Happy Father’s Day – In heaven

Dear pop in heaven,

Writing to wish you a Happy Father’s Day and Happy birthday all rolled into one.

You turn 76 on June 20. There were several iconic sports heroes who joined you in paradise within the last month, including Muhammad Ali and Gordie Howe.

I can picture you sitting down with Mr. Hockey and asking him if he ever happened to cross paths with a Morreale. Well, I doubt he’d remember, but it did happen in 2009 at the NHL All-Star Game when I had the privilege of escorting Howe to each locker room. Quite a treat, for sure.

I remember you explaining to me how Howe was the greatest ever, even though I wouldn’t believe it. I defended Bobby Clarke, of course, at that time. But I do remember a few simple words that stuck with me.

You said: “That Gordie Howe was one tough son-of-a-bitch. He beat the shit out of you and then score three goals and the other team could do nothing.”

So that was my first recollection of Howe as a teen who thought he knew everything about the game. I was wrong.

Everything that was said by Howe’s youngest son, Murray Howe, during the eulogy also brought back memories of you. A dedicated husband, father, brother, grandfather, uncle and friend to everyone. Strength, character and a calming influence. A dedicated family man!

I received the ultimate compliment a few months ago when we were with cousins Aunt Chickie, Camille and Carol while heading to see Katie in ‘A Chorus Line’ at Marist College. They both said if they closed their eyes and listened to my voice, they would think it was you talking. I thought that was really neat.

Erica and Kate

I’d like to think you’re proud of the way I’m living my life. I know mom expresses that fact all the time so I suppose things are on target. Nobody’s perfect but I realize that if you don’t try, you probably don’t care.

There are a lot of other people I’m sure you are extremely proud of, like your grand-daughters Erica and Katie, who are each working this summer and keeping busy with other projects.

As grandpa Morreale once said: “Wanna eat; gotta work.”

We are all looking forward to joining mom on a cruise to Alaska in August; I know you would have celebrated 50 years with mom this September. It’ll be a chance to reflect on the impact you left on all of us, and the impact mom now has since you left us way too young in September 2012.

There are many things you have taught me about fatherhood: Family first. Be honest and respectful. Treat people as you want to be treated. Ask questions and, most importantly, listen.

Well, pop. That’s it for now. Say ‘Hello’ to all those family and friends we’ve lost on earth who are now with you in heaven. We miss you terribly.

Xoxoxo

The special delivery

The month of April was always a fun time of the year for pop because of the simultaneous start of the baseball season and Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Yankees are doing pretty well and the Rangers appear to be primed for a long and successful run this postseason, so that’s something that surely is making him grin.

Anyway, a nice story was recently brought to my attention by my sister Lorin, and mom, and I just had to share in my blog because it just supports something that we already all knew. That my father, George Morreale, always left a lasting impression on everyone.

I’m sure stories such as this will come along every so often until the day I see him again, but it’s always nice to hear them nonetheless.

Over the weekend, my mom walked down the driveway to accept mail from the mail carrier driving by instead of having him place it in the mailbox.

The mailman looked at my mom and asked, “Morreale? Is this a valid name for this address?”

Mom, now puzzled, looked at him and said, “Yes.”

The mailman then asked, “George. Was that your husband’s name?”

The mailman, whose name is Al, went on to say how much he misses talking to my father and how great a man he was. He said he was the “nicest guy he had ever met on his mail routes in 22 years.” Al did the route past my parent’s house a few years ago and, at that time, had a long ponytail. He has short hair now. He just recently began running routes past the house once again.

Because he was talking so much about dad, mom wasn’t exactly sure if he knew of the news that dad had passed away. But he did. He said he misses him and was sorry to hear about him passing away. He told mom how upset he became when he heard of the news.

Pop would usually walk to get the mail every day since he was usually either outside doing something or looking out the window. When he did, he always took the time to talk to the mailman. Funny how those brief conversations could be so impactful.

When mom started to get a little emotional, Al apologized and said he was sorry for getting her upset. But mom just told him that it was nice that he took the time and told her about how he felt about dad. I couldn’t agree more — it was such a nice story and it made me very proud.

Being friendly sometimes has lasting benefits and, well, memories.

Punching and ‘Pop’ music

Well, went for my morning run to kick off Father’s Day and played from start to finish, “Elvis: Aloha From Hawaii.”

Yep, that was dad’s favorite in his extensive 12-case 8-track tape collection. That thing was worn to the metallic strips underneath the actual tape.

Dad hard at work

It’s become a tradition ever since you left us in September 2012 that I spend Father’s Day reflecting in some way while listening to EAP, doing some sort of physical work around the house and, most importantly, spending time with the family. Something I know you would want to see happen.

The more the days go by, the tougher it gets. But the memory gets better too, believe it or not. I can remember the little moments we spent together. The table hockey tournaments we held when you would carve out a standings table from a used piece of cardboard to keep track of the records and the only time you would give it 100 percent is when I represented the Flyers and you the Rangers.

The times you would sit in the stands watching me during basketball and soccer seasons; not saying a word but listening to what others around you would shout and then relay those comments to me.

“Hey, who is [so-and-so]? What a piece of shit he is; always yelling for someone to get his son the ball. When he finally gets the ball and missing wildly, he’s yelling the pass was too late.”

Yeah, no wonder I hate the obnoxious sports’ parent.

I remember going into the rec room and putting on the boxing gloves and you “allowing” me to take you out early in the opening few minutes of the first round. But then you would mount a comeback but only before saying, “Don’t tell your mother I’m doing this to you!”

Graceland

You would then hold me off with the right hand and throw continuous jabs with the left to my midsection. I’d go down from exhaustion and you’d say, “Get up”.

I’d pick myself off the orange carpet thinking I was doomed, but would ultimate make one last ditch effort with a wild right, which always seemed to miraculously connect. You’d stay down for the 10-count while I put my foot on your chest for emphasis on my tremendous victory.

Afterwards you’d yell to mom:

“Joan is lunch/dinner ready yet?”

“Good job Butch, let’s go eat.”

Those memories are vivid now. I don’t know why exactly, but they are. I think it’s something that “Jersey Boys: The Movie” will be released on your birthday, June 20. Looking forward to that since Frankie Valli’s greatest hits was also a part of that 8-track collection in that black box of yours.

There were a pair of songs I listened to on Father’s Day that took me back to those days, all those years ago. The first was during my jog in the morning from Elvis’ Aloha from Hawaii album – “It’s Over.”

 

I remember you whistling this tune and even today, it remains one of the classics in my collection. EAP just sounds awesome. I was so glad we had the chance to visit Graceland when we did; what a fabulous, fun time.

I don’t become sad when I hear these songs, it’s the opposite really. They just conjure up memories of the past, which was all good.

“When you walk away from me
There is no place to put my hand
Except to shade my eyes against the sun
That rises over the land
I watch you walk away
Somehow I have to let you go
Cause it’s over”

The other was from the great Roy Orbison played on 101.1 CBS-FM radio – “In Dreams.” This was the first Orbison song you instructed me to listen to after the topic of greatest song writers was being discussed. I remember you saying, listen to this one and tell me what you think.

Yep. A home run there for sure. Any Roy Orbison song I play reminds me of you and I like that. The one magical thing I took away from that 8-track collection was how inspiring a song could actually be when you need a pick-me-up. The words, the music, really make for something therapeutically magic.

 

“I close my eyes, Then I drift away
Into the magic night. I softly say
A silent prayer like dreamers do.
Then I fall asleep to dream My dreams of you.”

Happy Father’s Day in heaven, pop!

Hall of fame magic

It’s been quite a while since I last scripted a post for the Family First blog. Sorry for the long delay but there’s been a lot going on and time certainly hasn’t been on our side.

Saw a great movie the other night – Heaven Is For Real. It was the true story of a 4-year-old boy (Colton) who admits to visiting heaven during a near-death experience. After watching the movie, I felt compelled to put together this post.

The movie is based off the 2010 New York Times best-selling book written by Colton’s father, Todd Burpo.

The kids at Easter

Within, little Colton said he met Todd’s grandfather, who had died 30 years earlier.

He said he had a conversation with a sister who revealed she had died while still inside his mother, Sonja. He even described rising from his own body then seeing his dad shouting at God while his mom wept while speaking to and asking friends for their prayers.

Mike and Matt Loughlin

He saw a lot of different things and all were very believable. But among those that got my attention was the fact how much younger everyone is in heaven; no matter how old at the time of death. I think that’s the one that made me smile, knowing there was the possibility of you being in that state.

We celebrated Easter with a great family dinner, reflected on those who couldn’t be with us in body but were there in spirit. We also paid a tribute to the great accomplishments of your nephews and grandkids. Everyone is doing so well and working so hard.

Finally, it was tough not having pop at my induction ceremony into the New Jersey High School Ice Hockey Hall of Fame at Prudential Center on April 12, but I know he was looking down on all of us with pride. I referred to him in my speech; “before every big moment in your life, you have to go through a lot of little moments.” How true that is.

I thanked all those from our family in attendance and sitting at our table. After all, while the honor is great, these are the moments when you can really put those who helped get you there in the spotlight. I made certain to do that. The story that ran in the Star Ledger ran the following day.

I had a story in there about an experience I had with Lou Lamoriello that received a few laughs. I was so flattered when two of the Hall inductees, Brandon Doria and Pat Verney, took the time to thank me in their speeches. It really took me by surprise and made me feel so good.

There were so many times while writing at The Ledger when I was told about what was missed or forgotten or didn’t get right by parents or silly fans, but to hear those comments from the players I was actually writing about made it all worth the while.

I made certain to get a picture with Hall of Fame Master of Ceremonies, Matt Loughlin, who again did a fantastic job. It was a memorable day; one I’ll never forget.

Until next time.

Memories and moments

It’s not time to make a change,
Just relax, take it easy.
You’re still young, that’s your fault,
There’s so much you have to know.
Find a girl, settle down,
If you want you can marry.
Look at me, I am old, but I’m happy.

I was once like you are now, and I know that it’s not easy,
To be calm when you’ve found something going on.
But take your time, think a lot,
Why, think of everything you’ve got.
For you will still be here tomorrow, but your dreams may not.

“Father and Son” – Rod Stewart

“Father and Son” was the song I listened to quite often the day pop left us on Sept. 28, 2012. The words and meaning seem to get the best of me every time. I’ve linked the song to the title above if you want to give it a listen …

NJ Devils goalie Martin Brodeur learned on Thursday (Sept. 26) that his father, Denis, passed after a lengthy illness. It’s tough not to remember, especially this close to your anniversary, which will hit us all like a ton of bricks.

For those who might be checking in and reading this blog for the very first time, please know I’m sitting behind my laptop right now from a hotel room in Pittsburgh, Pa., and writing an endless stream of thoughts because, for me, it’s become a therapeutic exercise; an opportunity to talk to dad and remember him for the man he was and always will be in my eyes – a loving husband, adored father, beloved brother, cherished grandfather, treasured uncle and a terrific friend.

I’m sure dad would have been thrilled to learn of the recent news of my pending induction into the New Jersey High School Ice Hockey Hall of Fame this spring. It was a big surprise for sure. Of course, earning such an honorable achievement can only be made possible by those around you and the fact pop played an amazingly important part in transforming me into the person I am today, made me sad in some way that I couldn’t share this news with him directly. But I know he knows what’s going on.

I know this one-year anniversary is going to be very hard on mom, but we’ll be together so everything will be alright. There will be several masses said with dad in mind so we’ll certainly be able to reflect and remember the man you were and the love that still radiates within all of us because of you.

Pop left us in the early morning hours of Sept. 28 in the presence of many family members. He passed peacefully after enduring so much, but he never complained.

Erica and Kate

His funeral was attended by so many family members and friends and the mass a few days later was something I will never forget.

Playing a huge part in the mass was our Erica, who was everything we all knew she would be. It was an absolute grand tribute to her grandfather and I’m positive pop will never forget that day. Erica can be rest assured that grandpa is in perfect peace because of what she did and her memorable voice that day. I’m positive he replays it in his mind over and over again. Lorin did both readings and did a great job. I gave the eulogy and made certain to tell everyone that pop adored mom, cherished his family and loved, with all his heart, his three grandchildren – Erica, Katie and Joey.

Pop on mower at golf course

After the eulogy, Erica sang ‘I Can’t Help Falling in Love’. It was amazing. – Click here to hear her.

As I’m writing, I’m thinking if only I had one more minute to tell him how much he meant to all of us. But I guess that’s how life is. It’s why I encourage everyone to reach out to their mom or dad or loved one at some point today and just tell them how much they mean to you. There were many family and friends who approached me after the mass and asked me to share my eulogy. On this one-year anniversary, I feel now is as good a time as any to share those thoughts I read about the man who was my superhero – My eulogy to pop.

At the end of the mass, Erica sang ‘Take Him Home’ from Les Miserables. I’m certain pop heard and felt every word and every note. – Click here to hear her.

We miss you pop! Keep a close watch on all of us from your peaceful place in heaven.

The ‘Maine’ Travellers

Graceland

Well, it’s tough not to think of pop on the 36th anniversary of the passing of Elvis Presley this Aug. 16. It was quite a thrill for him when we were able to visit Graceland a few years ago and check out his living quarters and the surrounding area of Memphis where he ate and shopped. It was an unforgettable trip for sure.

Pop would be happy to learn that mom had a great time with us in Maine this month. We traveled to Oakland, Me., to pick up Katie and watch her star-studded performance in Li’l Abner as Mammy Yokum. Prior to getting there, we made an overnight stop in Brunswick, Me., and had a fantastic seafood dinner.

It was also in Brunswick where I found the Sugar Man – Rodriguez! I found his first CD in a local music store called ‘Bull Moose Records’. If you have never heard of the story of Rodriguez, “Searching for Sugar Man,” do yourself a favor and rent/purchase the DVD of his story. One of my favorite songs by Rodriguez is ‘Crucify Your Mind’ — as poetic as Bob Dylan but Rodriguez has the better voice.

“Searching for Sugar Man,” which won an Academy Award for best documentary, told the story of an obscure Detroit folk-rock singer whose two albums from the early 1970s had somehow made him into a beloved cult hero in South Africa. Two obsessive fans there started searching for the singer, thought to be dead, and not only found him in Detroit but then brought him to South Africa for a series of major concerts in the late 1990s. It was all filmed and eventually turned into a 2012 movie.

The reason I bring Rodriguez’ story up is because pop was always one to listen to songs that were off the hit list. Sure, he’d listen to the top 10 chartbusters too, but those rarely-played tracks were also big to him. I guess that’s why I’m so influenced by music of all forms and not just one genre.

Acadia visit

Anyway, after our stay in Brunswick, we left for Oakland and saw Katie. It was a great show and here’s a sampling of her performance: “Katie in Li’l Abner“. We are all so proud of her.

We then visited Bar Harbor to give mom a tour of one of our favorite cities along the East Coast. We had good food, fun and, of course, did some sightseeing. Even though we lived the life of gypsies for four nights — staying in four hotels along the way — we had a ball.

Erica and Kate

The two highlights of the trip were having dinner at Jordan’s Pond in Acadia and then traveling to the top of Cadillac Mountain. At Jordan’s Pond, mom and dad Smith joined us for a great night of food, wine and laughs. Mom also ordered her lobstah! dinner (a pound and a quarter to be exact).

I think the tour guide took a special interest in the girls. He seemed to enjoy giving them neat tips each stop. He told us when to take pictures and provided a great photo opportunity atop Cadillac Mountain where the girls jumped in the air and appeared to be suspended for a few seconds when you shot it just right with the camera.

During the bus tour, we were able to visit Jordan’s Pond once again and mom got the official Acadia Park stamp in her book. It’ll be one of many national park stamps she’ll get in that thing, for sure.

It was certainly a memorable week!

Autos and albums

One of dad’s favorite movie flicks was National Lampoon’s ‘Vacation’ – the classic Griswold trek to Walley World theme park.

Pop’s Pilot

Pop never took us to Walley World, but he’d always bring up the misadventures of Clark Griswold on the road. He was always a big Chevy Chase fan. There’s no doubt he’ll be watching over us as me and Joanne pack into his brown Honda Pilot for our big wine trip to the Finger Lakes in upstate New York this week.

It was a great surprise when mom decided to present me with dad’s Pilot. So I basically traded in my 2005 Pilot for an ’06. I’ll never enter that car without thinking of him in some way. Whether it’s the prayer cards in the top visor or MLB reference guide to the ball parks, his fingerprints will always be somewhere within that car. He also kept some media guides with a few NHL-related stories written by yours truly.

I’m sure he’ll be looking down and expecting me to keep the Pilot in pristine condition. Well, it might not be as pristine as he kept it, but picture-perfect enough I guess. After all, Joanne has first crack at the garage! I found it ironic that the first significant trip we’ll take since getting the Honda will be to the Finger Lakes. Dad once said he wanted to join us on a trip to the Finger Lakes once he was healthy enough to make the trip.

He’ll be with us in spirit and will check out every winery on the map along the way.

During the summer months, can’t help but remember of a few of the fun times shared with mom, dad and sis down the shore. One such moment was following a World Wrestling Federation event that was held at Wildwood’s Convention Center many years ago. Quite honestly, you couldn’t script a Chevy Chase-themed movie any better.

It was just me and dad attending the event; I believe Chief Jay Strongbow, the SuperFly, Nikolai Volkov and the Iron Sheik were a few of the main attractions. Anyway, after the card, we hit the boards and ventured to the record stand. It was different back then and so much better.

For just $0.25 or five plays for $1, you would have an opportunity to win an album or cassette tape of your choosing. Today, there are no such stands. How many damn stuffed animals could one actually bear to win?

Wildwood boardwalk

So we hit the record stand. I believe pop was playing the numbers and I was dropping quarters down on names – Mike, Geo, Ken, ect. The wheel stops and the attendant drops a winning voucher next to me despite the fact I wasn’t even close to winning. I look at the voucher and look at dad and he says, “Don’t say a [bleepin] word!”

So I don’t — mums the word pop. Hey, what the heck, right! Another album to add to my collection. Minutes later, the wheel stops and the dizzy attendant strolls down our end again and looks at dad and asks him, “Did you have No. 2?” I can’t remember what number he did have but it wasn’t 2, I remember that much. He looks the attendant square in the eye and says, “Yep. No. 2 right here buddy.”

That’s two albums for $0.50. At that point, it would have been perfectly logical to select the two records and get back to the Port Royal to talk about our amazing victories. Not yet! Pop flips out his leather wallet and hands me a $5 bill and says, “We need to leave here with at least two more.” We ended up with one more and it was the only legitimate win, in fact. So we totaled three albums for $5.50 – that’s a pretty memorable night on the boards.

As we embark to toast with a glass of wine at the Finger Lakes within the comforts of dad’s old Pilot, I just thought it would be neat to rehash some of these fond summer memories.

Here’s to you Pop.

Birthday wishes

Dear Pop [in heaven]:

Dad dancing w/ Joanne

A few significant events happened June 19, one day before what would have been your 73^rd 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.

Slapshots and Mother’s Day

Dad at work

So the Stanley Cup Playoffs are in full swing and, with it, some surprises and shakeups within the game.

Dad always enjoyed this time of the year. He’d crack on my Philadelphia Flyers, particularly if the Rangers were involved, but it was also a fun time to just kick back and watch the games on television. I’m also a tremendous NFL fan but there’s nothing quite like the excitement that comes with playoff hockey.

Playoff games weren’t as easy to access back then as they are now with the way the NBC Network and NHL.com’s Game Center have helped hockey fans enjoy the NHL’s second season with televised and streaming video of games all the way through the Cup Final.

I remember prior to a playoff game, me and dad would go down into the basement of our Roselle home and shoot pucks at a small net I had purchased. I’d play goal, wearing the plastic goalie pads, and he’d pick up the 2-foot long stick and start slamming one-handing slap shots in my direction. I’d wear that Bernie Parent white goalie mask and we usually used a hockey ball or that blue Peter Puck that I got as a gift in one of those stick-hockey table-top sets. It was always a fun time … and we’d keep score.

Every so often, mom would yell down to the two of us, “What the heck is going on down there?” Dad’s response would always be, “We’re fine.” When my sister Lorin was old enough to hold a stick, she’d join us as well and she’d hold her own until the one day I knocked her in the eye with a shot – damn I thought I’d get hell for that one.

A few times, dad would invite over the cousins — Freddy, Sammy, Frankie — and we’d all go downstairs and take turns hitting the upper corners of the cage. There were some many memorable and fun times with the cousins – we rented ice in the early-morning hours to go skating in Totowa. I remember one morning dad decided to give it a shot. Imagine, here’s a guy who never skated before, never mind the fact he never even held a hockey stick — there’s always a first time! We had a ball, and got him the puck in the slot for a one-timer that crossed the line while he was tumbling to the ice.

I also remember one year when cousins Ken and Mike were over to watch a Flyers-Rangers playoff game in April, 1985, at Madison Square Garden; it was a time when the MSG Network was just available in certain regions of the state. Tim Kerr scored four goals in the game to lead the Flyers to victory. Dad was returning home from work late and asked that we wouldn’t give away the score – yeah like that would happen pop.

We didn’t give away the score, but he later said he could tell in our faces that the Flyers had won the game. I guess it was pretty obvious.

Since joining the NHL as a writer, it was an annual thing where I would call dad during my road trips while covering the playoffs. I vividly recall the phone conversations I had with dad regarding my trip and how things were going. I’d give him the top stories of the day and, perhaps, the funniest moment.

He’d give me an update on what was going on back home and, perhaps, the latest goings-on in the UFC and WWE.

Moments and conversations I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. With Mother’s Day right around the corner, I feel it’s important to mention how special a day it was for dad to show mom just how much he appreciated all she had done for him.

I’ll never forget a phone conversation we had when he was in the hospital last summer. He kept repeating, “Your mother has been so good. It’s so tough to do anything and I’m upset that I’m not able to help more, but she’s just been so good helping me.”

I know dad would want to say to mom, “Happy Mother’s Day to my No. 1.” I know he’ll be looking down on her this weekend, as he always does, but he’ll do so with a wider grin. May was always a big month in our household since mom and me celebrated birthdays and Mother’s Day was also in the mix.

So I’m speaking for dad when I say, “Happy Mother’s Day” mom. Thank you for being there and for your unconditional love!

Dad’s treasure

I think I speak for all father’s when I say walking a daughter down the aisle on her wedding day is or will be a bittersweet moment.

I was recently sent a fantastic YouTube video from my Aunt Rose that offered a recording of a bride’s father speaking to the groom just before vows were exchanged. His words and thoughts were honest, truthful and no doubt memorable to all those present.

I think — maybe I hope — I have some time before I’m actually put in this situation, but watching the video got me to wondering. How will I react when it’s my turn to walk my girls down the aisle. I hope it’s not with a baseball bat! I hope it’s like this.

Here is the video:

While I’m on the subject of my daughters, I want to congratulate them both on a splendid job in their respective roles for shows that were recently held at their schools.

Katie was part of the ensemble in “Sweet Charity” at Cranford HS and Erica played the role of Jo Jo in “Seussical” at The Boston Conservatory. They both had a lot of fun and worked extremely hard. We’re proud of both of them.