Stan Dziedzic

We all have stories about growing up, becoming parents, having children. Those stories should be told and preserved. This book is a perfect example of why.

Stan does just that. It's a small book. You can read it in one evening or afternoon. He shares 13 chapters from his life and you are left knowing him better ... and thinking about your own life. How the little things become big things in your memory.

Little things like the neighbor guy he called One-Eyed Pete, until he heard his story. Or the joy and tragedy we all remember about those little wooden airplanes with the rubber band and propeller. Or the day the girl next door moved away. And more.

I had read parts of the book before but last night I read all the chapters. I felt closer to Stan, which was a good thing. Stan, a fellow journalism alum from NIU, passed away Sunday, Feb. 28, 2021.

From his chapter on "How Hot Dogs Changed the Seasons" ...

"Sure, they are all the same. Hot dogs, flea markets, beer.

"But they're not. Not really. How can you compare a hot dog prepared bare-handed by a heavily accented foreigner by the light of a hissing kerosene lamp on a humid July evening to the one popped into the microwave for 30 seconds and served with a diet cola?

... "It seems like the authentic stuff, the really good stuff, has disappeared to be replaced by things created just for convenience.

... "I suppose change is inevitable but I surely do miss how Hot Dog Mike's wonderful hot dogs changed the season."

Thanks for the memories Stan.… (meer)