Standing in my family room is a grandfather clock—not just any grandfather clock. This is the one that has known me for my entire adult life.
Purchased in England
The clock was purchased in England in 1976 when my family immigrated there. I was 18. For the next three years, I heard it chime the quarter hours while I studied microbiology and virology at the University of Warwick. Meanwhile, it witnessed my future husband Richard meeting my parents (Frits and Meta), him asking my father if he could marry me (Shit, yes, Richard), and my leaving home in July of 1979.
After that, the clock only saw me when I visited, bringing first Catherine, then Jonathan, and finally James to spend time with their Opa and Oma. I wonder what it thought about my bright-eyed, lively children.
Across the Ocean
When James was only a year old, the clock traveled by boat across the ocean to Iowa. It took my children’s grandparents with it, and it only saw my children on one occasion when we brought them over to celebrate Christmas. That was an extraordinary time since my grandmother (Mamma in Brave Face) was there, along with my siblings, their spouses and children, and, of course, my husband and children. What a Christmas that was!
To Texas
Then, in 1991, we moved across the ocean from England to Council Bluffs, Iowa. Within a few months, the clock moved to Houston. Not the best planning. Again, it only saw our children when we managed a trip.
More moves. The clock moved to Dallas and stayed there for over 30 years. You’d think we could catch up, but instead, we moved to Virginia and acquired another child (who was an adult). After that, my husband’s job took us to California. I only saw and heard the clock when I visited Dallas, but I loved it. It is the sound of home.
In 2017, we had just returned from a wonderful sabbatical when we received news that would definitely impact the clock. Our time in California was up. As a result, we had no home, but the Lord had plans. Dad was sick, and we were needed in Texas. We put our possessions in storage, drove across the desert, and began a time of listening to the grandfather clock chime away the last months, weeks, and days of my precious father’s life. Two months after he passed, we left the clock behind to begin another phase of life back in Virginia, now enjoying increasing numbers of grandchildren. The clock now kept Mom company as she lived alone.
To Virginia
In 2024, after a series of health scares, Mom decided to live with us. The clock came with her and now stands in our family room. Once again, I hear it chime every quarter hour, although it seems to be becoming confused with age since it chimes 9:00 when it is 8:00, etc. A check-up may be in order!
Regardless, I expect the grandfather clock will keep us company as we navigate life. Our grandchildren often stop and listen to it chime. Eventually, it will see them grow up and perhaps get married. It may see great-grandchildren. And, one day, it will again move house, all the while faithfully chiming the hours.