Today is/was Labor Day in the United States, as those of you in the United States know. Likely most, if not all of you reading this, are also aware of it.  The holiday was established to honor and recognize the American labor movement and the works and contributions of laborers to the development and achievements of the United States. - See Wikipedia for description and more details.

Indirectly, for me, it’s also a celebration of my life and my parents.  Without the mission of union organizers, my parents would never have met and I would not have been born. My father, Sam Bakely, was a union organizer and one of the organizers of a Ladies Garment Workers strike.  My mother was one of the workers on the picket line. I don't know the exact story of how they directly connected and fell in love. 

Not only do I not know any details about that strike, I had not known anything about my father’s early history with labor unions.  It wasn’t until a high school friend told me she had just read about my father in Edmund Wilson’s book THE AMERICAN EARTHQUAKE. It was through purchasing and reading that book that I learned about his role and other experiences he had in assisting in another major strike, plus his schooling before that. 

Lastly, regarding my father and memories - An out-of-the blue story surfaced recently when I was Googling something entirely unrelated. It saddens me that I don’t recall ever hearing about it. 

In 1962  my father, testified before a Senate sub-committee on a Postal Rate revision. He was Secretary-Treasurer of a Teamsters Local of Truck Drivers who delivered magazines. Their jobs would have been impacted by reducing postage rates for magazines.

Why, you may be wondering, have I been sharing these stories? In part, as I said, it’s to acknowledge and celebrate Labor Day and to honor my father.

In addition, it’s a reminder of lost memories, some of which we may never have been aware. 

Another brief memory

Last Saturday was the 62nd wedding anniversary that my beloved husband, Sam and I would have been celebrating together were he still alive. I am blessed and fortunate that I was able to celebrate him and us through the love letters and notes I have starting from a few days after we met…a story I’ll share another time. 

The Past and Future

As you know, our lives are full of memories. It’s great when we can celebrate, far into the future the good and beautiful activities and occasions. 

Are there special memories you have wanting to be shared also with people important to you in this generation and beyond?

September for many marks the start of New Year… back-to-school and more. I am excited. With the guidance and support of a new coach and mastermind group, I expect to be launching, in a group program, participants being conscious of living, appreciating and celebrating present moments,  then sharing them when desired.

I’d appreciate your sharing what has come up for you as you’ve read through some of my history here. 

Are there stories from your past that you wish you had known about?…

Might there be:

stories of your own that you want to make certain are available for you at special times in the future for you to read or watch on video? 

stories that you want to ensure family members and friends will have should they want to celebrate you?

I'd very much appreciate your replying to this email or leaving a comment on the blog in the Reply space on Celebrating Labor Day - Acknowledging my Father

Lastly, I celebrate and thank you for being in my life.

I deeply appreciate you.

With love,

Sheila

PS - If you don’t already have it, I invite you to get my free guide to capturing and creating audio and video memories. Tap/click on Guide to Sharing Memories.

To the Joy of Discovery and Transformation,

Living and Loving with No Regrets.

Sheila

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