Iggy interviews Goompa
My mom’s dad is my grandfather.
His name is Ralph.
We call him Goompa.
I’m super lucky that my Goompa lives in the same city as me…whenever we’re together he always wants to read to me, play with me and take me on adventures like to museums and stuff.
He’s super nice.
My Goompa agreed to be interviewed so that I could share him with you!
Hi Goompa! Thanks so much for letting me ask you some questions today!
Where were you born?
I was born in the Eastern part of New Brunswick; in a farming/fishing village along the Northumberland Strait.
How many brothers and sisters did you grow up with?
I’m from a family of 13 children: 6 sisters, 6 brothers and myself.
What’s a favorite memory you have as a kid?
My memories as a kid are: playing in a sandpit across the road, picking wild strawberries and blueberries and fishing trout from the river close to home.
Who was your hero growing up? Why?
My dad of course, and when I was little, Roy Rogers, Gene Autry, and Davy Crockett. They would always make sure the bad people were put in jail.
I know you left your home when you were quite young to find a job. How did you feel about that?
I left home quite young, as I felt it was my turn to leave the nest and take flight. There were still a number of siblings after me, and one less at the table meant more to eat for those left behind.
What did you learn about yourself?
I quickly learned that I was responsible for whatever I did, that I could no longer depend on my parents to put food in my stomach or clothes on my back. I also felt that I should, whenever possible, help my parents by contributing for those still at home.
What makes you happy?
If I can go to sleep thinking that no one has to go to bed hungry or cold.
What makes you sad?
Listening to the news and learning of disasters such as earthquakes, killing of innocent children in school, countries waging war against one another. Yeah, that makes me very sad.
If you could hang out with anyone, ( past or present) who would that person be?
Two people come to mind; number 1, Gandhi of India and number 2, Nelson Mandela.
What’s your favorite season?
I’m very lucky…I have two favorite seasons, Spring and Fall.
What’s your favorite snack?
A huge piece of homemade butterscotch pie and a tall glass of real cold milk.
If you could go anywhere in the world for a holiday, where would you go?
I would visit every European country and the far North.
Do you have a favorite ice-cream flavor?
Yes! Pralines and Cream!
If you could switch lives with someone for a day, who would you be?
Very simple answer is no one. I’m the luckiest person in the world…why would I want to be anyone else, even for a day?
What life advice would you give to a kid?
Play a lot, smell the flowers, always reach out to help others if you can, and get the best education you possibly can. If you can, get a few acres of land in the country, for it is obvious that we will not always be able to depend on the big food chains to provide food for the population at an affordable price.
I had so much fun chatting with you today Goompa! Thanks so much for hanging out with me and answering my questions! I love you.
I love you too Iggy. I had fun with you too!
