Happy Father's Day 2023

 Although I miss my Dad every day, Father's Day makes the intensity of his loss even stronger. I sat in church yesterday thinking about the blessing the priest gave on all fathers living and deceased. It made me think of the times when the family would go to Mass en masse (fancy word for the large presence of my family), and what a solemn and respectful time it was.

Well, most of the time. I still remember sitting next to Dad in church when I was 7 or 8 and being somewhat bored but sitting quietly while the priest gave his sermon. Dad looked down at me and reached over to pick lint off my Sunday pants. Knowing how intensely ticklish I was, after he pretended to brush lint off a spot, he suddenly grabbed my knee, which made me burst out laughing as well as almost jump out of my seat. I looked up at Dad who put his index finger up to his lips to let me know to be quiet, all the while having a mischievous grin on his face.

There are so many things I admire about my Dad besides his dry sense of humor. His respect and love for my Mother, the quiet affection he gave to his kids, his empathy, and general morality of what is right and wrong. There are many examples of how Dad lived his life fostering the physical and spiritual well-being of his family and helping others. 

I know that his example (and Mom's) made me the person I am today. All because of being raised by an amazing Dad.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. Miss you every day.

Father's Day 2022

 This amazing man inspired me to be the best person I could be. His example of discipline, love, empathy, and caring gave me the basis for how I should live my life. I haven't done that perfectly, but who has, and Dad's shoes were big ones to fill.

He was a strong and quiet man but always tried to do the right thing. I'm not sure what brought up the one conversation we had, but Dad told me about defending a Black coworker friend that had shown up one evening to talk and have a beer. 

While they were sitting on the porch, Dad said a KKK member approached and demanded that the Black man go with him (referred to him in the typical KKK way). Dad told the KKK member that his friend was not going with him. The guy got angry and Dad finally picked up a bat and told the guy to get the he** out of there. The KKK guy fled.

Back in the 50s, there could be serious consequences from standing up to a KKK member. Dad did the right thing, and I was surprised I had never heard that story before. But, like I mentioned, he was a quiet man and always tried to do the right thing. I think my respect and love for him grew even a little more after hearing that.

I miss my Dad every day. I am grateful for the example he provided to me and serves me well to this day.

Happy Father's Day in heaven, Dad. I Love you!

Happy Birthday to My Wonderful Sister, Suzie, Who Passed Away in 1979 (March 2023 posting on FB)

 Today is my older sister, Suzie's birthday. She died in 1979 at the age of 34 leaving three beautiful daughters and a loving husband behind. This isn't the only day I remember her. I don't think a day goes by that I don't think about her

She was such a vibrant, caring, loving, smart, funny, and beautiful person. I was always flattered that she seemed to have a close connection to me in spite of our age differences.

She taught me how to dance when I was fairly little and took me to the local teen hangout to "show me off", which made me both embarrassed and proud.

When she had her kids--Amy, Theresa, and Christy--she had me babysit with them often, and those are some of my best memories of growing up. I felt honored that she and Jerry trusted me with such precious babies.

Suzie always looked out for me and there were few things that I didn't feel comfortable sharing with her. She never judged, and she offered her opinion only if asked. I appreciated that.

She had such style and grace in adversity and faced her Cancer diagnosis far better than I think I would have. She always smiled, was kind, and remained devout to her faith. I always admired her strength.

I think, most of all, I miss our conversations, our sharing funny stories, her laughter, her honesty, and her devotion to her family. There is an empty place in my heart where my sister used to be. She's still with me, but I selfishly would prefer being with her in person again and enjoying each other's company.

May she rest in God's eternal peace.

Happy Birthday, Suzie!