(Place on page 321, after last para.)
Inside her beautiful farmhouse, I glanced at all the memories she had gathered from her previous life. The many photos of her husband and their travels together; pictures of her reletives, both old and new; her carefully arranged and well cared for knick-knacks and cute artifacts she had collected over the years. I smiled because they reminded me of things Mom wouldv'e done.
This is a special lady, I told myself. She had a different life too, one she would never forget and always cherish in her heart. I didn't want her to forget . I only wanted to share her heart and her life, not be a replacement.
Parts of my past I would never forget nor wanted to. Especially memories of my parents. Life goes on and we must go on with it. The loving memories made us who we were.
Yes, it was sad to know that things wouldn't be the same. I would always miss my folks, close reletives like Uncle Henry, Aunt Sue and others. I would always miss Louie and my animal friends who were gone. And Holly would miss the people and pets who once made her life so special too.
They say when one door closes, another always opens. In time new people and pets would brighten our world. We would brighten each others' world. No longer would we be lonely or forever sad. We both agreed our dearly departed loved ones wouldn't want it any other way.
Saturday, February 29, 2020
Friday, February 28, 2020
book- stares
(Place on page 56, after para 8..next to last para)
It seemed I got more stares than other folks in wheelchairs. I looked odd because of my short stature. People who are paralyzed may appear "normal" to the casual starer. And some disabilities could be unseen. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I was way too embarrassed to ever wear shorts, even during a blazing hot summer, so when I wore jeans I liked them to cover my feet as well as my legs. So the stares and comments went from "Why do you have tiny legs?" to "Why don't you have feet?" Adults often thought I was an amputee, perhaps from a car accident. I was far too young to have served in the Vietnam War.
Anyway, I didn't have much of a choice but to deal with the stares. I could relate to guys like "The Elephant Man." The scars of fate one could never hide from.
My legs were useless. So why are they there, only to get stared at? I don't know. It's a question I would often ponder from childhood to old age. Not "why can't I walk?" or "why me and OI?" Instead it was always "why are my useless legs here." like a modern day Scarlett Letter for all to see?
Maybe my legs hung around (pardon the pun) for a reason? The answer would become clearer with time.
It seemed I got more stares than other folks in wheelchairs. I looked odd because of my short stature. People who are paralyzed may appear "normal" to the casual starer. And some disabilities could be unseen. I stuck out like a sore thumb. I was way too embarrassed to ever wear shorts, even during a blazing hot summer, so when I wore jeans I liked them to cover my feet as well as my legs. So the stares and comments went from "Why do you have tiny legs?" to "Why don't you have feet?" Adults often thought I was an amputee, perhaps from a car accident. I was far too young to have served in the Vietnam War.
Anyway, I didn't have much of a choice but to deal with the stares. I could relate to guys like "The Elephant Man." The scars of fate one could never hide from.
My legs were useless. So why are they there, only to get stared at? I don't know. It's a question I would often ponder from childhood to old age. Not "why can't I walk?" or "why me and OI?" Instead it was always "why are my useless legs here." like a modern day Scarlett Letter for all to see?
Maybe my legs hung around (pardon the pun) for a reason? The answer would become clearer with time.
book- school
( Place on page 33, after para 2)
Some Fridays I wished school never ended. I would miss my friends until Monday. I kept busy on weekends with family activities. but no matter how tough school was ( I did have a feeling some teachers cut me some slack when it came to grades and tests, because of my situation), sometimes I couldn't wait to switch on the box at 8:00 Monday morning, just to hear those familar voices again.
They say you can't miss what you never had. I suppose that's true to an extent. But all during my high school years I did miss school activites that I knew, if fate had been kinder, I would be doing.
Some Fridays I wished school never ended. I would miss my friends until Monday. I kept busy on weekends with family activities. but no matter how tough school was ( I did have a feeling some teachers cut me some slack when it came to grades and tests, because of my situation), sometimes I couldn't wait to switch on the box at 8:00 Monday morning, just to hear those familar voices again.
They say you can't miss what you never had. I suppose that's true to an extent. But all during my high school years I did miss school activites that I knew, if fate had been kinder, I would be doing.
book- bowling
(Place on page 11, after para 6)
I looked forward to our Sunday nights at the alleys. Dad would always buy my a box of salty Bachman pretzels and a Coke before the match started. Uncle Frannie would often sit with me at a little table to watch the action. He was the cheerleader of the team, calling out encouragement, often repeating his phrases."Let's go! Let's go!" he would yell above the crashing of pins, bowling balls hitting the wood and the murmur of chatter up and down the alleys.
He had a distinct way of bowling. After he released the ball, he would creeping softly away from the line, like a cat on a hot summer pavement, clenching his fist until he saw his custom black bowling ball crashing into the left pocket, scattering pins everywhere. Bowlers had a lingo all their own, and Uncle Frannie knew the jargon. "Whoa! Whoa! It's going Jersey!" (the ball crossed over the 1 pin); "Get two!" he would instruct a teammate going for a spare: or the famous " "oh, brother!" which could be both good or bad, depending on the result.
Every fall into spring we chased the dream of a championship season, just like our Phillies. Every year we came up short ( just like our Phillies). And after Dad passed on, I never went to the alleys again. It just would'nt be the same without him. Some 40 years later we found three of his bowling balls and a box full of his dusty trophies in the basement. Those relics of days gone by may have gathered dust over time, but my memories of all the exciting moments at the alleys with my father and my uncle would live forever.
I looked forward to our Sunday nights at the alleys. Dad would always buy my a box of salty Bachman pretzels and a Coke before the match started. Uncle Frannie would often sit with me at a little table to watch the action. He was the cheerleader of the team, calling out encouragement, often repeating his phrases."Let's go! Let's go!" he would yell above the crashing of pins, bowling balls hitting the wood and the murmur of chatter up and down the alleys.
He had a distinct way of bowling. After he released the ball, he would creeping softly away from the line, like a cat on a hot summer pavement, clenching his fist until he saw his custom black bowling ball crashing into the left pocket, scattering pins everywhere. Bowlers had a lingo all their own, and Uncle Frannie knew the jargon. "Whoa! Whoa! It's going Jersey!" (the ball crossed over the 1 pin); "Get two!" he would instruct a teammate going for a spare: or the famous " "oh, brother!" which could be both good or bad, depending on the result.
Every fall into spring we chased the dream of a championship season, just like our Phillies. Every year we came up short ( just like our Phillies). And after Dad passed on, I never went to the alleys again. It just would'nt be the same without him. Some 40 years later we found three of his bowling balls and a box full of his dusty trophies in the basement. Those relics of days gone by may have gathered dust over time, but my memories of all the exciting moments at the alleys with my father and my uncle would live forever.
Thursday, February 27, 2020
PHILLY SPORTS CORNER- SIXERS, PHILLIES, FLYERS, EAGLES
The Sixers' free-fall continues as their road records drops to a miserable 9-21 with a shocking loss to the lowly Cavs last night in Cleveland. Worse, center Joel Embiid went out in the first quarter with a "sprained shoulder" and never returned. The team was already without fellow All-Star Ben Simmons, who is out with a back issue.
Instead of guys like Al Hortford and Tobias Harris stepping up to fill the void, players who are getting paid tons of money, the 76ers never recovered and the unimaginable happened- losing to the second worse club in the NBA.
I get it that Jimmy Butler didn't want to return to the team ( I wonder why not?). I don't get why leader and shotter J.J. Reddick was let go. The problem is lame and clueless GM Elton Brand never really replaced Butler and Reddick with players that are even closely compretable. Add a loser head coach in Brett brown and an owner who doesn't really care abpout basketball or winning, and the Sixers have the worst front office in Philly. Easily.
If both Simmons and Embiid are out for extended periods of time, put a fork in the Sixers. They will get murdered on this upcoming West Coast road trip ( where teams like the clippers, Lakers and Kings already are laying in wait, seeking revenge for earlier losses in philadelphia). They will drop in the playoff standings and will lose home court advantage and be forced to play a superior first round playoff team.
One and done in the post season would be a major drop-off. Jobs will be lost.
The Sixers have squandered their money and collection of 1st round draft picks. They have been unwise in trades and free agent signings. they deserve to be in the mess they are in now.
The organization promoted losing for many years. The Process sucked then and sucks now. Now, thanks to bad planning, bad management, and bad luck to injuries, they are losing without really trying.
What you reap, you sow. Couldn't happen to a more worthy organization!
***********************************************************************
The Phillies, on the other hand, continue to win in spring training, building a winning culture. Under the leadership of new skipper Joe girardi, the Phillies are overhauling thier attitudes, stress fundementals, and bringing more common sense to the field, not merely analytics.
They still need help in the rotation and in the bullpen. But I have more faith in the Phillies now than the 76ers. And if the current phillies GM can't get the job done, I trust that Phillies' ownership will replace him after this season, if need be.
**********************************************************************
The Flyers finally have the perfect mix of talented youth and savvy veterans, all under the leadership of their bright, new coach. They have a young goalie to build their franchise around, and real hope for now and the future.
The Flyers are 1000-1 to reach the conference finals, not win the Cup. But I wouldn't put it past them on either. Not the way they are rolling now.
A big back-and-back series with the rival Rangers begans at home Friday night. At least coming away with three points would be nice.
*********************************************************************
The Eagles' brain trust is in Indianapolis for the combines. Hopefully they are lokking for speed. Fast burners at receiver and the secondary are key. Free agency also starts in a few weeks. The Birds have cap space. Now GM Howie Rossman needs to spend the $$$ wisely to not only improve the 2020 version of the Eagles but also to 'retool" for the future.
Instead of guys like Al Hortford and Tobias Harris stepping up to fill the void, players who are getting paid tons of money, the 76ers never recovered and the unimaginable happened- losing to the second worse club in the NBA.
I get it that Jimmy Butler didn't want to return to the team ( I wonder why not?). I don't get why leader and shotter J.J. Reddick was let go. The problem is lame and clueless GM Elton Brand never really replaced Butler and Reddick with players that are even closely compretable. Add a loser head coach in Brett brown and an owner who doesn't really care abpout basketball or winning, and the Sixers have the worst front office in Philly. Easily.
If both Simmons and Embiid are out for extended periods of time, put a fork in the Sixers. They will get murdered on this upcoming West Coast road trip ( where teams like the clippers, Lakers and Kings already are laying in wait, seeking revenge for earlier losses in philadelphia). They will drop in the playoff standings and will lose home court advantage and be forced to play a superior first round playoff team.
One and done in the post season would be a major drop-off. Jobs will be lost.
The Sixers have squandered their money and collection of 1st round draft picks. They have been unwise in trades and free agent signings. they deserve to be in the mess they are in now.
The organization promoted losing for many years. The Process sucked then and sucks now. Now, thanks to bad planning, bad management, and bad luck to injuries, they are losing without really trying.
What you reap, you sow. Couldn't happen to a more worthy organization!
***********************************************************************
The Phillies, on the other hand, continue to win in spring training, building a winning culture. Under the leadership of new skipper Joe girardi, the Phillies are overhauling thier attitudes, stress fundementals, and bringing more common sense to the field, not merely analytics.
They still need help in the rotation and in the bullpen. But I have more faith in the Phillies now than the 76ers. And if the current phillies GM can't get the job done, I trust that Phillies' ownership will replace him after this season, if need be.
**********************************************************************
The Flyers finally have the perfect mix of talented youth and savvy veterans, all under the leadership of their bright, new coach. They have a young goalie to build their franchise around, and real hope for now and the future.
The Flyers are 1000-1 to reach the conference finals, not win the Cup. But I wouldn't put it past them on either. Not the way they are rolling now.
A big back-and-back series with the rival Rangers begans at home Friday night. At least coming away with three points would be nice.
*********************************************************************
The Eagles' brain trust is in Indianapolis for the combines. Hopefully they are lokking for speed. Fast burners at receiver and the secondary are key. Free agency also starts in a few weeks. The Birds have cap space. Now GM Howie Rossman needs to spend the $$$ wisely to not only improve the 2020 version of the Eagles but also to 'retool" for the future.
Tuesday, February 25, 2020
book- downtown
(Place on page 18, after para 1)
Mom was a big believer in getting me outside, especially on sunny, warm days in spring and summer. She didn't want me to become a "shut-in.' So often we would take walks to Reeves Park, where we would have an ice cream cones and bask in the fresh air. For me, just getting outside whenever I could meant so much, especially since I was confined to bed quite often.
Another strolling destination was downtown Phoenixville. Shopping malls didn't exist yet in my area, so the downtown business district was bustling with shoppers all the time. I had my favorite stores and little shops, each with their own uniqueness and memories. First was the big department store at the corner of Main St. and Bridge St. called W.T. Grants.
You could get anything at Grants, be it clothing to houseware. But the thing I fondly remember about grants was the delicious aroma of freshly-made popcorn as soon we entered. The term "fresh popcorn" was everywhere. including on the red and white striped boxes. And it was the best popcorn ever, something to look forward to each trip.
Charles Music Shop was where I bought all my 45s and lps back in the day. It was so much fun to browse the record racks. Charlie always knew the kind of music I liked, and would keep me alert to new releases.
Batts Toy Store had the latest board games in their front window, and already I was making my Christmas list in summer. Seacrests Drug Store had everything, from newspapers, comic books and greeting cards, to packs of baseball cards in the spring, and real root beer floats anytime.Woolworth's ( otherwise known as the "Five and Dime store") was a prominent fixture in town.
Some of these quaint stores were accessible to someone in a wheelchair. Some had a step or two to negotiate.It didn't matter. Mom was always determined to make the best out of any situation. If we were out for the day she made sure I would have fun.
God bless Mom. There is a special bond between a mother and a special needs child. We couldn't be any closer. It was that way from those early days until the end.
Mom was a big believer in getting me outside, especially on sunny, warm days in spring and summer. She didn't want me to become a "shut-in.' So often we would take walks to Reeves Park, where we would have an ice cream cones and bask in the fresh air. For me, just getting outside whenever I could meant so much, especially since I was confined to bed quite often.
Another strolling destination was downtown Phoenixville. Shopping malls didn't exist yet in my area, so the downtown business district was bustling with shoppers all the time. I had my favorite stores and little shops, each with their own uniqueness and memories. First was the big department store at the corner of Main St. and Bridge St. called W.T. Grants.
You could get anything at Grants, be it clothing to houseware. But the thing I fondly remember about grants was the delicious aroma of freshly-made popcorn as soon we entered. The term "fresh popcorn" was everywhere. including on the red and white striped boxes. And it was the best popcorn ever, something to look forward to each trip.
Charles Music Shop was where I bought all my 45s and lps back in the day. It was so much fun to browse the record racks. Charlie always knew the kind of music I liked, and would keep me alert to new releases.
Batts Toy Store had the latest board games in their front window, and already I was making my Christmas list in summer. Seacrests Drug Store had everything, from newspapers, comic books and greeting cards, to packs of baseball cards in the spring, and real root beer floats anytime.Woolworth's ( otherwise known as the "Five and Dime store") was a prominent fixture in town.
Some of these quaint stores were accessible to someone in a wheelchair. Some had a step or two to negotiate.It didn't matter. Mom was always determined to make the best out of any situation. If we were out for the day she made sure I would have fun.
God bless Mom. There is a special bond between a mother and a special needs child. We couldn't be any closer. It was that way from those early days until the end.
MOVIE REVIEW- CALL OF THE WILD
*** out of 4 stars
Disney's The Call of the Wild is in theaters nowIt is very loosely based on the classic Jack London children's book. . I saw the movie Sunday afternoon at King of Prussia. The theater was about half full but the morning show was sold-out. I later found out why: families and seniors. Area senior citizen living centers were busing their folks over by vans to see the film. It should do very well. It came in second this weeknd at the box office, raking in over $ 25 million.
If you can get past the fake dogs and a grizzled Harrison Ford, you'll love this movie. The story centers on Buck, a giant dog who lives with a retired judge and his wife. Buck is overly rambunctious, and in a matter of moments, ruins a family outdoor party. He is stolen from his backyard, taken to cold Alaska ad sold to a dog sled company looking for canines to mush their sleeds.
Buck is actually treated pretty well as he soon becomes pack leader, carrying the mail over the wide tundra. It's hard work. But then unlucky Bucky is bought, after the dog sled mail delivery is closed down because of the new telegraph system ( the story is set around 1849).
The weirdo who buys Buck this time is a crazed lunatic in Alaska looking to seize the Gold Rush. His plan is to get out on the tundra, where no one else goes, and pan for gold.So he enlists poor Buck and his fellow mushers to pull he, his two acquaintences and their belongings across frozen, barren wasteland for a shot at fool's gold.
Only problem is, predictably, this Simon Legree-type ever feeds his dogs. Undernourished pooches don't have the strength to pull the slrigh anymore. Thus enters the welcome sight of Ford, who has bumped into Buck two previous times in the movie. He buys Buck.
Buck has a good life with the old coger, who is a widow. He reflects on his wife, his lost wife and a kid. So, to fight his ongoing depression, Ford decides to take the dog and high-tail it out of town, lookingfor gold.
Meanwhile, the same Simon legree guy tracks Ford and Buck, hoping to find out the exact location of the plentiful gold. There is death involved ( I won't spoil anything). That may be hard on little kids, otherwise the movie should be a spellbinding joy for all ages.
The Alaska scenery is breath-taking. The action sequences aer well-done and kept my interest. Yes, the animals in the film are CGI ( computer graphic images) and most of the time look pretty real. There's no way thye couldv'e gotten real animaks to do stunts in this movie.
Harrison Ford gives a nice, sentimental performance, as do all cast members. The movie is fun, exciting and well made. It held my attention for nearly two hours.
There are funny, slapstick scenes and also tearful, heartwarmig scenes. It's "A Dog's Journey," only with CGI animals. Since it appears to be doing well I wouldn't doubt some sort of sequel down the road,All in all, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday .
Disney's The Call of the Wild is in theaters nowIt is very loosely based on the classic Jack London children's book. . I saw the movie Sunday afternoon at King of Prussia. The theater was about half full but the morning show was sold-out. I later found out why: families and seniors. Area senior citizen living centers were busing their folks over by vans to see the film. It should do very well. It came in second this weeknd at the box office, raking in over $ 25 million.
If you can get past the fake dogs and a grizzled Harrison Ford, you'll love this movie. The story centers on Buck, a giant dog who lives with a retired judge and his wife. Buck is overly rambunctious, and in a matter of moments, ruins a family outdoor party. He is stolen from his backyard, taken to cold Alaska ad sold to a dog sled company looking for canines to mush their sleeds.
Buck is actually treated pretty well as he soon becomes pack leader, carrying the mail over the wide tundra. It's hard work. But then unlucky Bucky is bought, after the dog sled mail delivery is closed down because of the new telegraph system ( the story is set around 1849).
The weirdo who buys Buck this time is a crazed lunatic in Alaska looking to seize the Gold Rush. His plan is to get out on the tundra, where no one else goes, and pan for gold.So he enlists poor Buck and his fellow mushers to pull he, his two acquaintences and their belongings across frozen, barren wasteland for a shot at fool's gold.
Only problem is, predictably, this Simon Legree-type ever feeds his dogs. Undernourished pooches don't have the strength to pull the slrigh anymore. Thus enters the welcome sight of Ford, who has bumped into Buck two previous times in the movie. He buys Buck.
Buck has a good life with the old coger, who is a widow. He reflects on his wife, his lost wife and a kid. So, to fight his ongoing depression, Ford decides to take the dog and high-tail it out of town, lookingfor gold.
Meanwhile, the same Simon legree guy tracks Ford and Buck, hoping to find out the exact location of the plentiful gold. There is death involved ( I won't spoil anything). That may be hard on little kids, otherwise the movie should be a spellbinding joy for all ages.
The Alaska scenery is breath-taking. The action sequences aer well-done and kept my interest. Yes, the animals in the film are CGI ( computer graphic images) and most of the time look pretty real. There's no way thye couldv'e gotten real animaks to do stunts in this movie.
Harrison Ford gives a nice, sentimental performance, as do all cast members. The movie is fun, exciting and well made. It held my attention for nearly two hours.
There are funny, slapstick scenes and also tearful, heartwarmig scenes. It's "A Dog's Journey," only with CGI animals. Since it appears to be doing well I wouldn't doubt some sort of sequel down the road,All in all, it was a fun way to spend a Sunday .
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)