Week 4’s writing prompt is favorite photo. I have many photos that are my “favorites” but I had to choose one of them to write about. I chose the photo below that is about 71 years old.

This picture shows the oldest of the “Flannery” first cousins. I am the female and youngest child in the picture. All four of us grew up in rural Waupaca County, Wisconsin within short distances of each other. Our parents were the first three children of Ellen (Nellie) Crain and Francis Flannery.

The children pictured in the wagon from left to right are: Joan Fitzgerald, Robert (Bob) Flannery, Jerome (Jerry) Madden and James (Jim) Flannery standing behind the wagon. Jim and Bob are the sons of Edward (Ed) and Elna Estabrook Flannery, Jerry is the oldest child of Irene Flannery and William (Bill) Madden and I am the oldest child of Mary Flannery and John (Jack) Fitzgerald.

The picture was taken in 1949. Bob, Jerry and I were born within two weeks of each in October and November 1948. Our mothers were all in the New London Hospital at the same time. Jim was born in February 1947. My mother’s youngest sister Rita told me I was treated like a princess being the first grandchild who was a girl after the three boys. (I don’t recall ever being treated like a princess!) I do recall playing with the boys and their siblings at each other’s homes. Jim and Bob were the biggest of the four of us and could outrun and dominate in games; Jerry was the quiet one; and I was probably the whiny girl!

Looking at this picture I can’t help but wonder what our parents had in mind for us as we grew. Did we meet their expectations? I believe so.

Where are we now?

Jim and his wife Ruth raised three sons, who now have families of their own. Ruth passed away in 2011 and Jim is enjoying his children and grandchildren in his retirement.

Bob and his wife raised a daughter and son. Bob passed away in 2001. He has several grandchildren, some of whom he never met. My mother passed away two weeks before Bob. I had a long conversation with him at her funeral. It was the first real conversation we had as adults. The memory of that conversation comforted me at his funeral.

Jerry is divorced and has one daughter who is the light of his life. He is retired and lives his life filled with hobbies and activities he enjoys.

I never married. I have been happily retired for about ten years. I enjoy gardening, building my family tree, reading and spending time with family and friends.

P.S. Jerry’s mother sent this picture to me several years ago. I immediately framed it and have had it on my bookshelf since then.