“Oupa’s stories notoriously also went on a bit. The master storyteller that he was, would allow his stories to meander across the decades and millennia. His stories within stories were a common occurrence - and some stories couldn’t be told without telling a very important, yet tenuously linked other story, possibly about the war.” -- this is so beautifully put, Nic. And I can totally relate, as my grandpa used to do exactly like your Oupa, stories-wise. I guess these are somehow common traits of grandpas, especially those who fought two wars. Beautiful piece, it made me laugh and emotional at the same time. Thank you!
Thanks, Silvio! There's definitely something magical about an old man in an armchair, spinning a story. I actually have a story of his that we recorded and transcribed that features his time on Spitfire base in Italy from WW2 — I'll probably publish it soon...
I see where you get your ability to craft and stretch a yarn, Nic.
I.am sorry for the loss in your life. It is a treasure to be able to spend time with your Oupa at this point AND leave with a smile. His physical presence will be missed. But he has left behind good seeds. And great stories to share with your son. Sending you hugs.
Thanks so much, Karena. Yes, I always loved how his stories were always a bit of a work in progress, often tailored for the audience. We'd tell him sometimes that he left out a crucial detail (and also would let a few statistical improbabilities slide). So special that my son, Thomas, got to meet his great grandfather and I have a couple of nice pics to show him one day.
“Oupa’s stories notoriously also went on a bit. The master storyteller that he was, would allow his stories to meander across the decades and millennia. His stories within stories were a common occurrence - and some stories couldn’t be told without telling a very important, yet tenuously linked other story, possibly about the war.” -- this is so beautifully put, Nic. And I can totally relate, as my grandpa used to do exactly like your Oupa, stories-wise. I guess these are somehow common traits of grandpas, especially those who fought two wars. Beautiful piece, it made me laugh and emotional at the same time. Thank you!
Thanks, Silvio! There's definitely something magical about an old man in an armchair, spinning a story. I actually have a story of his that we recorded and transcribed that features his time on Spitfire base in Italy from WW2 — I'll probably publish it soon...
I look forward to reading that!
I see where you get your ability to craft and stretch a yarn, Nic.
I.am sorry for the loss in your life. It is a treasure to be able to spend time with your Oupa at this point AND leave with a smile. His physical presence will be missed. But he has left behind good seeds. And great stories to share with your son. Sending you hugs.
You have just got another guardian angel.
Thanks so much, Karena. Yes, I always loved how his stories were always a bit of a work in progress, often tailored for the audience. We'd tell him sometimes that he left out a crucial detail (and also would let a few statistical improbabilities slide). So special that my son, Thomas, got to meet his great grandfather and I have a couple of nice pics to show him one day.