Lighting Up Many Lives
Nov 17 – tell a story from the point of view of a family heirloom
This floor lamp has many stories to tell. It first became part of the family on September 15, 1937 when Anthony Venturi married Lillian Aumick. It likely stood in the corner of the living room, watching over the young couple as newlyweds, then shining over their newborn daughter and then son as they played and grew.
It stood quietly, illuminating the corner when Lillian passed away in 1949, much too young. It shed light on her children as they tried to grasp the fact that their mother was gone and wondered what would happen now. It stood lonely when the children moved in with their grandmother. Perhaps it stayed dark for that time.
The lamp was once again able to light up a happy room when Anthony remarried, this time to Ann Ditzel on August 23, 1950, and then shone bright when the children returned and were once again in its presence. Then another child was welcomed and they all sat in its light, whether they were reading, completing schoolwork or playing with their toys.
One by one, the children married and moved out of the house, away from the lamp. It still lit up its own corner of the living room, and occasionally, the grandchildren would visit. At these times, though Anthony and Ann and the other adults may have been sitting in the kitchen or at the dining room table, the living room needed to be illuminated for the grandchildren, so the switch was turned again.
Over the years, the lamp saw many people come and go in this apartment. Family was always welcome and at times the place was full. It served its purpose well; Anthony insisted on having good lighting, even when visitors protested that it wasn’t necessary.
In time Anthony and Ann also left this home, bringing the lamp with them. It still stood in the corner, keeping the darkness at bay. It shone over them as they read and watched television. After many decades, in 1983, Anthony passed away, followed by Ann 12 years later. Though some thought the lamp dated and ugly, it found a new home, with one of the grandkids.
It has spent the past couple decades in its new home, moving to different spots in the living room and ultimately settling in the master bedroom. Though the bulb has been replaced many times, the light still shines brightly and it has assured its place as a cherished family member.