Dear Pop [in heaven]:
Dad dancing w/ Joanne
A few significant events happened June 19, one day before what would have been your 73rd birthday.
First, we laid to rest cousin Bobby Sabio, who we know is sitting at the card table with you, Uncle Mike and many more sharing stories and a few laughs. He being the Cowboys fan and you, the Giants fan, I’m sure football Sunday’s will be extra special.
Erica ran with me for the first time ever. Looks like I finally have a running partner! Still remember how we used to jog the beach in Wildwood each summer. Start at the Port Royal and make our way to the end of The Great White roller coaster; always a sight to behold in the early morning hours when no one was around and the big mechanical marvel stood motionless.
We also found a penny on the ground in the backyard. Well, actually , Erica found it and immediately said, “It’s from grandpa.” I knew darn well you put it there to remind us that the expression “mucho dinero” is still alive and well around these parts. Then, we were watching an episode of Ghost Hunters, which involved an investigation in Louisiana’s Shreveport Municipal Auditorium. They were searching for the ghost of Elvis Presley. Hmm … wonder if you’ve met him.
Later, we learned that actor James Gandolfino suffered a heart attack at the age of 51. Amazing. You were a big fan of The Sopranos, as we all were.
That’s a lot of stuff crammed into one day – all before your birthday on June 20. Certainly, plenty of talking points to choose from. Oh, and on top of all that, Meem celebrated a birthday, niece Jill did also, and Joanne and I celebrated our 21st anniversary on June 19 [see picture insert].
I’ve always found that picture funny only because you hated to get on the dance floor. But you were determined to rock n’ roll with Joanne that day, even if it meant just swaying from side to side while clapping your hands. I’ll cherish that pic forever, since there’s so much going on in that frame.
It wasn’t an easy Fathers Day, thought about you a lot. I even played that segment of one of your favorite ‘All In The Family’ episodes. You remember, don’t you? The one where a drunk Archie explains to loaded Meathead why school kids called him ‘Shoe-bootie’ before telling the tale of his father and the love he had for him and why.
Pretty amazing what “All In The Family” was able to get away with at that time – stuff that just wouldn’t fly today.
I’ll be heading out to Chicago one final time on Thursday evening to staff Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final; I’m sure you’ll be checking in from time to time.
Katie is still dealing with final exams and doing a great job; it all ends Friday. Erica working part-time in the city and earning some money singing at mass here at St. Theresa’s.
Your grandson, Joey, scored three goals at his most recent soccer game and is obviously getting the hang of this sport. He’s gaining more and more confidence each time he takes the field.
Anyway, we all miss you a lot and thinking about you on your birthday. Lorin sent me a text this morning with those very same sentiments. I hope you get a chance to share some apple pie at some point today. I know it won’t be like mom’s though; you’ll have to pretend you like it.
Family Focus 