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

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.

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.

Courage

I’m actually reading the biography of former Yankees pitcher Jim Abbott right now.

Jim Abbott

The memoir, entitled “Imperfect: An improbable life” is a great read chronicling the life of the Michigan native born without a right hand. It tells the story of how he persevered despite the disability to not only become an Olympic gold medalist but ultimately toss a no-hitter at Yankee Stadium in September 1993.

I mention this because I remember how excited dad was when Abbott tossed that gem. He called me and said, “It couldn’t have happened to a better person.” Interesting because here was a guy who had gone 26 years without a right hand to that point, throwing the game of his life.

But the thing that impressed pop the most, was “the person” and not so much that pitcher with one arm mowing down the Cleveland Indians that day.

Abbott’s story is one of courage and determination, two areas that dad always stressed.

In case you didn’t know, February is regarded as ‘Hockey Is For Everyone’ month. Basically, it’s a way for Americans and those living in the United States to celebrate the great sport of ice hockey and what it means to all of us.

As such, NHL.com has plenty of interesting features on players who have overcome obstacles to persevere in life. I had a feature on the incredible job Newark East Side ice hockey coaches Keith Veltre and Dennis Ruppe have down with the Hockey In Newark program.

One of the graduates of that program, Kevin Lopez, happens to have an inspiring story to tell. Lopez couldn’t skate or even handle a stick when he joined the program as a fifth grader. He was cut from various soccer programs but was determined to find something that would not only appeal to him, but instill some sense of confidence.

“I met coaches Veltre and Ruppe; they greeted me and gave me my first set of equipment,” Lopez told me. “But the first year was dedicated to mastering the art of skating. At that the same time, my coaches were teaching me life skills, such as perseverance and determination.”

Lopez’ mother told him he needed to maintain a GPA of 4.0, which he did. In fact, Lopez was valedictorian of his senior class at Technology High School in Newark last spring.

Where is he now. He’s a freshman at Princeton University.

“I hope to one day return to Newark and be an active citizen and help those who require help in Newark,” he said.

Super Bowl commercials

Dad was always a big fan of the Super Bowl commercials.

The most heartfelt Super Bowl commercial this year was, without question, the Budweiser Clydesdales: “Brotherhood” spot. I immediately sent it out to Erica when I saw it since we’re both big fans of the song ‘Landslide’ by Stevie Nicks, which is featured in the commercial.

Here it is if you missed it:

 

Meanwhile, the funniest Super Bowl spot was the Taco Bell ‘Viva Young’ promo. Yes! Age really is JUST a number! Love this, especially the chest flash in the restaurant window.

Miller Time

If there’s only one story you read today, I honestly believe this is one that will truly inspire.

I know it’s a story that dad would certainly appreciate.

Recently, I had the opportunity to cover the Devils-Rangers contest at the Prudential Center. Prior to every game, both teams conduct a morning skate at the arena to firm up preparations and solidify a game plan.

J.T. Miller at 2011 NHL Draft

Well, on this particular night, a 19-year-old rookie named J.T. Miller would be making his NHL debut for the Rangers. I covered Miller prior to his being drafted by the Rangers with the 15th overall pick in 2011. He played for the National Team Development Program in Ann Arbor, Mich., which is basically the highest level of training that a player from the United States can receive before attending a major D-1 collegiate program or Canadian junior team. In January, Miller won a gold medal for Team USA at the 2013 World Junior Championship in Ufa, Russia.

I actually remember speaking to him over the phone after he and teammates were celebrating their gold medal game victory over Sweden on Jan. 5.

Anyway, back to Prudential Center. I was in a crowd with several reporters and cameramen from local stations and asked Miller about that gold medal.

“Hey J.T., so where is that gold medal you won at World Juniors?” He kind of hesitated at first and looked me square in the eye and said: “It’s actually with my great grandfather.”

He went on to tell me that his great grandfather, 94-year-old Ed Miller, had passed away a few weeks ago. He said they were very close.

As a special tribute and in honor of his great grandfather, J.T. decided to put his gold medal in the casket with his great-grandfather and keep it there. Amazing! He never retrieved it.

I actually had to ask J.T. again after listening to him. “So, is the medal with great-granddad now?”

Miller: “Yes, it’s buried with him.”

Here is the story I wrote a few hours after learning of his tribute.

Miller scored his first two NHL goals in his very next game – a victory over the New York Islanders.

Pride

Hello everyone!

A few exciting things happened within the Morreale household this week that are certainly worth noting.

First, youngest daughter Katelin earned her driver’s permit. Not so much a surprise since I can vividly recall the days of Katie playing PlayStation’s ‘Grand Theft Auto’ and being the most cautious driver of anyone to ever play the game – stopping at red lights and allowing pedestrians to actually cross the street.

Kate behind the wheel

After all, I can’t recall one time when I sat down to play ‘Grand Theft Auto’ where I didn’t ‘accidentally’ hit a poor civilian crossing the street and watching him fly through the air with the greatest of ease – something out of Little Rascals’ episode.Anyhow, I’ve taken Kate on the road since and she even pulled into the local gas station here in Cranford and ordered the attendant to ‘Filler up!’ The gas hose didn’t reach to tank of the car, so she even had to start the engine again and move up a couple inches – something out of the Greg vs. Marcia Brady episode from ‘The Brady Bunch’ when they set a bet on who was the safest driver.

I’d get in the passenger seat with Kate as the pilot any day – seat belt fastened of course.

The second big occurrence took place in Beantown when our collegian, Erica, signed the lease on her first apartment rental for her sophomore season of 2013-14 at The Boston Conservatory. Erica was determined to get this done with her roommates and they did much of their shopping the last week in January so I’m proud of the fact she took the time and was responsible to get this done while the coals were hot. It’s a popular time to close on these apartment rentals and she had no choice but to do it since freshmen are the only students at The Conservatory allowed to reside in dorms.

Erica with her coffee

Both Katie and Erica are doing very well in school, as are my godsons Joey Gaspar and James Stier, and Michael Simeone, for whom I was honored to sponsor during his confirmation.There are many more nephews and nieces doing well, too, something I know dad would be very proud of and would reward with some ‘Mucho Dinero’.

I want all my family and friends out there to know that I’ll be tracking Facebook to uncover some of the great events happening in your children’s lives. I’ll make a list and post them when I find the time so that we can all stay informed and be proud of them. Parenting isn’t easy, but is extremely rewarding.

If you have any ideas, suggestions or comments regarding ‘Family Focus’, please email me anytime.

Enjoy the Super Bowl!