Goody Two-Shoes

Summary

The provided content is a personal narrative detailing the early life and family experiences of a woman born as the first child of seven daughters in 1954 Belgium, including her time in a hospital after birth, life with her grandparents, and significant life events such as learning Italian and forming a lifelong friendship.

Abstract

The narrative begins with the author's birth in 1954 Belgium, where she was the eldest of seven daughters. After a week-long hospital stay, a standard practice at the time, she returned home to her parents and maternal grandparents. Her formidable grandmother, a retired schoolmistress, took on the responsibility of her care, reflecting the era's trend away from breastfeeding. The author fondly recalls a toy car that she would repeatedly throw from her playpen. As she grew older, she was often tasked with setting a good example for her younger sisters, a role that became particularly important during vacations when they were sent away to give their grandmother a respite. The author shares a memory of a photographer visiting their home, capturing an image of her and her sisters in new dresses, which she disliked. The narrative progresses to her third-grade year, where she needed glasses and was allowed to grow her hair, provided she maintained it herself. The author also reflects on her responsibility at sixteen, serving as a caretaker for her younger siblings, and her transformative experience learning Italian in Italy, where she donned a sari for the first time, an event that foreshadowed the significant role India would later play in her life.

Opinions

The author's grandmother played a significant role in her early upbringing, with strict routines and a focus on cleanliness.
Breastfeeding was not favored in that era, as indicated by the author's mother being discouraged from touching her newborn.
The author had a close bond with her father, as evidenced by the playful interaction with her toy car.
The author felt a sense of duty to care for her younger sisters, which was reinforced by her family's expectations.
The author experienced homesickness during vacations away from home, indicating a strong attachment to her family.
The author's life took a memorable turn when she learned Italian and formed a lasting friendship with her Indian roommate, hinting at her openness to new cultures and experiences.

Mini me challenge

I was my parents’ first child, the eldest of seven daughters. In the picture above, I have just come home. In 1954 Belgium, childbirth was a serious matter. One week was the minimum for Mom and baby to stay in the hospital.

About one year old. Apparently my first real toy was a car.

While my father saved up his earnings to start his own business, home was my maternal grandparents’ house. My formidable grandmother, a retired “schoolmistress,” took charge of my sleep and feeding schedule, and the sterilizing of my bottles. Breastfeeding was out of favor in that era. Mom was barely allowed to touch me! I had this red toy car that I would throw out of my playpen, and Dad would give it back to me, so I could throw it again.

Here I am what? Four? Five? Something like that.

I remember the day this picture was taken. A photographer came to the house. My two sisters and I were wrestled into new, starchy dresses. I hated it. But I was told to smile, so I did.

Homesick at the seaside with my younger sisters. Circa 1960?

After three girls, Mom was pregnant again and bigger than usual. Everybody said she was going to have a boy. Instead, she gave birth to twin girls. My dad was, reportedly, inconsolable. During school vacations, we were sent to a “vacation home” to give grandma a break. I remember feeling very homesick. This photo was made by my grandfather who came to visit us. “Look after your sisters and set a good example!” became the motto of my childhood.

Third-grade school picture, 1963.

In the third grade I needed glasses. I was allowed to grow my hair if I’d brush and braid it myself. My parents were on their own now and, with five children, Mom had her hands full. Two more would follow.

1970. Christening of my youngest sister.

I was very “young” and innocent at sixteen. And so responsible! But soon my life would take an interesting turn…

Language nerd, 16 going on 17. Wearing a (borrowed) sari for the first time.

In the summer of 1971, I spent a month in Italy learning Italian. My Indian roommate dressed me up in a sari. We are still friends today. India would play a big role in my life. But that’s another story…