Swedlow Central

Today is Mom & Dad’s 57th Wedding Anniversary

So, it’s my parents wedding anniversary today: March 19, 2018. Obviously, my mother is celebrating it on her own.  We miss you, Dad! This photo was taken in 2016.

There are many stories about their wedding back in 1961. Here are some stories I remember at the moment:

• They met on a blind date. When the men arrived at the sorority house, my mom went up to the wrong guy and said: “If we’re going to the race track, we’re betting with your money because I don’t have any.” That guy pointed to my dad and said “It’s him!” Once they coupled up, from what she told me, they “got lost” on their way to the race track (Scioto Downs) on its opening day and so they had a lot of time to talk. I believe they fell in love right away. I think there is more to that story.
• Dad was still at law school and my mother at university at Ohio State.
• Marriage took place in Springfield, Ohio with a full set of bridesmaids and grooms.
• My mother still has her wedding dress, which didn’t fit any of her 3 daughters as it was size 5 or something. It had a very long train and was made with lace and silk. I think my grandmother was involved in the making of it as they were poor.
• The synagogue was Reform of mostly German dissent, so my Russian Jewish grandparents on my Dad’s side were horrified that nobody was wearing yarmulkes (kipas). I think there was some broohaha about that.
• They went on their honeymoon to Nassau, Bahamas.  Super cute photos of them exist with touristy straw hats and bags and one sitting on a cannon.

Uncle Terry Eulogized Dad

This is a picture of my dad with Hannah in 2014.

The anniversary of my dad’s death (April 25, 2017) is almost upon us. Hi great and oldest friend, “Uncle Terry”  – also a great man and well-respected radiologist – beautifully eulogized him at the funeral with the following memories and thoughts….

Thanks Uncle Terry!

—

Gerry Swedlow was a lucky man. He had enormous LOVE in his life. First, his parents, Ann & Morris Swedlow, who nurtured, taught and loved him totally and with much pride. The Swedlow’s gave Gerry 2 loving brothers, Bobby & David, who have stayed his best friends for a lifetime. These three boys developed a warm loving family that has stayed very close, as seen here today.

Then HE met his beautiful, intelligent, red head, JUDIE MEYER at OSU, THE LOVE OF HIS LIFE. They had been married 56 years this past March. His WORLD WITH JUDIE was ALL he ever wanted. Within a few years his life was filled with more love: three intelligent, creative, adventurist, and innovative little girls, Tracy, Pam and Bea, Debbie to us.

These three women brought him love and great pride, along with their mates, Richard, Scott and Barb. His heart was full of love. What more could a man want and/ or be surrounded by. THEN came MICHAEL, HANNAH and JOEY. Now, THAT was another level, Grandchildren who loved and adored him unconditionally. He was back in his element. Gerry loved children and was THE very best Father and Grandfather.

I met Gerry, in Junior High school when his family moved to Bexley. His Father was my Fathers accountant and they played golf together. I was in the 8th grade and Gerry was in the 7th. I lived on S. Roosevelt Ave and he lived on S. Remington Rd. We would meet on Powell Ave and would walk to school together.

In the summers, we went to Cassingham playground, playing chess, checkers, softball and basketball. He was always good under the basket! Plus, Gerry was an excellent chess player. Then, we would ride our bikes to the Excelsior Club to swim all afternoon. While we were in high school, we began going up to Frankfort, Mi, for a week each summer to just “hang out” on the beach. Party all night and sleep all day. We did this for probably 3 or 4 years.

In fact, years later, we took our families to Frankfort for a summer vacation.

After Bexley High school, we entered Ohio State, we were ZBT’s together, and then it was Law school for Gerry. That’s when he met HIS Judie. He courted her and they were married in Springfield, Ohio. I was in their wedding, and he was in ours. They then headed off to the Air Force, in France.

We ended up living and raising our family’s one door apart on Merkle Road. As a Father, Gerry was the BEST. He loved the games, would read books to his girls, always took family home movies and taught them to ski.

In fact, we bought a boat together and our families would picnic and learned to water ski together, but only after OUR 7:30 am Sunday morning golf game. We were partners in most of the golf tournaments, even won once! We started the “Golf Guys” and he wrote a weekly report on the action. I think Judy still has some of those letters. Later on, the “Golf Guys” took trips to various golf resorts. Gerry went on every trip, followed by a humorous letter with an accounting résumé.

Gerry also had an accounting degree, as well as law. As a Lawyer, Gerry was known as the top real estate man in the city. His fellow lawyers would turn to Gerry for advice. He was respected, conscientious and reliable. He had a remarkable memory for facts and events.

As couples and families we had numerous good times. Boating at Hide Away Hills, Passover at our home, where Gerry dressed up as Elijah. Bexley Fourth of July floats, that were always built in the Swedlows’ driveway. All of our families walked the parade dressed as clowns. We traveled, as couples and enjoyed many happy occasions.

This is a very HARD day for Nancy and me as Gerry was our best friend. Good-by to OUR OLD friend, you will be missed but we will NEVER forget all the happy times we spent together. Love you, Gerry.