Roberta Siegel, our Saturdays with Seniors guest blogger today, is working on a book about her father. Henry Naftulin’s parents and older siblings immigrated from Kiev — he was the first to be born in America, he served as a medic in World War II, and later worked as a scientist and inventor at the Michael Reese Research Foundation in Chicago. Roberta started writing her book after working to obtain a promised Bronze Star for her father. The effort was successful, but the book remains a work in progress. Today’s post is an excerpt from the section about Henry’s life at home with his family after the war.

Regards to All — Take a Pill. Go fly a Kite. A Skokie Story.

by Roberta Siegel

Roberta is on her father’s lap, celebrating her first birthday with him and her sisters.

The first time I remember being treated to a Dad version of nursing care I was no more than six or seven. I needed to take my first non-child-friendly pill. Most likely an antibiotic, it was school colors: yellow and blue.

Dad came straight up to my room after a long ride home from a day’s work at the foundation. Must have been cold outside: I could feel it on his woolen overcoat. he sat on the edge of my bed in the darkened room and gave me instructions on how to take a pill. “Just let it sit on your tongue, right in the middle,” he said. “Now, take a small sip of water and hold it in your mouth so you can feel the pill float like a little boat on the lake.” I picked up the small glass of water next to my bed and did as I was told.

Sure enough, the pill had enough air in it to float around in my mouth. “Now, swallow the water.” I followed his order, and sure enough, that worrisome pill floated right on down my throat. My dad excelled in the art of breaking down a task into its smallest components, then rearranging them in a novel and efficient manner. He did that every day, in all sorts of situations.

One of our favorite shared memories is the day we three girls went out with Dad to fly a kite. Days when Dad had the three of us on his own without Mom stood out. So much so that all three of us shared it with him the day he passed away.

That special day, the four of us trooped over to the playground behind Kenton School. After walking past the two houses to the north, we crossed Main Street to the school grounds carrying a regular paper kite along with us. It’s tail was rags tied to the bottom for ballast. I’d brought the kite home from Alexander’s Five and Dime along with kite string and an urgent need to send it aloft.

So, here we were, on a lovely early spring day with the wind blowing just enough for a good launch. The kite sailed magically up and up. As we let out more and more string, we ended up letting it out so far that the kite looked tiny. The spool of string was almost empty!

Turned out dad had been letting the string out long so we wouldn’t hurt our hands. Now that the kite was established, he handed it off to us. We took turns holding the string, feeling the strength of the unseen wind buffeting the kite.

Then came the moment that made it magical and memorable. Dad found some paper hidden in his jacket — along with a pen. He gave each of us a piece. “Write a wish on it!” he said, explaining we would send our wish up to the sky. Then he poked a hole in the middle and slipped the stick holding the remains of the string through it. The wind took the messages all the way up the kite string to the kite.

I don’t know what my sisters’ wishes were, but I remember mine: I wished this day would never end.

A few clicks (and a credit card) and Voila! Soup!

Here’s a plug for an online outfit that we highly recommend when you want to give some warm fuzzies to friends and loved ones: It’s called Spoonful of Comfort.

Basically, they’ll send your choice of soup to your lucky friend, in a giant jar, plus rolls, plus cookies, and they even throw in a nice stainless ladle.

We learned about it when a friend emailed me after he learned I’d been hospitalized for covid. He ended his email saying, “I’m going to send you soup.” I thought he was joking. But one day we got a big box with ice packs with poblano chowder, dinner rolls, chocolate chip cookies and the aforementioned ladle.

It was delicious, and we’ve sent a half dozen care packages since. (For the record, two chicken noodle, three chicken and rice, and one clam chowder.) I’m happy to say that every recipient has been as tickled as we were to receive our soup!

Our most recent went to our doctor friend, Colleen. Beth and Colleen have been fast friends since high school when both were waitresses at the Marshall Field’s Oak Room in suburban Oak Brook. Colleen was a great comfort to Beth during my stay at Northwestern Hospital. She’s been a great support for both of us during my recovery. And, especially early on, she asked questions that I could help her with because it was new to all of us, including the docs.

And so, what better way to say thank you than sending Colleen and her spouse some clam chowder!

We’ve been thinking about Colleen a lot lately, as covid has surged again, straining hospitals, doctors, and nurses. I’ve been thinking about every terrific person at Northwestern that got me through.

So apart from soup, let’s all say thank you to Colleen and all the medical professionals that we’re exhausting again: Wear your mask. It doesn’t matter who you plan to vote for. Let’s take care of the people who take care of us or they will not be able to take care of us.

I am pleased to feature Marjorie Freed as our Saturdays with Seniors guest blogger today. Longtime Chicago residents might remember her as the owner of Nonpareil, one of the coolest shops on Clark Street back when Clark Street was full of very cool independently-owned stores. She and her husband Harvey collected outsider art and were among the founders of Chicago’s Intuit: The Center for Intuitive and Outsider Art. Marjorie has taken my memoir classes for over a dozen years, we’ve become friends, and I trust her to help me choose good colors to wear. She has accompanied me on shopping trips from time to time, and we’ve figured out ways to safely meet outdoors for coffee during these past months. We celebrated her 86th birthday during our Monday Village Chicago Memoir Class this past week, and I’m continuing the celebration by sharing this essay she wrote when I asked writers to choose a Beatles song title to use as their writing prompt.

I Feel Fine

by Marjorie Freed

My parents were both very traditional. I was expected to follow their behavior, no questions asked.

As I was finishing college I began to realize how boring life in the Milwaukee suburbs had been in comparison to the new world I’d discovered beyond it. Deciding to move to New York after college to begin a career was pivotal. I’d fallen into that decision accidentally by taking my dad’s advice to move there.

Marjorie and Harvey

My parents fought, but only about my father’s workaholic behavior. He truly adored his work, and told me that by taking a job in New York I’d be able to observe how important work was “for men.” Then, he explained, once I got married, I’d be sympathetic to my husband’s expected desire to work hard, too.

New York was lively with umpteen venues for engagement almost constantly: Judy Garland was in town, Moliere plays in French were just about understandable, and many men sought my company. I discovered it was exotic to be from Milwaukee.

One romance inadvertently led me to Chicago, a good deal less frenzied than New York. My job was interesting but eventually the marriage idea took over. I married Harvey, whom I’d met at University of Michigan in our freshman English class.

Later the army draft led us to two life-changing years in Panama. Hispanic culture was interpreted for us in detail by a terrific bi-lingual couple we met there. The whole experience sharply severed our relationship with “home,” and, most importantly, insisted that we think for ourselves in a less traditional way.

Motherhood was a shocking experience. I was the main guide for this small somewhat shy little boy. We went to the Loop to look at Sullivan and ran into a schizophrenic woman on the spot. We looked at Diane Arbus at the Museum of Contemporary Art (MCA). We also immersed ourselves in a paper exhibit at the MCA, wading through paper shreds and looking around a lot. Following a rumor, we took a bus to watch the Beatles wave just their arms and hands at us through a mostly closed hotel room window across the street from a playground. We learned how to engage with a difficult friend’s also difficult son.

I loved the not-boring city. Ian began to threaten me with ideas such as, “When I grow up I’m going to move to a trailer in Northbrook.” Later when he and his younger brother Dan began to meet others their age, some of whom lived in those suburbs, they thanked me for bringing them up in the city. Both sons eventually settled in distant cities; Seattle and Brooklyn. We travelled as often as we could to visit our three perfect grandchildren.

Decades passed. Harvey became very ill with two serious diseases. He kept falling and I kept calling the fire department. He moved to a senior care facility. I sold our house, moved myself and disposed of mountains of belongings. Good friends were dying, a distressing life phenomenon we knew about but couldn’t actually imagine.

Then Harvey died, too.

So far, I’m lucky. Every day brings pleasures, simple and more complex, along with much contemplation.

I do feel fine. For now.

If you’re reading this before 4:00 pm CT today, you’re in luck. You can still register for the free online launch for Regan Burke’s published memoir, “In That Number.” I’m reposting Regan’s own announcement from her Back Story Essays blog. The book launch is free, but you have to register first, and registration information is included in her announcement below. Look for me there — I’ll be the one with the huge smile on my face, I’m so proud of Regan.

Book Launch Party by Regan Burke “In That Number” Book Launch hosted by Skyline Village Chicago via zoom, Oct 21, 2020, 4:00 pm Chicago time with NPR/WBEZ reporter Monica Eng. Register here Cousin Barb Violi, Omaha Nebraska In another world and time uncertain, we’d be having a rip-roaring party at Half Sour in Chicago’s South Loop hosted by Beth Finke and Mike Knezovich. Iliana Genkova would pass around campaign-like buttons and cookies with the name of my book tattooed on top. We’d all be happy, joyous and free for a few brief hours away from the worries of the world. Sigh. We’ll have to settle for a Zoom Book Launch. Please pull up your own refreshments and join us. Monica Eng has graciously agreed to lead the discussion for my book. You’ve heard her reporting on Curious City (most recently about rats!), Thursdays on WBEZ’s “All Things Considered”. I’ve always wanted to be a published author but I never dreamed my writing would be so well received outside of a small circle of friends and fellow writers. I’m truly humbled. Thank you for reading my book and paying such generous compliments to me in person, on email and text, Face Book and Twitter and Zoom, and even a card in the mail! A particular thank you to those who’ve encouraged me to compile years worth of 500-word essays from memoir writing classes into a book. It was a harder task and a longer trip than I imagined but well worth the effort. If you’re a writer, keep laying down those words. There’s power in the story. If you’re not a writer, thank you for supporting us; allowing us to make mistakes, grow weary, and to brag when we find that one perfect word for that one perfect sentence in that one perfect paragraph. Allow me to share my joy with you through a smattering of quotes. In order not to embarrass anyone, I’ve kept most anonymous. See you October 21! I passed two days immersed in your life story. I identified with so many places and events. I am 100% with you on the last paragraph on page 246. The beauty and skill of every page, and the achievement of presenting your life story of engaging encounters is thrilling. That’s what made me want to read it all. Helloooooo, It’s incredible. Who knew our white-haired “older” friend had such an XXX-rated past? I await the movie!! It’s a great book about a great woman! My dog wants to know why I get so absorbed in Regan Burke’s terrific book “In That Number.” But it’s easy to get caught up in this fascinating memoir of life, love, addiction and local and national politics. …a work as sui generis as Regan Burke herself. I have a feeling that we’ll look back on this event as more than a book launch – more like an opus launch, with much more to come after this one!  It’s a fantastic memoir about alcoholism and politics, family and recovery, from a woman who’s met everyone from Bill Clinton to Vladimir Putin. (And Rick Perlsteinsays it’s great.) My husband read your introduction out loud to me last night. So well written –you had to get a lot into that  short intro. “Want me to read the whole book to you?” He offered, “you know I could.” He hasn’t offered to read a book out loud to me in decades. Can’t say that I blame him: when he used to read to me, I’d fall asleep, often without him knowing. There he’d be, diligently working to read out loud, take a brief look up and…zzzzzz. He must feel confident I won’t sleep through this one. He’s right.. Pot brownies at her sister’s wedding. . I’m enjoying this book. It’s so well written. This story is appealing to many different groups.  It’s a redemption story, a woman’s empowerment story, an AA story, a friendship story, a political struggle story,  a “how I did it,” story,  a slice of baby boomer history and Rock-in-roll , and  a special Chicago/Illinois-political tales story all wrapped up in one book. This is a beautiful wonderful story about a smart strong woman who faced all kinds of adversity and succeeded and built deep friendships.  Also the context of a couple of decades (yikes, we’re talking decades) is fun.  There are so many parallels between the 60s/70s and now.  It’s a story that has all sorts of resonating themes. Am so delighted with this book – she is a brilliant writer and its a brilliant story of a life so well lived despite all the huge odds – the whole world should know. Who will like this book: 1. Anyone who likes Allan Sorkin shows, and Primary Colors. 2. Aging boomers who like the music, and a brief recount of early early political activists. 3.  AA members 4. Democrats 5. Every Democratic political junky in or formerly from Chicago/Illinois  6. Gary Hart and Bill/Hilary Clinton supporters 7.  Dead Heads and vintage rock-n-rollers 8. Every person who likes heros who survived struggles and find purpose (half of the best sellers list is this theme). 9. Anyone who’s been to Bahamas, Barcelona, Chicago, Dupont Circle, the Capital, the White House! I am on the second chapter and have many superlatives to expend— she is a wonderful writer, sharp, fun, exacting, goes to the heart of the matter. I’m so enjoying this book.  I have to use a magnifying glass to read it.  I really laughed at the lima bean story. My kids didn’t like them either. But I told them I had spent hours stuffing peas with mashed potatoes. Masterfully written, this memoir takes you on a true adventure – it starts with an eventful childhood, through the ups and downs of youth, the dealings with alcohol, drugs and religion, to making it to the highest echelons of politics. In That Number is inspirational and moving. Loved it! This is a book you must read, and you will read it in one go! What a life’s story! I smiled, gasped, whimpered, and rejoiced as I traveled with Regan though her extraordinary life. I love her writing style. She writes with intimate detail, intelligence, wit, and profound insight. Plus, it is a book for our present moment. I highly recommend “IN THAT NUMBER”. “I could not put down this memoir. It is a tale of redemption and rebirth. Regan Burke writes of all the pain of growing up the daughter of two alcoholics and well-dressed grifters ‘who didn’t pay their bills, lied, and cheated, but still had cocktails and hors d’oeuvres every night before dinner.’ Her story is that of the Baby Boomer generation: from sex, drugs, and rock and roll, to various political campaigns in Illinois, and finally to the Clinton White House and beyond. In That Number is a touching narrative of survival, loyalty, and compassion from a woman who has seen it all.” – Dominic A. Pacyga, author of Chicago: A Biography “I highly recommend this wise and wonderful memoir about politics, about families, and the politics of families. Reagan writes like an angel-and sometimes, even better, like the devil.” – Rick Perlstein, best-selling author of Nixonland and Before the Storm “Regan’s unmitigated honesty in In that Number serves as inspiration and challenges each of us, even in the face of adversity, to live, see the birds, and reach higher for ourselves and our communities every day, and in every way we can.” – Laura Schwartz, White House Director of Events for President Clinton, and author of Eat, Drink and Succeed “Tales of early life with a flim-flam father, Woodstock years of drugs and alcohol, and working in Bill Clinton’s administration…Regan Burke weaves her life story in a refreshing, artful, and oftentimes witty style that endears readers to the author and leaves us wanting more. What will she do next?” – Beth Finke, author of Writing Out Loud: What a Blind Teacher Learned from Leading a Memoir Class for Seniors I was so happy to receive your book. I read it within a week, maybe too quickly, excited to follow your narrative and really enjoying the flashes of recognition as I came across pieces I remember from classes at CLL. So much great writing in these pages. I also love the way your writing journey bookends the story and serves as inspiration for readers—the Epilogue leaves us on such an uplifting note. I’ll be thinking of you and hoping your book-debut experience is as joyful and satisfying as it can be. Congratulations again on the results of all your hard work. I think you did an amazing job! – Linda Miller, Teacher, Memoir & Creative Writing, Center for Life & Learning, The Clare and Newberry Library #book-launch, #curious-city, #memoir-writing, #monica-eng, #new-book, #wbez Regan Burke | October 15, 2020 at 3:44 pm | Tags: Book Launch, Curious City, memoir writing, Monica Eng, New book, WBEZ | Categories: Writers | URL: https://wp.me/p6MR27-GZ Comment    See all comments    Like

As is common these days, my thoughts are fragmented. And so is today’s post: I give you a sample of females that are by my lights, fantastic.

First, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot was asked whether she was an originalist when it comes to interpretation of the U.S. Constitution. Originalism aims to follow how the constitution would have been understood or was intended to be understood at the time it was written.

Lightfoot was direct. To paraphrase, she said that at the time, the framers did not recognize her as a human being. So, that would be no. Case closed. You can listen to it here.

Then I came across a comment on the abortion issue from a Benedictine Sister Joan Chittister. It actually dates back to 2004 but the National Catholic Reporter wrote a story when it went viral recently. It goes as follows:

I do not believe that just because you are opposed to abortion, that that makes you pro-life. In fact, I think in many cases, your morality is deeply lacking if all you want is a child born but not a child fed, a child educated, a child housed. And why would I think that you don’t? Because you don’t want any tax money to go there. That’s not pro-life. That’s pro-birth. We need a much broader conversation on what the morality of pro-life is.

Here, here, sister.

Then, Beth got an email from the Chicago History Museum. Since the pandemic started, the Museum has emailed little nuggets of history to members and email subscribers. Here’s an excerpt:

In 1992, when Dr. Mae Jemison became the first Black woman to travel into space, she fulfilled one childhood dream while highlighting another interest—dance. Both of these lifelong passions began while growing up in Chicago.

Mae Jemison was born in Decatur, Alabama, on October 17, 1956. The youngest of three children, she was three years old when her family moved to Chicago, first living in Woodlawn and eventually settling in Morgan Park.

It’s titled A Dancer among the Stars. It’s worth the full read.

Finally, several years ago I wrote a piece for University of Chicago Magazine about the study of cephalopods—octopuses in this instance. (If you click on that link to article, be sure to watch the video at the top of the story.) It was a terrific experience as it taught me how remarkable the creatures are. So much so that my editor on that project and I, to this day, share any new discoveries we come across about octopuses. The other day she texted me: You’ve got to see this movie. It’s called “My Octopus Teacher.”Among other things, she said it was heartbreaking.

Hmm. My memory went back to my childhood, sobbing uncontrollably after reading the end of Charlotte’s Web. But, Beth heard the filmmaker interviewed on NPR and was also intrigued.

So yesterday, we watched it on Netflix.

It’s absolutely stunning. Short story: A man snorkels every day for a year, observing and befriending a female octopus. The filmmaking is superb, but while it’s definitely visual, the filmmaker narrates his experience beautifully, so Beth could enjoy it in her way.

It isn’t just about the creatures in the sea, it’s a spiritual investigation into humans’ relationship with nature.

It’s inspiring, and provides a great escape in these times.