Grandpa Nathan’s Children

Aurelia Lucy Shrenker

Aurelia Shrenker is a student in NYU’s Gallatin Program, where she studies Literacy and Social Justice.  A singer of traditional music, and a former ethnomusicology student at UCLA, she is currently touring with duo Æ.  Aurelia specializes in music from Appalachia and Caucasus Georgia.  Her work with writing, education, and music satisfies her love of stories, oral history, and travel. 

Grandpa Nathan’s Children

Great Grandpa Nathan had at least seven siblings. I asked Grandpa if they all left Poland.
Yes, definitely, he said. But only Grandpa came to New York. Luba went to Buenos Aires—
Grandma said Luba died very poor: her husband never did make any money.
Grandpa Nathan sent her money sometimes. Poor lady, that beautiful Luba.
And the rest, besides the one who migrated to England and died in the Steeple Chase, well
Grandpa doesn’t know what happened to them.
And then I asked Grandpa how many children Grandpa Nathan had and he looked at me and said,
How many children did Grandpa Nathan have?
And I said, I don’t know. How many did he have?
And Grandpa yelled into the kitchen,
Phyllis, how many children did Grandpa Nathan have?
And she said, One.
And Grandpa looked at me, made a loco sign by his head and said,
Really Phyllis? Either somethin’s the matter with you or somethin’s the matter with me.
Grandma was quiet.
And he walked into the kitchen and I heard them talking and Grandma said,
She only knows you, why are you talking about that?
And Grandpa said,
She asked me Phyllis. She wants to know about the family history.
And Grandma said,
Well that’s not necessary.