Page 14 - eBook Living Water 2

I was a quiet girl and not comfortable in large groups of
people. Walter was extremely friendly and gregarious, loving to be
the center of attention. Our parents were also outgoing and they came
from families who were, as well. So, early on I felt a sense of not
quite belonging or that, perhaps, something was wrong with me. My
experience of our getting together with extended family, was of
people who drank excessively and told “yucky” jokes.

Our Family 1949 Our House; Asbury Park, N.J.
My paternal grandmother was the only other quiet person in
the family and the one I felt closest to. Thank God for Gram. She let
me know that she loved me just the way I was and that I didn’t have
to perform or look a certain way for her. She thought I was
wonderful, no matter what, and she was my lifeline to the
unconditional love I hungered for. I feel fortunate that she got to live
with us for 6 years in the upstairs apartment of our home. She was an
affectionate person who was free with her hugs and kisses. I can’t
remember mom ever hugging us. Mom’s way of caring was by
buying things for us, cooking great meals and taking care of the
house. Dad could be more affectionate but was hardly ever home.
When he was, he’d be fighting with mom. Besides, any affection he
might show towards me could trigger jealous episodes with my
brother.

Dad was a sports enthusiast. My brother’s way of getting
Dad’s attention was through playing sports. Later on in college, Walt