Father’s Day is usually a time that I reflect about my dad and my role as a father. First, let us talk about my dad.
I had a chance to visit him again earlier this month. Usually, I try to visit either for his birthday or for Father’s Day. This year it was his birthday. He turned 89 on June 3. His health has declined somewhat since my last visit in March. In March, he was not able to leave the nursing home, but this time, we were able to get out for a ride to the store and hot dogs (Nathan’s Famous) at his apartment. The activity left him tired, but happy to spend some time away from his room and to enjoy the hot dog with onions, sauerkraut, mustard, and ketchup, along with some French fries. I was also able to go out for dinner with one of his friends. Our destination was Scrubby’s, one of my father’s favorite eateries. He loves the ribs there and is always on the look out for coupons to eat-in or take-out from Scrubby’s. One of his friends, Ron, was able to join us. After dinner, we had a long talk about WWII, some of which I hope to post here. Ron is pictured with my dad in the photo.
As I have thought a lot about my father lately, I realize that he has a very unique assortment of friends. Since my mother died in January 2001, these friends have been so important to my dad and also to me.
Stewart is from Jamaica and is probably about sixty years old. He cherishes the relationship that he and my dad have. They have been very close friends for about 9 years now. My dad was an usher at Stew's wedding. Stew is especially sensitive to how my dad is feeling and really watches over him. He visits and calls regularly and pays special attention to my father's needs. Together they form a formidable political team.
Denise is about forty. She has a son, Demetri who is about ten years old. Denis is from one of the islands, but I am not sure which one. She met my dad when he needed some in home care after an accident. Denise and my dad became good friends; she would help him out at the apartment and he would watch Demetri. My dad loves to stay in touch with them and appreciates every visit and phone call. Denise works as hard as anyone I know.
Ron is a Jewish man who loves camping and fishing. I question whether or not he really is Jewish. Ron is a gourmet chef and can tell you where to buy the freshest meats and dairy product, fruits and vegetables in the area. Ron is in his early sixties. He constantly keeps my dad supplied with good food, when he can. He made him some great chicken soup when my dad was not feeling well.
Pedro is about 45 years old. He is from Central America (Guatemala or Columbia) and has included my father in many family celebrations. One New Year's Eve, Pedro and his large extended family took my dad to party. They were out until about 3:00 AM. Even though Pedro has moved about fifty minutes away, he still picks up my dad's mail. He also has enjoyed going out to dinner with my father.
I don't know how to explain and eighty-nine year old man from the Bronx with these friends who have so little in common, except for their friendship. I guess that's it: friendship and how sustaining it is to our lives.
Happy Father's Day!
I had a chance to visit him again earlier this month. Usually, I try to visit either for his birthday or for Father’s Day. This year it was his birthday. He turned 89 on June 3. His health has declined somewhat since my last visit in March. In March, he was not able to leave the nursing home, but this time, we were able to get out for a ride to the store and hot dogs (Nathan’s Famous) at his apartment. The activity left him tired, but happy to spend some time away from his room and to enjoy the hot dog with onions, sauerkraut, mustard, and ketchup, along with some French fries. I was also able to go out for dinner with one of his friends. Our destination was Scrubby’s, one of my father’s favorite eateries. He loves the ribs there and is always on the look out for coupons to eat-in or take-out from Scrubby’s. One of his friends, Ron, was able to join us. After dinner, we had a long talk about WWII, some of which I hope to post here. Ron is pictured with my dad in the photo.
As I have thought a lot about my father lately, I realize that he has a very unique assortment of friends. Since my mother died in January 2001, these friends have been so important to my dad and also to me.
Stewart is from Jamaica and is probably about sixty years old. He cherishes the relationship that he and my dad have. They have been very close friends for about 9 years now. My dad was an usher at Stew's wedding. Stew is especially sensitive to how my dad is feeling and really watches over him. He visits and calls regularly and pays special attention to my father's needs. Together they form a formidable political team.
Denise is about forty. She has a son, Demetri who is about ten years old. Denis is from one of the islands, but I am not sure which one. She met my dad when he needed some in home care after an accident. Denise and my dad became good friends; she would help him out at the apartment and he would watch Demetri. My dad loves to stay in touch with them and appreciates every visit and phone call. Denise works as hard as anyone I know.
Ron is a Jewish man who loves camping and fishing. I question whether or not he really is Jewish. Ron is a gourmet chef and can tell you where to buy the freshest meats and dairy product, fruits and vegetables in the area. Ron is in his early sixties. He constantly keeps my dad supplied with good food, when he can. He made him some great chicken soup when my dad was not feeling well.
Pedro is about 45 years old. He is from Central America (Guatemala or Columbia) and has included my father in many family celebrations. One New Year's Eve, Pedro and his large extended family took my dad to party. They were out until about 3:00 AM. Even though Pedro has moved about fifty minutes away, he still picks up my dad's mail. He also has enjoyed going out to dinner with my father.
I don't know how to explain and eighty-nine year old man from the Bronx with these friends who have so little in common, except for their friendship. I guess that's it: friendship and how sustaining it is to our lives.
Happy Father's Day!
1 comment:
This is great. I love the references to food and your dad. mustard, fresh meats. I kept thinking of home while reading it. It just had that feel. Then I got to the bottom and saw "The Bronx."
Of course.
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