I Hate Dialysis Message Board

Off-Topic => Off-Topic: Talk about anything you want. => Topic started by: jbeany on September 17, 2007, 09:49:56 AM

Title: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: jbeany on September 17, 2007, 09:49:56 AM
My father passed away suddenly last week - an unexpected heart attack at 63.  It's been an open secret in the family that the father listed on his birth certificate isn't his biological dad, but I'd never found out who his real father is.  Given my dad's looks - very tall, hawk nose, dark skinned, and where he grew up in Northern Michigan, I always figured he, and therefore I, was part Native American.  I found out the truth this week, thanks to a talkative uncle and an old death bed confession from my ummm, well, rather unusual grandmother. . . My real grandfather was full-blooded Greek.   Now there's a perspective change after years of thinking I'm 1/4 Indian!  So that makes me 1/4 Greek, 1/4 English, 1/4 French Canadian, and 1/4 Irish. 

What was that about Heinz 57?   ;D

I don't know much of anything at all about the Greek culture - now I want to know!
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: Sluff on September 17, 2007, 09:52:31 AM
Sorry about the loss of your father.

I had an Uncle who was Greek but I never learned much except he was a good cook.
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: Roxy on September 17, 2007, 09:57:24 AM
Sorry about the loss of your father Jbeany  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: LightLizard on September 17, 2007, 10:33:10 AM
the ancient greeks were an advanced race of beings. they were actually the first in history to incorporate the concepts of democracy into their culture. they had a rich mythology and knowledge of science as well. their philosophers were wise and eloquent, their reasoning impeccable!
being of greek heritage is something to be proud of.

love

~LL~
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: livecam on September 17, 2007, 11:07:55 AM
My father passed away suddenly last week - an unexpected heart attack at 63.  It's been an open secret in the family that the father listed on his birth certificate isn't his biological dad, but I'd never found out who his real father is.  Given my dad's looks - very tall, hawk nose, dark skinned, and where he grew up in Northern Michigan, I always figured he, and therefore I, was part Native American.  I found out the truth this week, thanks to a talkative uncle and an old death bed confession from my ummm, well, rather unusual grandmother. . . My real grandfather was full-blooded Greek.   Now there's a perspective change after years of thinking I'm 1/4 Indian!  So that makes me 1/4 Greek, 1/4 English, 1/4 French Canadian, and 1/4 Irish. 

What was that about Heinz 57?   ;D

I don't know much of anything at all about the Greek culture - now I want to know!


I'll bet you've wondered all your life about your preference for greek olives, feta cheese, chopped tomatos, and staring at Greek statues.  Well now you know!
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: paris on September 17, 2007, 01:12:26 PM
jbeany, I am so sorry about your father.  63 is too young and I know your family must be stunned.   Maybe looking into your heritage will be a good diversion, although nothing will make the grieving easier.    :grouphug;
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: thegrammalady on September 17, 2007, 01:37:42 PM
i'm so sorry for your loss. both my parents are in their 80's. i can't help it, but every time the phone rings and it's someone from oregon there is a fleeting thought at the back of my mind, wondering if this is the call i really don't want. silly because they are both in very good health, but i don't like surprises. genealogy is a fascinating mystery, maybe there is someone in your family who can put you on the right path.
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: goofynina on September 17, 2007, 01:52:23 PM
Jbeany, i am sorry about the loss of your father.   :cuddle; 

OOOOOPAAAH!!!!   Is the only thing i can think of about the Greek heritage and i have "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" to thank for that :P  (i still love that movie)  :2thumbsup;  It would be very interesting to find out who your ancestors and relatives are, I believe Greeks usually have HUGE families ;) ;) 
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: LightLizard on September 17, 2007, 04:33:08 PM
'300' is an awsome rendering of the history of the spartans. a little gory, perhaps, but they were gory times.
the book is better. ('the gates of fire')
my daughter often gets mistaken for being greek when she dances at the greek events, here in victoria. she's a belly dancer.

;)
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: charee on September 17, 2007, 05:48:52 PM
jbeany sorry to hear about the loss of your father :grouphug;
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: Jill D. on September 17, 2007, 07:43:49 PM
So sorry about your dad's passing. Pretty crazy to learn your heritage is not what you thought it was all of your life! Both native american and greek are great blood to have.
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: angela515 on September 17, 2007, 08:09:56 PM
Sorry about your loss hun.  :cuddle;

I love watching shows on the History channel about greeks... thats about all I know. :)
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: angellady07 on September 17, 2007, 08:18:44 PM
Jbeany, my condolences are with you.
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: Ohio Buckeye on September 17, 2007, 08:31:42 PM
I am sorry for your loss JBeany.
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: jbeany on September 17, 2007, 08:45:02 PM

OOOOOPAAAH!!!! Is the only thing i can think of about the Greek heritage and i have "My Big Fat Greek Wedding" to thank for that :P (i still love that movie) :2thumbsup; It would be very interesting to find out who your ancestors and relatives are, I believe Greeks usually have HUGE families ;) ;)

I thought of that movie, too.  I might have to rent that soon!

Thanks for the kind words, everyone.  It was a shock to everyone, as he was quite healthy, with no history of heart problems.  A number of cousins have gotten their wake up calls with this, and are all headed for doctor's appointments and diet plans, I think.
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: Wattle on September 17, 2007, 11:53:19 PM


 :cuddle;  JB, I am sorry to hear of your loss.    :grouphug;
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: Joe Paul on September 18, 2007, 12:29:57 AM
Jbeany, sorry for your loss  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: Ken Shelmerdine on September 18, 2007, 04:15:25 AM
Jbeany, sorry for your loss  :grouphug;

Sorry to hear of your loss.  :grouphug;
Title: Re: Apparently, it really is all Greek to me. . .
Post by: mmmmdeedee on September 18, 2007, 03:22:19 PM
I am so sorry to hear about your father. Sudden deaths are always the worse....things left unsaid, etc.

As for the Greek part. I think it's a great thing. Just like a new adventure for you to track down other relatives that may still live over there and a great excuse to visit a beautiful place. And to see it in a different perspective. Immerse yourself in this. Hopefully it'll distract you from the pain you are otherwise feeing.

Take care.