Archive for the 'Remembering' Category

A Good Man

December 14, 2007 | Remembering

Eleven years ago today a good man left for a better place. On that day our lives changed more than I ever thought possible. It’s important for him to know how the world has righted itself without him. Maybe this letter will wing its way to him via cyber space.

Hey Honey,

I don’t know if you’re still watching over us. Sometimes I think you are. Just in case you have moved on, I’m sending up a pray this little note will find you.

You’d be so proud of your daughter. “B” has come a long way from teenager to woman. Do you remember how she wanted to be a teacher when she was in fourth grade? She’s accomplished that dream and teaches preschool at a Montessori close to her home. She’s so beautiful. The pureness of her soul shines bright in her eyes everyday. What’s really important, “B” remembers the good things you taught her and practices them.
Your two granddaughters would bowl you over. They’re a pair alright. And so damned cute you’d have to spoil them rotten.

Kid dances her heart out in a zillion classes a week, not to mention special performances, competitions and recitals. At ten she’s taking life by storm. She’s intelligent, creative and a gentle soul. You keep watching over her. There’ll be a time when she’ll need your help.

Little “K” is three now and a pure tiger. You can’t help but love her, even when you want to wring her neck. She has a charm and a laugh that will win her the world. She adores her big sister and imitates her all the time. “K” is so bright for her age and aggressively seeks to learn more.

Our son-in-law is great. He has the ethics and morals you’d treasure, along with being a sports fiend. He works long hours to do right by his family and always manages to laugh. You couldn’t have asked for a better man to love our daughter.

“B” and her gorgeous husband have done a marvelous job of parenting in this age of high costs and peer pressure. The girls lack for nothing, especially love.

Last night we had dinner in their new home. The interaction between our daughter and her family filled me with joy. Yeah, I know I’m old and sentimental. They have so much love and consideration for each that I hope God lets you look down occasionally to share in their lives.

As for me, I’m writing and published. Can you believe that? Who’d have thought my life would make such a big change.

We talk about you and the good times when you were with us. It seems like a lifetime ago now. I love you and continue to hold you in a most private part of my heart, the part that’s reserved for A Good Man.

You take care, Honey. Don’t be ordering those angels around like you’re still a plant manager. St. Pete’s in charge up there.

Until we meet again,
S

IMAGINE

December 8, 2007 | Remembering

for the last twenty-seven years John Lennon, Buddy Holy and Elvis sitting on a cloud debating today’s music. They sure would have a lot to talk about. Some good along with too much that goes against their high standards of rock ‘n roll.

Every year on this day I think of John Lennon and the wonderful music he created. The joy of the times and how he influenced my life. He is sorely missed.

Sloane

Au Revoir, Shirley Derrico

June 28, 2007 | Remembering

Ten years ago a refined lady walked into my travel agency looking for a job. That was the day two old ladies found the element that had been missing from their lives.

Shirley was a supporter and the original Rah Rah Girl. She invariably saw the good and the promise of the future for others. What she never realized was that she too deserved to have a good life.

She was a better friend to people than they were to her. In my specific case, if it were not for Shirley pushing, in her gentle manner, and taking matters into her own hands, I would have never fulfilled my secret dream of writing. She was the first person to read my work. Smiling and nodding, she whipped out her red pen saying, “Lovely, I like it, BUT… You can imagine how the story changed and improved.

As for taking matters into her own hands, she introduced me to a group of writers who shoved me toward publishers until I finally had a contract.

Shirley never gave up on me and continued to edit and offer suggestions. As time passed she introduced me to a police sergeant who took his time to fill in the blanks along with a wonderful hair stylist who has kept me a natural blonde for years. She accomplished all this in between her handling clients and everything else it took to run our business and her personal life.

After the agency moved to my house, Shirley decided that we should hold “Executive Luncheons” at Red Lobster. The Manhattan Mama and I spent many a long hour indulging our thirst while we hashed over the business, our lives and everything in between.

We particularly enjoyed sharing the news of our children, actually that would be bragging, and commiserating about those same kids when necessary. Thankfully that wasn’t too often. The grandkids, and great-grandson in Shirley’s case, were the best conversations. We took great pride in their exceptional talents and intelligence.

What did I give Shirley in return for 10 years of friendship and loyalty? Not much by comparison and certainly not in the salary category. But as she told me, it wasn’t the big paycheck that drew her back day after day.

The only thing I could give in return was time. Now that I had plenty of. Time to listen to her joke, laugh, and talk about what she wanted in the future. Don’t be so surprised. Even old ladies have dreams. Through weight loss programs, illnesses, and bad hair days, we shared it all. I was the impartial person she could vent to and confide in. Oh yes, of course there was advice, because anyone who knows me also knows I’m loaded with that and have no problem sharing it.

Don’t think ours was a euphoric relationship. We got ticked with each other plenty of times. It never took long before we were back to our old selves and again sharing.

We all have faults. No one is perfect. Shirley recognized that in herself and wanted to change. When she would lambaste herself I wouldn’t allow it. I mean, look who she was talking to. There wasn’t any reason for her to change. The Shirley I knew and loved was a good woman who extended herself whenever she could. Above all else, Shirley was a lady with style.

So to my friend I say, peace on your long journey and may you finally find the joy you so well deserve.

It’s funny how a person’s mind works

December 1, 2006 | Remembering

How one experience can draw you into the past and those events become as clear as if they were happening in the present.

Last week-end Studs and I went to Champaign, IL to watch his nephew play for the Football State Championship. In the Class 8A Wheaton-Warrenville South beat Mt. Carmel by 21 points. We all cheered for Sam Burke and the Tigers until we were horse.

While I sat in the grandstands flashbacks of 16 years ago when my daughter and her team played for the Girls Basketball State Championship came to mind. They won, bringing home a first victory for their school. Another proud moment in my life.

I wasn’t at her game that night and I’m sorry I missed all the excitement and joy the girls felt. I was needed by my parents who were going through the toughest time a married couple can share. It was the night my father died.

Amazing how extreme joy can be shared with the deepest sorrow. And even more surprising is how the time flies as if 16 years were only a moment ago.

Have a good week-end and be sure to tell someone important to you that you love them.

Sloane

Hell Yeah, I’m Proud to be an American

April 21, 2006 | General, Remembering

I promised myself I would never do this, never give notoriety to people or groups who are a drain on this nation. Now it’s come close to home and I can’t stop myself from lambasting one of the most evil factions of our country.

There is not one person in this country who is ecstatic about the war in Iraq. Families are ripped apart and changes happen within them that can never be repaired. The death of a serviceman or woman affects not only the family and friends of that person, but also the general population. Let me tell you a little story about just such a situation.

Lance Cpl. Philip John Martini was born July 10, 1981. His was an American family just like thousands of others. They loved, argued, and laughed as life moved them forward. One day young Phil decided he’s alter the direction of his life and joined the Marine Corp. His tour of duty took the proud man to Al Anbar, Iraq. A gunshot wound took his life. What was kept alive after this tragedy was the memory of a decorated young man even though his family and friends deeply grieved.

Be prepared, for now comes the horrific part of the story.

There is a church in Topeka, Kansas that has taken the Lord’s word, twisted and contrived, to express the filthiest evil to ever be on printed pages and web sites. Studly printed out the pages because he knew I’d never believe it if I didn’t read it for myself.

This sick, self-appointed cult of insanity teaches, teaches mind you, hate. Not only do they teach it, they practice it with a vengeance. Their pastor, I refuse to capitalize the low life’s title, encourages his mindless minions to go forth across our country and picket the funerals of service people who died in Iraq.

But they don’t stop there. No, not these cowards. They also go to the Veteran’s hospitals carrying signs proclaiming “God Hates America”. How would you like to see that when you’re laying there with a limb or two blown off in the war?

Their web site is a demented display of chapter and verse quoted from the bible. The words are correct but this despicable cult has turned them against the people of this country.

At Lance Cpl. Martini’s funeral this band of cowards got the surprise of their lives. There were over 300 motorcyclists and a crowd of strangers, good people, lined up along the parkway of the church prepared to do whatever it took to keep LCPL Martini’s family and friends shielded from the hate mongers. The police contained the river of slime to across the street and down the block from the church.

I am ashamed I was not there to show my support of a fine soldier. I am exceedingly proud my personal Marine took time off work to go and protect his now dead brother. I have pity in my heart for the unthinking fools who follow this Hitler-like man of the cloth. And I pray God will lift the shroud covering the eyes of the madman’s congregation.

If anyone is interested in their web site, please enter your email address in the comments. I refuse to type their address here so the pervert can’t google his church and celebrate the attention he is receiving. This may not be to clear to you all but I’m very upset about this and beginning to babble.

Sloane

Happy Birthday, “B”!

December 30, 2005 | Remembering

Today is my little girl’s birthday, the day I remember so much of the baby who left my body, after camping in for ten long months, and grew into a courageous woman.

She is the child who went beyond her teenage years gaining wisdom and depth. This is the girl my future son-in-law held in such high esteem he asked my permission to propose. This is the woman who is raising two daughters of her own with such love tears come to my eyes when I see them interact. This is my friend, my daughter, who I have loved for twenty-eight years and pray she will always be in my life.

Happy Birthday, “B”. I love you.

Mommy

As Time Goes By

December 14, 2005 | Remembering

Sometimes in our individual world sadness abounds. There’s nothing we can do to alter the course of the universe and stop certain events from happening. It’s just a simple fact of life.

Nine years ago this evening, 6:05p.m. central standard time, I lost my best friend, my lover, the man who had filled my soul. My husband.

This is a day I have no humor. In my house there is no music, no cooking, only work and tears to help me get past these dreaded twenty-four hours as I hold the image of his long hours of dying close to my heart.

Every year on this day I’ve made it a point to reflect on our life and how good it was, only surpassed by a stronger effort to ignore the arguments and any negative occurances which took place. It’s amazing how those unhappy incidents have diminshed over the years.

I’m not one to hang crepe, elevate a mortal man to sainthood, but Chuck was a Good Man. He used to complain I should tell people he was well endowed, not exactly his words, or anything else but he was good. To him it meant he was boring. Nothing was farther from the truth. He’d grown up as a very poor boy in Oklahoma with a mediocre education. After years of floundering, he took charge of his life and became a man of substance, quality. He loved his life and family, especially his “Little Girl”.

Today our daughter called, to remember Dad. She was upset I seemed to have forgotten this horrible anniversary. Again, nothing was farther from the truth. We hung up not the best of friends but I could do nothing to overcome the privacy I must retain. Because you see, all I have left are the silent memories of a life now gone.

Sloane

December 8, 2005 | Remembering

This morning Bob Stroud, DJ on the Drive radio station in Chicago, reminded me today is the 25th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. In commemoration of an innovative musician, I dug out his old LPs and turntable, and then cranked up the volume to sit back and remember.

As a teenager I liked the Beatles, particularly George, but never went into screaming fits when they performed and really could never understand the girls who did. It wasn’t until I was older that John Lennon’s talent for writing unique and stirring lyrics really moved me. My mother hated him. She often said he was an incarnation of the devil with a cult following. I never agreed. Although his lifestyle would never have suited me and his politics were a bit startling, the man sure knew how to bring notes and lyrics together. No one will ever be able to take that away from him.

I followed his career with interest and found I’d learned something from each of his songs. He was a sensitive man who gave our world a new perspective of itself.

My favorite album was and still is Shaved Fish. It was a musical announcement of the transition his life was making under the influence of Yoko Ono.

His last album, Double Fantasy, was released only three weeks before his death and still sells well after all this time. There’s a beautiful photo of John and Yoko on the cover looking respectable and very much in love. Each of the fourteen songs carries a theme of love and hope which make me smile sadly that we will never hear another new recording form a man who celebrated life in all its facets.

Long may his music play.

Sloane

| Remembering

This morning Bob Stroud, DJ on the Drive radio station in Chicago, reminded me today is the 25th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. In commemoration of an innovative musician, I dug out his old LPs and turntable, and then cranked up the volume to sit back and remember.

As a teenager I liked the Beatles, particularly George, but never went into screaming fits when they performed and really could never understand the girls who did. It wasn’t until I was older that John Lennon’s talent for writing unique and stirring lyrics really moved me. My mother hated him. She often said he was an incarnation of the devil with a cult following. I never agreed. Although his lifestyle would never have suited me and his politics were a bit startling, the man sure knew how to bring notes and lyrics together. No one will ever be able to take that away from him.

I followed his career with interest and found I’d learned something from each of his songs. He was a sensitive man who gave our world a new perspective of itself.

My favorite album was and still is Shaved Fish. It was a musical announcement of the transition his life was making under the influence of Yoko Ono.

His last album, Double Fantasy, was released only three weeks before his death and still sells well after all this time. There’s a beautiful photo of John and Yoko on the cover looking respectable and very much in love. Each of the fourteen songs carries a theme of love and hope which make me smile sadly that we will never hear another new recording form a man who celebrated life in all its facets.

Long may his music play.

Sloane

| Remembering

This morning Bob Stroud, DJ on the Drive radio station in Chicago, reminded me today is the 25th anniversary of the death of John Lennon. In commemoration of an innovative musician, I dug out his old LPs and turntable, and then cranked up the volume to sit back and remember.

As a teenager I liked the Beatles, particularly George, but never went into screaming fits when they performed and really could never understand the girls who did. It wasn’t until I was older that John Lennon’s talent for writing unique and stirring lyrics really moved me. My mother hated him. She often said he was an incarnation of the devil with a cult following. I never agreed. Although his lifestyle would never have suited me and his politics were a bit startling, the man sure knew how to bring notes and lyrics together. No one will ever be able to take that away from him.

I followed his career with interest and found I’d learned something from each of his songs. He was a sensitive man who gave our world a new perspective of itself.

My favorite album was and still is Shaved Fish. It was a musical announcement of the transition his life was making under the influence of Yoko Ono.

His last album, Double Fantasy, was released only three weeks before his death and still sells well after all this time. There’s a beautiful photo of John and Yoko on the cover looking respectable and very much in love. Each of the fourteen songs carries a theme of love and hope which make me smile sadly that we will never hear another new recording form a man who celebrated life in all its facets.

Long may his music play.

Sloane