#17 Downers Grove Portillo's

We refer to the Portillo’s in Downers Grove as “Lyzz’ Portillo’s”.  Our niece Lyzz has long since moved to Portland, OR where you couldn’t get a decent Italian beef or hot dog if you were willing to pay a hundred bucks.  Not that we miss her, but that’s what she gets for moving away!  Well she’s here today along with the rest of the family enjoying Portillo’s one again.  While the visit is joyous, we’re been brought together hastily and for unfortunate reasons.  Everyone has come to town to say farewell to “Gramps.”  If you’ve been following the blog you’ve probably noticed that I haven’t written anything for a long time.  It’s been six weeks since his passing, and our visit to this Portillo’s, and I’m still having a difficult time putting down some words.  Perhaps this isn’t the best forum, but I really owe him a tribute.  Also, I’m not a historian so I won’t even attempt to write a biography.  I’ll pick up the story where I got to know him and for the sake of the blog, I’m only going to hit the highlights.

Albert Krafft (1916-2010).  He was my sister’s best friend’s father.  He (widower) and my mother (divorced) were, for lack of a better term, "set-up" by the girls and in 1977 they married.  In the process we (my brothers and sister) picked up three step-sisters, three nephews and a niece, including my best friend who instantly became my nephew (even though he’s a month older than me).  It’s not as complicated as it sounds.  Since I was the only one still living with my mom, Al (who I affectionately referred to as “Egg”) became my acting father.  I was graduating 8th grade and the timing couldn’t have been better.  I was very fortunate to have such a great role model!  He was intelligent, worked hard, cared deeply, etc.  Honestly, I couldn’t come up with enough positive adjectives if I tried.  Anyone who has raised a teenager knows it can be challenging, but we never fought.  Stepping ahead, he was married to my mother until she passed away in 1998.  All the while he was there for the birth of my son, my nephews and nieces, weddings and funerals.  I guess the same things we all experience.  There are so many stories, but the most memorable to me was the first time he introduced me as his son.  What a proud moment that was for me and something I’ll never forget!  Before he passed he said to me, “don’t miss me too much.”  That’s one thing that I could never promise.

Jeff
Garbage Salad (accidently flipped the bowl over but missed Sarah – better luck next time)

Joy
Chopped Salad

Josh
Combo Beef and Char-Grilled Sausage
Fries

Sarah and Joe, Greg and Annie, Lyzz and Gabe, Ruth, Nan
Stuff you can't get in Kansas or Oregon

Nan fell asleep while eating - pretty common