Some People Have A Reason To Celebrate On 9/11. I'm One Of Them.

-->

     September 11^th isn’t just a day of morning for me.  It is also a day for celebration:  it’s my father’s birthday.  Someone who is born as an “eleven” in numerology is meant for important things - humanitarian things (ironic how such an inhumane act happened on that day). Now, my dad hasn’t saved the human race, but he’s done a pretty special job of taking care of folks where he lives.  There is a proverb that says, “Clean around your own front door before you clean around someone else’s.”  Putting the fact Pops is a bit OCD when it comes to cleaning aside, he always makes sure the people near his door are taken care of.   

     His acts of kindness have been many.  His old employees were always quick to share a story and add how even though he growled a lot, Pops took care of his people. Unsuspecting people have benefited from my father’s care as well. Many would say, “He’d give the shirt off his back.”  Of course, Pops would say, “Only if I had an extra one.”  We tease him that he doesn’t like to share; and yet he has shared his time, his skills, and his possessions to help many friends in need.   

     He likes order and neatness (his socks are color coded). At the same time, his creative mind can create unusual adhesives and dye colors while turning ordinary objects into extraordinary tools.  One simple thing I’ll never forget is how he whipped up a handy box handle for me with a little rope and a hanger.  His green thumb is well known and has created magical figs, tomatoes and more. His sauces, jellies, meatballs and sausage are coveted fare.  On those special occasions, when he finds that right ricotta and spends the afternoon making his famous cannolis is a day we all look forward to. Now you see them.  Now you don’t.   

     Pops was taking vitamins and was well versed in all kinds of beneficial health regimes long before it was popular.  Fresh vegetables from his garden, eggs from a hen not a factory, and of course olive oil are just a few of the healthful staples in his diet that continue to shine on his handsome face.  When I can get him to sing (with a voice that would put Sinatra to shame) or dance with me I feel like I’m on top of the world.  Maybe that’s because he is and always will be my first love.  Happy Birthday, Dad.