I wrote to my parents once and thanked them for the faith and the church they had passed on to me. They had carried me to my Baptism, walked me to First Holy Communion, drove me on Saturday afternoons to Confessions, accompanied me to Confirmation, and danced at my wedding reception.
My Dad taught me about responsibility, loyalty, Norman Rockwell, patriotism, and church participation. He always drove us to church where he was an usher. I learned from him about tithing, charity, respect, voting, and appreciation of personal history and heritage. He told me to be brave and honest. He was the Grand Knight of the Knights of Columbus, and the Kentucky Derby was one of his favorite events.
I was mad at him for not buying me a typewriter when I needed it to do shorthand homework during high school. Instead he suggested I get a part-time job and rent one for myself. When I graduated from high school I had completed the business/secretarial course and participated in the work/study program. I had rented a typewriter while learning the value of work. (I thanked my father for that in his old age.) I’ve since used shorthand and typing all of my life.
He always wore a suit and tie, was a sharp dresser; and that’s how I remember him the day he burst through the screen door on to our porch, shouting, “They’re coming home! It’s all over!” As our neighbors came through their doors just as excited, the whole neighborhood burst into applause and cheers. Others stood quietly, shedding tears. “The President just announced it!” my father called. “It’s over!” He knew his brother could now come home, as well as my mother’s brothers, who were “over there.” One of her brothers would not be returning, however. He had given his life for his country.
Pat Montesano © All Rights Reserved
