Have a look around.
I’ve got a few new things. Most are secondhand. After the kids have outgrown them or their parents passed, families bring their things to me. Everything’s priced to sell. I’m not interested in making money. I consider this more of a public service.
And I enjoy talking and meeting new people — if you hadn’t figured that out already.
I can see that your mom doesn’t understand much of what I’m saying. If it’s okay, ask her what language you both speak — I might know a few words.
Ukrainian? Nope. But I know a gal who does. In fact, she’s starting up an English-Ukrainian language class at the church down the street. Before you leave today, if you’re interested, I’ll give you her information.
Are you or your mom looking for something in particular?
Photographs. Of people. Okay. Try searching through this box. Most are from old family photo albums. I don’t think we have any from other countries, just so you know.
While you’re looking, I’ll tell you a little about the two other Ukrainian families living here.
Uh oh, your mom’s crying. Did a photograph upset her? Let’s see. Why that’s Billy Simms, referee at the high school homecoming game about 20 years ago. Looks like the photo was taken from the bleachers.
Wonder what this photo reminds your mother of. Or who. I’m really sorry if … oh, the tears are stopping. That’s better.
You say the photo reminds her of a sad time in your homeland.
If I didn’t know already, I might look at this picture and describe it as a “game official in a striped shirt standing below the spectators.” Didn’t occur to me others might see something completely different in the same images.
Maybe the striped shirt reminds her of a prison guard. Something for me to think about.
Why don’t you take this photo — a gift from me to you. Do whatever you like with it. Burn it even, if you think that would help your mom feel better.
And let me find that information about my friend, Melinda, and her class. She knows the other Ukrainian families and I’m sure would be happy to introduce you.
They’ve already been to Dusty’s Dime N Dollar. Nice folks.
I’m so glad you came in today. You taught me about new ways of seeing things. Maybe next time your mom and I can talk a bit.
No reason I can't learn some Ukrainian. And she can practice her English. If she likes, we can look at photos together.
Now, don’t forget. And this is the most important. You always have a friend here at Dusty’s.