Carry It On

-

Another weekend spent with our hearts in our throats at Fuzzy camp. Uncle Jim's birthday was this past week (the 1st we celebrated without him) and Dad's passing was once more acknowledged.

So, opening Facebook and seeing the above photo sort of made the air catch in my throat.

But I had one thought:

Carry it on.

And sometimes it seems real simple to me. I recall offering my condolences to someone who was saying goodbye to their own father, and the man said:

"I'm gonna' miss him, for sure, but the world would be so crowded if we all lived forever."

Isn't that the truth?

Yet there was a certain resolve that entered behind the grief of seeing Dad and Uncle Jim, together, looking back at me.

I thought of the fact that they took the rock from their Dad - another great in a line of Fuzzy men - and they carried it forward...

...proudly.

And it occurred to me that it is our job to do so now.

Pick up the rock and carry it on.

As I looked at the photo for quite some time yesterday morning my initial despair gave way to a pretty decent sized grin.

"We're all doing, okay," I whispered to Dad.

"It's so different without you...quieter actually...but we're taking care of the rock."

And finally, I thought of my own boys behind me. We attended mass for Dad on Saturday and I said to Jake:

"I miss my Dad. Wouldn't you miss your Dad?"

That's a tough thing to say to a kid, and I was on shaky ground anyway because Jake is quick to the wit.

"Of course," was all he said.

He's getting ready for the rock.

All of my boys are.

I just want to carry it for a lot longer in honor of my Pop.

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Suits

-
Like a lot of other people we got pulled into the series, ‘Suits’ on Netflix. I’ve never had much fun hanging around lawyers who have questioned me as a construction safety officer. I once testified in a case where the opposing lawyer started questioning me by going through my educational background. “So,” he said, racing to a crescendo, “You graduated from college with a degree in Communications-Journalism and suddenly, 30 years later, you’re a ‘safety expert.’” He actually made the quotation marks with his fingers. I just looked at him. “How does that happen?” He bellowed, sure that he was going to discredit me. “Well,” I said. “I knew I was overqualified to become a lawyer.” The courtroom erupted in laughter. Even the judge chuckled. The rest of his questions landed flat. So, I wasn’t all that keen on a show about lawyers, but ‘Suits’ is great. Meghan Markle became a princess because of the show, and she is very good in it (and a beautiful woman). Yet, there is so much more. The wri
Read more

My Buddy, Dave

-
Way back in 1997, I started working with a steel erection company out of Syracuse. I was coming straight from a long stint with a steel erector here in Buffalo so I knew my stuff when it came to steel erection safety rules. On day one, I met with the safety director and he was just getting started as a safety guy, but man, he certainly cared about the guys he worked with. Dave was a good man from the start. He’d say things like: “You’re so full of beans.” Just a down to earth, hardworking guy who became a fast friend. We drove all around New York State setting up jobs. I always let Dave drive so that I could rest. One fine day, way up North of Syracuse, we passed a state trooper.  I glanced at the speedometer. “You’re screwed,” I said, and seconds later, the lights came on. Dave was beside himself.  The cop stopped by the window, grabbed the license and registration and headed back to his vehicle. “Here’s the thing,” I said. “You’re pissed, but you’re such a good guy that I bet you tha
Read more

Mom & Ollie

-
Image
 Ollie Stadium is a mess. The heavy rains rendered the backyard a mud pit and even though we threw in the side yard, the Big O was looking for more, and we were both covered in mud. I had to take some steam out of him somehow so I suggested we go visit Grandma. Ollie hates the car, but he laid quietly as we made the trip. We even brought the football because there is plenty of room to play at Grandma’s. Mom opened the door and started laughing. I thought about the love she had for every single dog we ever had. Oliver was quick to give my Mom a kiss, and then he stood beside her. The love between Mom and Dogs is a mutual bond. Through the years, Mom would make breakfast for the dogs.  Fried eggs, toast, bacon… She would wrap Christmas gifts for them. “To Jeter, Love Santa,” she would write on the cards. They played with the big chicken that made a lot of noise. Mom tossed the football and Ollie brought it back to her. As the visit drew to a close I headed for the door.  “C’mon, Oliver,”
Read more