Back in the Saddle
Hello, People. It’s been a while. Thanks for hanging in there with me.
Remember that foot surgery I had back in December? Well, turns out that it didn’t go so well after all. I suffered a rare complication (really rare, like, less than 1% rare) about a month after surgery that threw my life into complete turmoil while we got it sorted out. What should have been a straightforward 6-8 week recovery period instead turned into an estimated 6-12 month recovery, and I have learned more about the peripheral nervous system–and the malfunctions thereof–than I ever wanted to know. I’m happy to report that I’m finally walking without a cane now, and with the help of physical therapy and some amazing drug therapy that will carry on for at least a year, am back to leading a pretty normal life. I will not be doing any long-distance walking any time soon, but what a thrill to be able to walk at all. I’m so grateful for the synchronicities that led to me receiving the right care at the right time; the alternative is too dreadful to even think about, so I don’t.
So, where were we? 1925, I think. That’s the year both of my teeny-tiny great-grandparents became naturalized US citizens. According to their certificates of naturalization, Leo was 5′ 5″ and Margaret was 5′ 3″. I’m tickled by how short they were, living in a family of giants as I do. Both my daughters hover near 6′, way over my head.
My great-grandfather Franz Georg Leopold Lessiack naturalized in January of 1925.
My great-grandmother Margaret Spielmann Lessiack naturalized in November of 1925.
Here are some family photographs taken that year. My grandpa Bob was obviously a much beloved child. His clothes are so adorable, leading me to wonder if they were hand-made (and if so, by whom) or store bought. My very cursory research suggests that it could have gone either way, so maybe he wore a combination. Whatever the case, the whole family was always turned out very nicely, at least for pictures.
My grandfather, Robert Lessiack, at, “Lakewood, NJ, Easter 1925.”
Great-grandma Margaret Spielmann Lessiack and Grandpa Bob Lessiack; “Philadephia” is written on the back of the image.
Grandpa Bob Lessiack and friends, “June 1925.”
Grandpa Bob Lessiack and Great-grandma Margaret Spielmann Lessiack, “Greenwood Lake, Aug 1925”
In parting, here are two Memorial Day posts worthy of your attention: This one, from the very first follower of my blog, GPCox of Pacific Paratrooper. (We’ll figure out the Dorrie mystery one day, I just know it), and this one from the ever enlightening Convivio Bookworks blog Book of Days.
Until next time, People. Again, thanks for hanging in there with me. I hope to get back into a more regular rhythm from now on.
19 comments on “Back in the Saddle”
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The People of Pancho 
I was so happy to see a post from you, and then I was sad to read why it had been so long. I am sorry you went through that all and relieved that modern medicine has helped. And as always, your photos are wonderful.
Feel good, and maybe some genealogy will make you feel even better! 🙂 Welcome back!
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Thanks, Amy. It already is!
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I have been to Greenwood Lake (NY side) many times when I was younger. Glad to hear you’re doing better.
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How cool. I don’t know that part of the country much at all, but would love to visit these locations some day.
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It was beautiful when I was there. Played on the frozen lake, roamed the forest, etc. But of course that was many years ago, (and I’m NOT telling you how many!! haha)/
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You secret is safe with me!
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Welcome back. Blogs are patient – they wait for you. Your health is so important. Glad you are on the mend.
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Thanks, Donna!
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So glad you are back! And with more incredible photos!
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Welcome back. I’m sorry you’ve had to go through such a frightening and painful experience and I’m very glad that the treatment you’re getting is working. Take care and continue to get better. Cheers, Su
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Thanks, Su.
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Charming, as always. So glad you are back on your feet.
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Welcome back! I’m sorry to hear about your health problems, and it’s wonderful to hear that you are well on the road to recovery. Your grandfather was such an adorable child.
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Thank you, Sheryl!
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I hope you recent visit to my site means that you’ll soon be back with us again!
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I know this is an older post, but wow, great photos here! How is your foot doing now?
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I am so much better! Thank you for asking. Top of the new year’s resolutions for 2018 is getting my blog going again. Thank you for hanging in there with me.
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Woot! I am so glad you are going to be posting! Can’t wait to read your posts!
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Oh boy! I just read about your foot ordeal. Glad to hear that you’re doing better.
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