Greetings...
My daughter Carley and I had the task of lifting the spirits of my 91 year old Father yesterday, something that I have been doing regularly lately. All is well with the patriarch, given he is a 91 year old gentleman who grew up farming, hawking vegetables, then ice, smoking at the age of 12, drinking (we never got the starting date), serving under General Patton in Europe, and putting in 30+ years at Sun Oil Refinery in Marcus Hook as a welder. He then went on to work two full-time jobs, in secession, after his retirement.
Given all his life's accomplishments, he's been sad lately. He can't do what he once did. He's questioning his ability to do for his 86 year old wife, even though my Mom takes care of him. He's sad about a failed relationship with his third oldest daughter, one that has failed with the entire family. As he explained his wishes for a resolution this afternoon, he made a great statement. In an emotional voice, and trying to mimic my Grandmother's Irish/Delaware County brogue he said, "My Mother always told me (this is where the brogue kicked in), Tom, you will get your reward in heaven"... But he looked up at Carley and I, and said, "But I want some of mine here on earth".
He was just referring to a simple apology from his third daughter, to his wife of 68 years. It was their 68th wedding anniversary. Carley and I listened, let him say his piece/peace, and then we went on to have a very nice day... I called him this morning, and he's in good spirits, but I know he didn't get his reward this year. Cheers... Happy 68th anniversary Reds and Pol!
T-bone
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happy anniversary to reds and polly from elm..i have alot of memories of them both..reds was and is a character for sure..he always made us laugh and i considered a cool dad for sure..you're blessed T to have such wonderful parents..i have had many short chats with him when we met up at the firehouse as polly was getting her numbers..i have always felt nothing but love for them and i ALWAYS felt genuine care and concern from them as to what i had to say..i hope and pray he finds his happiness here on earth..91, god bless his soul, he cetainly deserves whatever he wishes..all my love T,TO YOU AND YOUR AMAZING FAMILY....ELM
ReplyDeletegreetings T-boneous Funk..wanted to say hi,and pass along what i thought to be an extremely COOL and unique invitation i got in the mail today..must be amazing to be a part of your family with the creative forces that are so apparently a major force in your lives..i wish you and your family all good things..glad to call you my friend T. elm
ReplyDeletehey thom: greetings..wanted to let you know my blog is elmb58..lol...by the way the photo of carley was beautiful
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