Friday, May 7, 2010
“Every Day Is A Bonus”. That is what my father said so many times over the years. My father outsmarted cancer 4 times and despite the odds, lived for 87 years. Those bonus days were filled with his providing a loving home for his family; a retail career lasting nearly 60 years; good times with dear friends; his love of golf, the Yankees, television, big band music, and lots and lots of milky way bars (his preferred dose of medication)
My dad was a medic in the Army, and in his later years, he talked about World War II and his time in England. He told me how, remarkably, he made it through the war alive, despite bombs being dropped all around the hospital where he served I often thought that he would need that courage now to make the journey from life to the beyond. Brave. That was my father.
My dad loved every bonus day of every bonus year. He was a devoted husband, father and grandfather who gave unconditional love. He cherished his wife. He was a beloved friend. Loving. That was my father.
Despite my dad’s quiet demeanor, he had a rare quality of making those he came in contact with feel special through his humor. From family and friends, to colleagues and customers, the mailman, the health care worker, or the neighbor, my dad spent many bonus days making people smile. In recent years I would go places with my dad only to have him run into former customers who bought suits from him years before, who not only remembered him, but thanked him yet again 30 years later. Remarkable. Funny. That was my father.
My dad was deeply religious and felt that G-d was very good to him. He was grateful for every bonus day he was given. I know my dad will look down upon us now and continue to pray for our well being, just as he prayed for so many family members and friends who departed before him at temple services for so many years. Religious. Faithful. That was my father.
I will take with me, the passion, humor, strong work ethic, and love for family and friends that he instilled in me and I will make each day going forward of my life, a bonus day. Honor my dad by learning from his example of bravery, love, faithfulness, and humor and make each day of your lives count. …. And don’t forget the joy of milky ways along your journey through this life.
