This picture was recently discovered among my possessions; given to me by my aunt, it shows my two parents a few months before I would've been conceived, ca. summer of 1976. The "representing" so prominently displayed on T-shirt/bumper sticker/hat is for some sort of "1976 Southwest Michigan Answer to Woodstock" bicentennial celebration that these two were apparently involved in. To the best of my knowledge, "Odee Acres" was a campground in the area, though I can't confirm that (and I'm not sure if it still exists).
I post this photo not so much because it has special meaning for me, but more for the interest anyone who knows me may have in noting my resemblance to both parents. My life story is a convoluted one and I don't care to go into it here, but suffice it to say that this is one of only three or so photos I have of my two biological parents together, due to their short-lived relationship (over before I was born) and his suicide when I was 9 years old. Fortunately I was raised by a great (step)father and didn't have to endure a childhood without a father figure. I mean no disrespect to either by this post; I appreciate them both for what they are/were and count myself very lucky to have the life I've had.
Posted by PJ at November 25, 2003 06:54 PMAmazing. Thanks for sharing PJ. I love old family photos. Before I even read your post, I was like "Damn, that has to be PJ's dad". Indeed, you look quite like your parents. Your mom is quite beautiful.
It's almost strange and I mean no disrespect by this but they look very "hip", mostly because hipsters of our times have re-appropriated the styles of the past.
Posted by: Naz at November 25, 2003 07:47 PMWhat a great picture! Your Mom IS beautiful! Looks like she's only a few years older than me! (I was 16 in 1976) Sorry to hear about your Dad. My Dad did the same thing when I was 12. My father figure after that was Draplins Dad and he is such a great man. Words can't express it. Hope you're doing well!
Posted by: Terry at November 25, 2003 08:11 PMNaz, thanks for the compliments. Yes, I was going to make a remark on their clothing, but figured people would note that "the apple didn't fall far from the tree" in that department.
Terry, my mom was only 18 in this photo. It's crazy to think that when she was my age (26), I was already in second grade! Had to grow up so fast... I can't imagine it.
Posted by: Fortunate Son Chmiel at November 25, 2003 08:36 PMWow. Fuggin amazing. What a piece of work. Your old man is apparently second only to mine in the department of Outstanding Apparel Selection for the 1970's. Jesus. This photo explains so much.
Posted by: ryno at November 26, 2003 04:06 PMWere you conceived in that van? Man. One can only hope so...
Posted by: ryno at November 26, 2003 04:08 PMIt is absolutely UNCANNY how much your biological father looks like you PJ. My relatives have handed down similiar rare parental history to me, now that I'm an adult, and they are gems not to be forgotton. The mindset is, I think, now that we're "all grown up" we deserve to know the full story behind our past.. anyway, Ryno may be able to confirm.. but I THINK that your mother is opening a can of Huber beer there. Can anyone confirm or deny??
Posted by: Bradford at December 3, 2003 12:34 PMBrad, that's a cool, refreshing Stroh's that my mom is cracking into. I can't confirm that I was "created" in this van, though I would not rule out that possibility. I will send a copy of the photo to my mom at Xmas and ask if she knows (I'm sure she hasn't seen the pic in 25 years).
Posted by: Stroh's Chmiel at December 3, 2003 01:26 PMaparently reading ain't one of Peking Man Berling's strong suits. the exterior of the can clearly says "Stroh's." Goddamn wisconsonites and their home-grown swill obsession.....
Posted by: ryno, beer expert at December 4, 2003 01:28 AMFuckoff I have never heard of "Stroh's" white-trash Militiagan brand beer.
Posted by: Bradford at December 4, 2003 01:32 PM