Lesson I learned from my dad….
I’m in the swing-like hammock chair, just relaxing in the shade. A cute oversized marshmallow, my dog Willie, warms my feet as he contentedly snoozes. The hibiscus has just popped out two large red flowers and the lavender is beginning to share its aroma. It’s no surprise that I’m thinking about you today. This morning Facebook posted a memory of a few years ago. It was a picture of you and your last birthday celebration. It brought tears to my eyes as I saw your open mouthed smile and look of delight on your face. I could almost hear our chorus of “Happy Birthday to you.”
Today would have been your 100th birthday, and with Father’s Day rapidly approaching I’ve been spending time thinking about you and what you taught me. Although I often heard you say, “Same landlord, different house” when speaking of the different religions, you converted from Greek Orthodox to Catholicism when you married mom, and made sure your children went to Catholic School. Although we often teased you about your thinking, calling it “Leo logic,” in retrospect, you were always living your faith. You were a kind, humble man, always there to lend a helping hand to family, neighbors and anyone in need. You went to Mass every week, said your prayers every morning, and had a list of charities you regularly supported. I remember when I was in high school your telling me the most important thing in life was to have peace of mind and the way to achieve it was to live like Jesus Christ.
My dad was bedridden the last few years of his life and often spent long periods of time alone. He told me that he liked his own company. One of his hobbies was to write songs and poems and he shared this poem with me.
I Like What I See in My Face
I really can’t say that I’m wealthy
For there’s no one who knows me at Chase
Though my wallet is light
I still sleep well at night
‘Cause I like what I see in my face
I don’t claim that I live in a palace
With plush carpets and crystal and lace
But my well worn settee
Brings great comfort to me
‘Cause I like what I see in my face
In a book I once read
A philosopher said
“Moderation can mean happiness”
I may aim for the sky
But if plans go awry
It’s easy for me to settle for less
Everyone cannot be a genius
Being normal is not a disgrace
And a soul that is free
Is what smiles back at me
‘Cause I like what I see in my face
During this past pandemic year, it’s been difficult to have peace of mind and we’ve all had the time to look at our faces a bit more closely. Do we like what we see?
As I ponder on this, my thoughts are interrupted by a mockingbird’s screeching sounds. I look around to see where it’s coming from and I see a butterfly in the trees. As it flutters around I recall having heard that butterflies can be a sign from above. The birds seem to have disappeared and I sit motionless as the majestic monarch stops on Willie’s sleeping body, opening and closing his orange and black wings as if talking to him. It flies off and comes to rest on my hand that was absently stroking Willie’s ear. I sit so still, frozen in time, not wanting the moment to end. Finally the butterfly moves on and once again the birds begin their noisy chatter. I smile. Thanks for the visit, Dad, and the inspiration.
Our loved ones live on in us. I hope that at the end of my days, I too will have lived a life like Jesus Christ where I have peace of mind, and can say “I like what I see in my face.”
