Here are the five men who shaped my life. In their own ways, they were my father or a father figure to me. They have all passed from this life to the next, but their memory and the love they gave me live on in my heart.
My dad was an amazingly talented musician who passed along his love of music to me. Dad was devoted to our community and played the organ at both the Congregational Church and the Catholic Church in North Falmouth.
He was the Music Director at Highfield Theater for many years. He was also a summer police officer in our town. And when we went to local parks for cookouts, Dad was the burger meister! He has been gone a long time now, but I still think of him often and miss his wry sense of humor.
My Uncle George was the father who taught me everything growing up: how to swim, dive, bowl, hike, play cards, and love unconditionally.
When I was about 5 years old, I cut my toe badly at Surf Drive Beach, and he carried me all the way home—and helped Mom drive me to the doctor’s office for stitches. He was not a loud man, but in his quiet, loving way, I knew I was one of his special kids.
Uncle George and I were at my wedding with Jack.
When Jack and I married, Uncle George walked me down the aisle. I miss this sweet, loving, wonderful man!
My Uncle Bob was fun to be with, but he also required that I act like a mini-adult. That was fine. I adored him and just wanted to spend quiet time with him.
I did a lot of things with him and his wife, Aunt Cynthia. I remember being on his boat, or when they took me to their Quincy home and museums. And I recall my Uncle once getting a monkey. It was cute, but it didn’t last for long.
My Papa Fred was another quiet man. He was quite old when I lived with him and Grandma, but he showed me something important.
What real love between a man and a woman is all about. I would watch Papa and Grandma sitting on their sofa watching Lawrence Welk. Papa would hold Grandma’s feet in his lap and stroke them gently. He adored Grandma all his life. He no longer had the will to live when she died, and passed eight months later.
My Papa Sam, my Dad’s Dad. I didn’t know him as well, but I remember him taking me to the Prudential Building in the summer to listen to the Barbershop Quartets sing.
I remember sitting on his lap and listening to him sing along. He had such a beautiful voice.
These 5 men helped to shape the woman I grew up to become. Each is special in their own way, and now, each is greatly missed.
Happy Father’s Day! I remember you all with love and many memories that make me smile!
