GRAND Magazine - Fall 2024 - 37

Another custom that remains firmly fixed in my
memory was simply called a " Performance. " When we
arrived at our grandparents' house, each child was
required to give a presentation to them. Anything
was acceptable: a song, a skill, or a school paper that
received a good grade. It was a moment to demonstrate,
be center stage, and focus on others.
When we were young, my sisters might do headstands
and cartwheels while I would engage in pushups. I do
recall shocking my grandparents as a child, laying on
the floor, legs up, placing my hands on the back of my
knees, and making " farting noises " as I
kicked my legs up and down.
We gave it more thought as we
grew and would recite poetry,
share a song, or
tell a story. One
of my sisters
was a great
"
A lifelong creative and amateur poet / songwriter,
John C. Klauder worked over thirty years for
the United States Postal Service and a decade
coaching youth swim teams. He has written a
Science Fiction novel, The Azure Dream, and is
currently working on developing movie scripts.
A screenplay based on the interesting lives of
his other grandparents received an Honorable
Mention at the Atlantic City Cinefest and made
the Second Round at the Austin Film Festival.
37 GRAND FALL 2024
singer, and in her teens, she would often bring her guitar
and perform an original or a John Denver number. At
Christmas, my siblings, Karol, Kathy, and Kim, always
loved to perform the classic " Sisters " routine from the
beloved movie White Christmas. Karol and Kathy were
cheerleaders, so we certainly saw our fair share of
cheers, complete with pom-poms.
Thank you, Nana, for your incredible
investment in your grandchildren and all
the beautiful memories you created.
I recall that, as a teenager back in the 1970s, I once
sang and played Simple Man by Lynyrd Skynyrd. Those
lyrics, " Come sit beside me, my only son, and listen
closely to what I say, " seem very appropriate to these
special bonding times as I think about them today.
Over the many years, I believe our performances
encouraged greater confidence in public expression
and the learning to receive and give attention without
too much narcissism or jealousy. These sessions
were not competitive, as everyone's and every
effort's efforts were valid. It was always done in the
spirit of fun.
And now, for my next Performance, I will attempt
to concoct the ever-enchanting " strawberry, mustard,
and anchovy juice. " Thank you, Nana, for your
incredible investment in your grandchildren and all
the beautiful memories you created.
"

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GRAND Magazine - Fall 2024

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