06/21/2026
This is my dad. It was taken before I was born. My dad was born in 1939 in NYC. Let me tell you a little about my dad.
My dad was very intelligent. He had a degree in architecture design, and he also was a NYC union carpenter. He loved to make things out of wood. Growing up, my dad made me a wooden swing, at every house that we lived at. He also made me a drivable wooden car. (I was 9, it wasn't road legal. Lol) My dad had an extreme interest in the universe, the stars, and science. He was really into Neanderthal migration and the "missing link." My dad loved to fish, and we always lived by water. The ocean, the river, the lake. He lived during the Great Depression and he remembered putting newspaper in his shoes, so rain and mud would not get through the holes. (Yes he had holes in his shoes as a child) He also set up traps for animals in the woods as a child, so his mom could make a stew. He was 1 of 5 children. (Yes, back then NYC had woods.) When I was finally born, my parents were much more established, had good jobs and were educated.
From nothing. They came from nothing.
My dad taught me so much. He taught me how to build and wire houses. He taught me all the Star constellations. He taught me how to swim, how to fish, how to draw. He taught me about home remedies... That mustard seeds can treat stomach acid, and cloves will draw out a tooth abcess. He taught me how to grow a garden, what bugs should stay, and what bugs need to go. He taught me how to change my tire, the oil and how dangerous a jack is. He showed me how to mow grass, climb a tree and identify plants. He taught me how to dig for clams with your feet.
He showed me how to love, which heartbreaks me. Because what he taught me was true, but what he didn't factor in...was other men would not have his integrity.
His favorite time of year....Summer. It was always about Summer. That's when the Sun shined, the cold was gone, and the plants grew. The bushes made fruit.
His favorite food: Spaghetti and meatballs.
Favorite Sport: Football
Favorite color: Navy Blue.
Every Sunday we would go have McDonald's breakfast while everyone was asleep. I ordered the big breakfast and dad ate the pancakes, because I didn't like them.
There are so many things my dad taught or showed me that I cannot possibly list them. They would fill a book. But today on Father's Day, I thought my dad deserved this post. He's no longer here, but he will forever live in my heart. Happy Father's Day dad. 💙
Love,
Pookie