On this Father’s Day I’m thinking of my Dad. I never got to know him very well as he left our family when I was two-years old – unfortunately, he had his demons to deal with. Over the years, I saw him infrequently. We would generally meet in the neighborhood bar that my uncle ran. I remember being a little kid, on a big bar stool, drinking an orange soda – that was a real treat because we did not have soda in the house until I was a teenager! I remember boozy women fawning over me as I really was a cute kid when I was little. Dad and I would meet at that bar anywhere from once to a few times a year until I graduated from high school and joined the Marines. He used to regale me with stories of his boxing days; his nose reflected that there was some truth to those stories! Dad wasn’t a flashy dresser but his clothing was always immaculate; a razor sharp crease in his trousers and a brilliantly white starched dress shirt worn open collar. He was a bit of a cad but neither my mother nor he ever said a bad word about the other to me. As a matter of fact, my Mom kept many secrets that only came out when I was older and since all my immediate family has passed, I’ll never know the entire story. I do know that my Dad could be a charming man and I’m sure he loved me in his way; unfortunately, his way wasn’t stable. In late 1974 or early 1975 my father wrote me a letter while I was in recruit training at Parris Island, it was the only letter I had ever received from him and I have it to this day. He said he was proud of me, the only time he ever said that as well. Dad died relatively young in December of 1976. I was stationed in Hawaii at the time and my Mom debated upon whether or not to let me know of his passing, in the end she did and I flew home for the funeral (that trip is a story unto itself!). As I knelt by the casket to pray and offer my last respects I clearly remember saying in my mind, “Well, Dad – you never did much for me in life, thank you for getting me home for Christmas.” I meant no ill will, if not for his passing when he did I would not have seen my family for yet another Christmas having missed the previous two years due to military commitments. I never bore my Dad any resentment, as I stated earlier – he had his demons. There was only one period that I ever truly missed him, it was in fourth grade when there seemed to be a number of father and son activities and I had no one to go with but, it was okay. Dad, I sometimes wish I had gotten to know you better but perhaps the relationship we had was for the best because it left me mostly with fond memories. I pray that you are resting in peace. Love, Johnny