John Meets Wireless Technology

I got Pops an iPad and it took some practice, but he is mastering “his new computer.”  He has a wireless keyboard to go with it and I came home one day from work to find out the aid had set up the keyboard for him.  He said to me “Hey Dani, this keyboard types what I want on my little computer and it is not even connected – isn't that something?”  He had a big smile on his face. 

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I came home tonight and he said to me “Dani, can my little computer play music on your Bose stereo?” 

“Of course,” I replied. 

“So how do you connect it?”  He replied.

I said “Just turn the power button on the Bose like this and then play your music.” 

“That’s it?” he replied as he pressed play on his iPad and it streamed the music through the Bose system.

“Wow” he replied.   “I must have been living in the dark ages.  How do they operate together?  No wires are connecting them together.” 

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The poor man is an engineer from the old days, where he connected and pieced things together for them to work.  

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“It is wireless technology, enjoy!” I replied.  

"Wow, this is all so neat."  He replied. 

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A tear streamed down my face as they grow up so fast :->  

The Family Heirloom 2014

Fifteen years ago My Mother received a dollar store Santa Clause figurine for Christmas from an acquaintance of hers.  The figurine was marked down to 50 cents as the bright orange price tag sticker was still on the piece.  My Mother gracefully accepted the gift with gratitude and thanked the woman, however her wheels started turning.

That week following Christmas we celebrated with the Virginia folks, my Mom’s Brother Paul, Aunt Maryann and the cousins Paul Andrew, Michael and Gregory.  Present time came and Aunt Maryann was last up to open and at the end, my Mother said “Oh Maryann I have one more for you, hold on.”

My Mother came back with a beautifully wrapped box and Aunt Maryann opened it with excitement.  As she unwrapped and opened the box she held in her hand the 50 cent Santa Clause figurine.  She was speechless and was not sure whether to say thank you or not, so my Mother broke the silence and told her the story and my Mother said “just a little gag gift for you, Merry Christmas.”

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The following year we gathered with the Virginia folks for our annual Christmas celebration.  My Mother sat and peeled through the bag of presents from Aunt Maryann and crew and at the very bottom, wrapped in tissue paper was the greatest gift of all; the 50 cent Santa Clause figurine, price tag sticker still attached and all.  And so the ‘Family Heirloom’ was born.

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For fifteen years, the family heirloom was passed back and forth and after Mom passed away I inherited the receiving on her behalf.  This year it was my turn to return the family heirloom to my Aunt!    I had to be clever and think about this one.  So I decided to get a miniature Christmas tree and stick the Santa a top as the tree topper. 

As a decoy, I found a nice picture of my Aunt and Mother.  It was rare that they had a picture taken together as one would always be taking the pictures, while the other one was in the photo.  The box with tree and heirloom was wrapped and the picture, framed was wrapped and placed on top. 

As my aunt opened the framed picture, everyone dwelled on that for a moment and passed around.  Then she started to open the big box.  I thought everyone was still focused on the picture and then My Uncle said “Danielle, I have to give you credit for your efforts in using all that paper to wrap an over sized box where she will find that ‘shitty’ Santa.”  As my Aunt opened the box, she replied “No Paul it’s actually not the Santa.”  Until she pulled out the tree and saw the heirloom a top the tree.  “Never mind,” she replied and we all laughed. 

The family heirloom has been passed back once again! 

The Future is Bright!

My Mom taught and helped shape the future of countless children throughout her career of 27 years.  She cared for them as her own from 6 weeks old until she ushered them off to kindergarten, but always kept in touch with the parents and children as she watched them grow in their future endeavors.  Not a day goes by that I don’t receive a message, a phone call or see a Facebook post from the parents or children themselves, even the original crew from when she started her career. 

It is very refreshing to watch them all grow into the fine individual’s they are as they continue in their success each day. 

One thing that stands out is remembering my Mom receiving countless phone calls from the parents whose children went from her care to kindergarten.  Each and every one of them called to thank her as their child was specially recognized for already knowing their ABC’s and 123’s as well as knowing how to spell their name and write their address. 

I have to laugh as I recall her teaching the children their letters and she would have them write them over and over until they got it perfect.  The letter ‘G’ was always a struggle for the kids and they would sit there and show my Mom and much of their conversation went like the below:

Child: “Kathy I am done with my letters, can I go play now?”

Mom: “Hmm, again – here is another sheet of paper.”

Child: *Sighs* “Kathy how many more times before I can go play?”

Mom: “That’s up to you, write them correctly and you can go play; you know what to do so don’t be sloppy.”

Child: *mumbles under breath* “This is no fun.”

Mom: “What was that?”

Child: “Nothing, Kathy – just doing my letters :->”

Mom: “uh-huh, remember I have all day so please feel free to take your time.”

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It was more than just letters and numbers that she taught as she had them write over and over.  Subliminally, she taught them not to settle and take the easy (sloppy) way out and to take pride in all the work they do, no matter what. 

Over the past few weeks I’ve smiled as I see Facebook posts on some accomplishments of the children under Mom’s care before she passed away; Tina, Mason and Michael.  Tina was still under Mom’s care and had not gone off to school yet, but Mason and Michael went on however came back for the summer!  Tina and Mason recently graduated and are to the next chapter and Michael continues to do well in school as well as making great strides with his sled hockey team, proving to be a leader and now captain of his team. 

As the school year closes, I see how the children she cared for continue to move on successfully; all of them, dating back to the first crew she cared for up until the last crew over a 27 year time frame.  It is comforting to me knowing that so many children will help make the future bright and it all started with my Mother’s care.  He work may have been cut short, but her legacy lives on through all she cared for.  I know she watches over all of them and no doubt bragging up above and smiling. 

Congratulations to all she cared for as you continue in your success and the future is indeed bright.      

Band-Aids are fun and worth a writing piece, right?

Growing up we never had the boring Band-Aid’s in the house; we always had the fun cartoon character ones.  My Mom always had the fun one’s stocked for the kids and when she needed a Band-Aid she would sport the cartoon ones loud and proud. 

I didn't intend to go grocery shopping last night, but needed Neosporin and a Band-Aid so I found myself at the grocery store. 

I finished my grocery shopping and almost forgot my original need for Neosporin and Band-Aids, but quickly remembered.  In the aisle the boring Band-Aids were cheaper, but the SpongeBob Band-Aids caught my eye.  I thought to myself, Mom would have picked the SpongeBob ones as she was a fan.  I threw them in the cart, grabbed Neosporin and started to walk away until I saw Mickey Mouse ones.  Mom loved Mickey Mouse too as her Birthday was November 18^th same as Mickey Mouse.  I held them both in my hand and quietly said to myself, what would Mom do?  Which did she like more?  Just then I saw the price and it said 3 boxes for $5.47 and save $3.00.  She was a bargain shopper so I decided on both and one more to choose as the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle ones caught my eye for Brother! 

Mission accomplished.  

Freedom Isn't Free

An extra day off, BBQ’s and fun times at what we in New Jersey call “the shore,” but it is important to recognize the significance of Memorial Day. 

It is a dedication and time to remember all those who sacrificed their lives to protect our freedom as well as their families.  I am very grateful to still have my Father who served several tours in Vietnam, while he eventually came home unfortunately he had some baggage that came home with him. 

Throughout his time serving he built friendships that would last a lifetime.  As duty called many of those friends became fallen heroes.  My Father persisted on through the pain of losing those close to him and continued to fight in their honor.  He became injured during his time, but as soon as he received clearance he was back on the line.  He received a Purple Heart for his heroic efforts and very well deserved. 

Last, but certainly not least the biggest heartache for him was in losing his family.  He married a Vietnamese lady while on tour and also welcomed his first Daughter into the world.  He counted the days until he could come back home to the United States with his beautiful family.  After a long day at battle, he looked forward to going to home to be with his family.  While his home was merely a hut pretty much just good for sleeping, it didn't matter he had everything he needed.  As he approached his hut he was heartbroken to find out that it was bombed earlier that day and his Wife and Daughter did not survive.   

After his final tour ended, my Father came home, alone.  However shortly after he met a Lady in a dive bar in Brooklyn, NY.  He was so nervous throughout their entire conversation, but built the courage up to ask her on a date.  She said yes and a year later they were married and stated a new family of their own.  My Mother “Mothered” my Father for over 36 years, but unfortunately passed away at the young age of 55. 

I could never replace my Mother, but my Father still needs guidance and care so I find myself playing the role of “Little Mother.”  While he is a pest sometimes (most of the time) I wouldn't trade it for anything.  His love, support and dedication he has toward my Brother and I is priceless.  He may be a pest, but he is our pest and we thank him for all he did and continues do to for us.  

Happy Memorial Day to all, remember the true reason!