As we anxiously await news from Grandmont/Hamtramck...other September birthdays...

Note:  I posted this shot a few years ago on the old site and am reposting it in memory of Grandpa, born 9/21/1877, and who, if he were still with us, would be the oldest man alive at 135.  Aunt Eleanor's birthday was  9/20/04, so she would be no spring chicken herself at 108.  RIP to them both.

This is a bittersweet shot of M.E. O'Brien with all six of his daughters and son, John, from his 14-year marriage to his kids' mother, Nellie Harrington, now gone from their lives for more than a-year-and-a-half. Little Rosemary, herself not long for this world, is perched on his leg, her father's big right paw holding her in place, while Martha -- her remarkable hair flowing down her shoulders (the only one of the girls with such long locks) -- is standing just beside her. The rest of the kids are clustered around their father in a semi-circle: John, Kitty, Eleanor, Anne, and Margaret. Like so many such photos from the era, smiles are rare. (In this case, it's as if the photographer is attempting to coax his subjects into cheering up for the camera by making a silly face or by uttering a humorous remark, but the response is, by and large, half-hearted with only Anne and Margaret reacting positively; John and Kitty barely breaking into grins; and the others all but stonefaced). As was his way, M.E. is resolutely not smiling, but at just 41 (this could even be his birthday party on September 21st), with his dear Nell gone, so many young lives to watch over, and living in Detroit, far from his roots and extended family in Copper Country, smiling simply may not have been an option. Incidentally, Eleanor had her 14th birthday on September 20th, so, perhaps, they had all gathered for that occasion, or, for that matter, are having a party for both. She stands just over her father's right shoulder, a picture of grace and serenity, exactly how I remember her over the years.