... for only the third time since it was built. We thought we could buy it right away.
But reality intruded in a variety of ugly and unexpected ways. Hopes were raised and smashed a couple of times. I felt ridiculous crying for a building, but tears flowed like the creek.
It was, of course, when our financial picture was its darkest when the opportunity to buy at a discounted price came up. I swallowed my pride and asked my parents if they could help.
My grandfather built it for them. They made it possible for us.
There's no place in the world where the lightening bugs burn brighter. I can't wait to see them reflected in my grandchildren's eyes.
In a few minutes we leave for what is legally termed a closing. It is neither a closing or opening, just joining a magnificent circle.
Copyright 2005 Judi Griggs

Buffalo Gal Judi Griggs I'm a communications professional, writer, cynic, mother, wife and royal pain. The order depends on the day. I returned to my hometown in November 2004 after a couple of decades of heat and hurricanes. I can polish pristine copy, but not here. This is my morning exercise -- 20-minute takes without a net or spellcheck. It's easier than sit ups for me. No guarantee what it will be for you. Clicking on the subscribe link will send you an email notice when each new entry is posted.
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Previous Entry :: Next Entry Read/Post Comments (0) Share on Facebook		2005-06-18 7:50 AM Thirty-six years later First and foremost I need to clarify that I do not feel old enough to do something 36 years later. But in about an hour, I will. In the 1940s and 50s my grandfather built five cottages on Seneca Nation territory (then called simply Indian land) with a handshake agreement to lease the land beneath the cottages on an annual basis from the family who owned the land. He finished my parents cottage in 1958 just in time for their wedding reception and honeymoon... held at what had become a family complex of cottages for my father's brother and sisters. My grandfather died in 1968 and one by one the five cottages were surrendered to strangers. Each family took away the cash in the sales price and the memories of an idle, easy family time that they believed could never be replicated. The time at cottage, where my cousins and I travelled in a pack and meals could occur at any of the five cottages on any given day, was the simplest and sweetest of my life. My cousins and I formed bonds that eventually stretched thousands of miles, but never broke. I was a time zone or so away when my cousin Lee bought back his father's cottage about 28 years ago. Janie bought one across the road on the creek. Her son Billy and his wife bought and rebuilt another. Sitting between Lee and Billy's cottages was my parents' simple square. We were visiting last summer when it went on the market... for only the third time since it was built. We thought we could buy it right away. But reality intruded in a variety of ugly and unexpected ways. Hopes were raised and smashed a couple of times. I felt ridiculous crying for a building, but tears flowed like the creek. It was, of course, when our financial picture was its darkest when the opportunity to buy at a discounted price came up. I swallowed my pride and asked my parents if they could help. My grandfather built it for them. They made it possible for us. There's no place in the world where the lightening bugs burn brighter. I can't wait to see them reflected in my grandchildren's eyes. In a few minutes we leave for what is legally termed a closing. It is neither a closing or opening, just joining a magnificent circle. Copyright 2005 Judi Griggs Read/Post Comments (0) Previous Entry :: Next Entry Back to Top