Life History of Brenda (Harris) Olszewski

21. Tell us about your father, do you have a special memory of him?

My father is the best father on earth! I remember having family prayer in the morning and being kissed and hugged by dad as he went off to work. He was a hard worker and also had many resposibilities at church. I always saw him as dedicated to what ever he was doing, whether it was church, politics,garden, dancing, playing is harmonica at the grange. I lived this way because of him. I was taught to be on time. His promptness has been instilled in me.Dad was and still is always fun to be around. We had a great time at home with Family night and his imitations of us.My fondest memory is when I was little, about 4 yrs old and I would fall asleep on the living room floor while watching tv. Dad would pick me up and carry me to bed. I actually would wake up when he picked me up, but wouldn't let him know. I loved it when he picked me up and carried me to bed and kissed me good night. That was the best feeling.

22. Have you ever witnessed or experienced a fire, flood, disaster or accident? What happened, what did you do, how did you feel about it?

I witnessed a Tornado coming in the direction of the trailer court that Jeff and I lived in, in Gulfport, Mississippi. I was pregnant with my first child,Jenny, about 7mth's along. It was raining very hard and I turned the radio on. Jeff was at the Naval base and I was home alone. I knew by the radio that it was bad outdside and that a tornado was coming. I looked out the window and saw it coming. I was so afraid!
The station I was listening to gave instructions on how to keep safe. As I was living in a mobile home I couldn't see how this could be safe, even with hurricane straps on it.
I was getting ready to go outside and lie in a ditch if I had too, because I saw the tornado coming towards the trailer court. Luckily Jeff got home as I began to panic. The tornado touched down in the field right next to us. That was scarry.

23. When you have quiet time what do you like to do?

When I have quiet time I like to read. I love true stories.

24. Who was the president of the United States when you were born? Who was your favorite president and why?

The president of the United States when I was born in 1957 was Dwight D. Eisenhower. My favorite president was Ronald Regan. I liked his gentleness but firmness too. I liked his love he had for his wife Nancy.

25. Did your family have any special traditions?

The special traditions I remember was when I was young and grandma and grandpa Harris were alive we would go to there house on Christmas eve with all the relatives and have a party there. I t was so much fun with all the cousins and aunts and uncles. We also would have with mom and dad a get together in November for Thanksgiving and exchange presents with them for christmas.

26. How old were you when you learned to drive? Who taught you and what kind of car did you learn on?

I was 16 yrs old when I learned to drive. Dad taught me and I had to learn on the Volkswagon beetle and van we had. They were both standard, and I had to learn if I wanted to drive. I caught on pretty quick and had fun. I would wait for dad after church so I could drive home. I ground the gears a few times but for the most part I did fine. I took my road test in Sis. Taylor's car. Her's was an automatic and it was the first time I drove it on my road test. I did great.

27. What is your first memory of as a child?

I don't really recall how old I was or if this was a first memory, but I remember playing with a doll bigger than me I had gotten for christmas. It was when we lived on 9 Hudson St in South Glens Falls. The doll looked like a huge barbie doll. She had 2 dresses to change into and high heel shoes and earrings I dragged her around because she was so big.

28. What did your father and mother do for a living?

My Dad 1st worked as a Meat Cutter. I think that's what he did when he and Mom got married. They met at the same store back then. Then he worked as a Produce Mgr and then a Store mgr, District mgr and went back to being a store mgr. A few yrs before he retired he worked as an Auditor in the same co. Grand Union.

Mom started out as a cashier, when Dad was a meat cutter. He met her at the register and kept buying cigarettes from her til he asked her out. Mom went on to be Head Bookkeeper at Grand Union. She also was a Bus Driver for Queensbury school district. She received lots of safety awards.

29. Have you ever seen or witnessed a miracle?

I really can't say that I've seen or witnessed a miracle other than when my 3 daughter's were born. To me that was my miracle along with being able to see my daughters 1st children(my grandchildren born!)

30. What sports do you participate in or watch? Are you enthusiastic about sports or exercising?

I really don't do any sports anymore, but I used to play softball and I used to speed walk. I loved both. I do like to watch some basketball and football.

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