Among the many memories I have of Thanksgiving past, I vividly recall my first grade teacher at St. William School in Chicago, Helen Colletti. Mrs. Colletti, who I harbored special feelings for when I was 5 1/2, shared with us some of her holiday experiences. I will never forget a similarity that we both shared. It turned out that both of us had the same special job every Thanksgiving. It was to spread cream cheese on the celery sticks. I remember feeling very important having such job. I miss those simpler days.
As I sit back and try to pinpoint how I have gotten where I am, all the twists and turns that brought me to today, I wish that I had done things a little differently. The simple, pure pleasure like helping my family prepare Thanksgiving dinner leaves all the complicated and supposedly more grown-up satisfactions I have known in the dust.
My father, God rest is beautiful soul, was a very wise man. He preached that education is the only way in life. He did not base this theory on his educational background, which was tragically lacking. Instead he based it on his many observations in life. Sadly my dad died when I was a teenager and he was not there to kick my butt, so to speak. I know that spankings are considered counterproductive and wrong these days (and I agree), however, it got the job done for centuries. Even though I lost my father and best friend long ago, I am very thankful to God for having him for those precious few years. He was a great father and provider and very comical to put it mildly. I hope to be a tenth of the man he was some day.
During this holiday season I am thankful for being alive and in good health. While there is always room for improvement in finances, I consider myself blessed because I am young and motivated. I try to emulate my father’s drive to improve my life and the lives of those around me. With this positive spirit invigorating me I do my best to face enemies like the Chicago Mob, who have extorted and repeatedly threatened to murder me. I am scared, but feel my life will be easier in the days and years ahead.
4 Comments
Joe you sound melancolly and yearning for the simpler yesterday. Keep this in mind. Moral fortitude is a power that has no equal foe. also am listening to curtis lee on radio from ny that survived two attacks on his life by gotti jr. What about a radio show to further your cause as well as views?
Dear Arnold,
You misspelled the word melancholy.
Are you offering me a radio show, or are you simply wondering if I dream of having one some day?
Dear Joe,
I see you were a student at St. William School in Chicago. Was disgraced priest, Father Walter Turlo there while you attended? If so, do you remember him?
Dear Mr. or Ms. Keeper,
Father Walter Turlo was most certainly at St. William School while I attended. You ask, do I remember him? I will never forget Fr. Turlo, or his stinky mustache. I do not have good memories of him.