The house is silent save for the sounds of the dog as she re-positions her weary old bones on her bed. There is nothing I have to do today – at least until sundown. A bowl of candy perched by the front door, not as full as it once was, stands ready. I know what day it is -it’s Halloween. AKA : my Dad’s birthday and the birthday of a few other friends of mine.
My very evangelical, protestant upbringing doesn’t bode well for what I’m feeling today but I’m not about to entertain any kind of discussion about the matter so kindly keep dissenting comments to yourself – thank you very much. The day in August (3 years ago) that Billy’s soul passed through the roof of that hospice facility doesn’t do much for me. I have to stop and think about what date that actually happened. In contrast, on the day he was ushered into the world some 89 years ago today– I am surrounded by his presence.
Maybe since the house is so quiet and I have no one to attend to – nothing pressing to do except clean up a half dozen shows stored on my dvr – maybe that is why I’ve been surprised by tears today. Then I stood at the kitchen sink rinsing out my coffee cup and looked up, only to be met again by his gaze as it stared back at me via that silly cat.
There was no such thing as “take your daughter to work” back in the 50’s and early ’60s but I know of at least a time or two that I was inside theNipsco building in downtown Gary. I remember a central staircase that was very ornate that stretched up through the center, floor after floor , like the spine keeping the building erect. Somewhere on the first floor, toward the back of the building was an open space where it seemed to me that our basement was replicated. Work benches piled with tools – the space smelling of grease and hot metal. Over his “bench” was hung this little photo of “Smile! Kitty.” There was great irony in that since I remember him to be distinctly vocal about his dislike of cats. Nonetheless, it seemed that his whole life long was driven by that juxtaposition – something he disliked reminding him of something that he should do – and eventually something that would become a hallmark of his life.
Joy. Laughter. Joker. An avid whistler. Friendly. Outgoing to strangers. Generally a very pleasant guy to be around regardless of the circumstances. Cool under pressure. Not prone to lose his temper except when watching a Cubs game.
It is fitting that Jack-o-lanterns sport silly grins as he did most of his life. Happy Birthday, Billy! We miss you more than words can express but we know what to do to really honor you – we’ll smile instead.
p.s. Picked the King of Pop to honor our ‘hood. Here’s to Gary / Westside!!
1eyedmonkee 