Ben felt his father bristling whenever Grandpa Thorne visited. He sensed it had to do with Grandpa’s endless anecdotes about life down in Florida, back when Ben’s mother was a baby and times were good.
Grandpa would begin, “Our plumber—great guy, always laughing, he was Black—he once…”
Ben’s mother would gently redirect the conversation.
“Lee—a hard-working fellow—a Chinaman…”
Ben’s father would remember some business calls he had to make.
One evening, Grandpa said confidentially, while Ben’s parents were cleaning up dinner, “Your Dad’s a good man, a good husband. He’s a Jew, but he’s a good man.”
this reminds me of my mother who always tells me if someone is black and if her nurse is male
Thank you. I’m glad it could strike a chord. How we decide whether things are relevant–I wonder what things I’ll find myself saying that my children or grandchildren will say are telling signs of my prejudices or judgements.
Brilliantly told. I 100% relate. Really enjoyed the reading of it.
Thank you! It is fiction, yet based on a real memory.
As true as can be, told via fiction. Good one.
Micro-fiction with a point. Nicely done.
Thank you, Lisa and Tony.
Quite realistic, Jennifer. I’m sure we’ve all known someone like Ben’s grandfather. In fact, most of us have more of the old man’s characteristics than we’d like to admit! Good story!
Well done — I remember something like this in my wonderful family. I wonder how much is generational?… Much progress has been made, but then there’s trump & co.
Thank you, Bobby and Todd, for taking the time to comment!