The family of Allyn Gardner, Sr. Christmas 1948. My mom had just turned one. She is being held by her father, left-center.
Allyn Gardner, Sr. and family, Christmas 1948. From left to right: Aunt Naomi, Aunt Hilda, Gloria (held by Aunt Naomi), Allyn Sr., Diane, my mom Leona (held by her father), my grandfather Donald, Harriet (behind my grandfather), Warren, Aunt Emily, Uncle Gilbert, Uncle Mervyn, and two neighbors.
This photo was almost certainly taken by my grandmother, who famously hated having her picture taken.
Doing Microsoft Teams calls over the last few years — thanks, COVID! — revealed to me that while I may not have gotten the Gardner nose, I did get the Gardner eyebrows. (See Naomi and Allyn Sr.) I had these huge monstrosities starring back at me over my glasses.
This photo is the only time I have seen my brother in my grandfather.
I want to criticize how the boys tied their neckties. I do a Windsor knot, so those knots feel all off-balance to me.