The "A Lifetime of Grief" Story

It was an ordinary day. Talking with my mom and sharing some photos with her from years ago. Not long ago I shared a story about my great-grandfather and his tour of duty working for Hubley Toy Company in Lancaster, PA. Well, a few more of the photos that my mom and I talked about were of my grandfather Joseph and my uncle Clair. They were members of my dad's side of the family. Both died before I had a chance to know them as did my great-grandfather Maris. My mom told me the story of how my grandfather died in 1926 at the age of 42. Seems he was working for the United States Postal Department at the local post office on Chestnut Street in the city. Had worked there for many years. While working in the handling room, a large parcel of mail struck him, causing injuries. The newspaper clipping that I shared with mom said that he died from complications of diseases after a brief illness. Not quite sure what transpired, but in today's society, more would have been done to insure justice for my dad's family because of the death. My mom could give me very little additional information about what happened. I do remember my Nannan (grandmother) telling me stories about what a great guy he was and how good a father he was. Had to be a tremendous tragedy for her as well as my dad and my aunts. But then, several years later, another tragedy struck my Nannan and her family. Her son and my dad's brother Clair died in an automobile accident. How can anyone endure two tragedies such as this in a lifetime? Clair was the manager for the football team at Lancaster High and was traveling to York for a game when the driver of the car he was riding in collided with another car on the Lincoln Highway near Mountville. Clair was riding in the rumble seat of the car and was catapulted from the car by the force of the impact. He died of a fractured skull. He was a member of the St. James Episcopal Church Boys Choir as was my father and myself. My dad's family suffered a lifetime of grief in a matter of years. It is a real tribute to my Nannan, my two aunts and my dad that they have overcome the adversity given to them in their life. Strong people!!  It was another extraordinary day in the life of an ordinary guy. PS - Top photo is my grandfather Joseph and bottom photo shows my dad on the left and his brother and my uncle Clair.