The Turano Adventure: Little piece of history in our hands

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Little piece of history in our hands

There are some things that you can always expect when visiting the Turano's. Although, Grandma and Grandpa Turano don't live in the house that Kevin grew up in, much about their new house has the same feeling, as the old one. There will always be an " Italian feast" is how Kevin explains it to Brooke. Thank goodness one of Brooke's favorite foods is meatballs, otherwise it would put the Italian tradition to shame, as we gather in a large dining room for these Italian feasts, every time that we visit. Kevin probably will never enjoy any meal, as much these feasts that his Mom prepared as he was growing up. There is more than just a hot plate as dinner begins. Leave it to Grandpa, to bring in the bluntly honest topics, that remind us that family is always there no matter what, even in the most awkward or embarrassing moments. There is playful racketing at the end of the table where the children sit. And this feast doesn't just end with dinner, but goes on for hours, as rivalry joins the table, along side the dessert and coffee, where a card game tournament is being plotted out. Grandpa may be using a tactic to win these games by soothing his contenders with the serene sound of the piano, that he begins to play, before the games begin. Even Great Grandma Mistretta joins in on the card games, and she has been known to win, more than once. The night ends late, and Grandpa and Kevin still haven't had enough with the games, because they keep playing cards even as everyone else is out the door.

There is so much meaning that fills the Turano house. There is a story behind almost everything that they own. One of the most memorable things you will find in their house, is the stain glass window that they moved from their old house, to the new one. Although expensive to do this, they just had to bring a piece of the house, that their children grew up in, with them. They also have a statue that Grandpa's Dad whom was also a doctor, bought when a patient of his was in need, and couldn't pay money, so they made a trade.

Grandpa Turano purchased this stain glass from a flee market for $75 dollars. It was placed between the breakfast nook and the living room in the house that Kevin grew up in.

Saint Cecelia by Adrien E. Gaudez ( 1845-1902 )

Collecting is a piece of history, in your hand. And those who know history, know that all history is an attempt to find pattern and meaning. History is, who we are, today. Grandpa Turano knows this about history. He collects some really neat, old things. Our last visit to KC Brooke started asking about his record players, what they were, and if they work. Brooke got a chance to see these record players in action. They still work! Grandpa's collection includes some of the very first players. Grandpa showed Brooke his rare stereoscopic photographs from World War One. Our history lesson ended when Will got hold of Grandpa's gavel that he used when he was the president of his fraternity(Alpha Phi Delta), in college. We didn't want damage done to the house, or the piece of history, that Will was swinging around in his hands.