Visits to the homes that meant so much to me
Visiting Denver has brought back many memories of my childhood in Colorado. Visiting the houses I either lived in or visited frequently in my youth made my soul explode with emotion. My visit to my cousin MaryAnn’s house in Arvada was no different. Many family gatherings, holidays and food festivals held at this house. I even baby sat the 3 children in this house including young MaryAnn who is now nearly my age. I remember playing football in the yard with uncles, cousins and brothers. I remember the smells of home cooked meals and the laughter of family. Thank you MaryAnn for inviting us over. Thanks to the memory of your parents Uncle Frank and Aunt Ann. Two very special and extraordinary people!
First house in Denver 1-4 year old
I decided to visit some of the houses that were part of my past and childhood. I asked my father the address of his parents house and he gave us the address of the first house I lived in in Denver Colorado. I moved from that house from Denver to Arvada when I was 4-5 years old. I don’t recall anything about that house, but do recall a few photos I have seen taken there. Young Tommy in a swimsuit with the next door neighbor … “Let’s go swimming in that portable round plastic pool,” I want to knock on the door and ask to view the house I was raised in until i was 4, but couldn’t dumb up the nerves.
Denver house ages 0-4
Grandparent’s Schmuki House in Denver
After viewing and photographing my first house, I decided to FIND grandparents Schmuki’s house in Denver. Last time I was there was when my Grandfather Schmuki died when I was 16 years old, nearly 49 years ago. I was able to drive right to his home in Denver. My grandparents were from Germany. Grandpa Schmuki worked for the Catholic church as a janitor and I believe the house he lived in was part of his compensation from the church. He died while mowing the lawn of this very Catholic church. Many fond memories in this house. We visited them nearly weekly for years. Grandpa would open up the gymnasium and me and my brother Randy would put the boxing gloves on and enter the official boxing ring where he proceeded to beat me up every time. When grandpa died it was the first time in my life I had ever seen a dead man…. open casket. I was terribly impacted. He was a silent and humble man, always with a smile on his face. I miss you Grandpa!
My house in Arvada Colorado
I moved from Denver to Arvada when I was 4-5 years old, and lived there until I went to college in Provo Utah when I was 18 years old. I attended Arvada West High School and participated in the golf team, and was a very active participant in the music program mostly as a singer. My one attempt at theatre was playing the part of the Padre in Man of Lamancha. To this day, I still feel my high school years were the happiest years of my life. Thank you Monte Otto and the Madrigal singers I sang with for 2 years.
The importance of family visits
It has struck me this trip to Denver how special it was for my parents to bring our family to both grandparents houses on almost a weekly basis. Perhaps as children we begrudged it but now with tears in my eyes I am grateful for it. Thank you Mom and Dad and thanks grandparents Schmuki and Stephenson for showing us the importance of family and the bond of love that frequent visits provides.