He was always 'Daddy' to me, even though I was 40 years old when he died. That choice of a name always felt cosy, warm and loving to me. And that's the way he was. I grew up in a close, affectionate family with a wonderful mom and older brother, Donald. Being in kindergarten when World War II broke out could have caused much fear because New York City and the Atlantic Ocean were close to my little suburb of Ridgefield Park, NJ. But loving parents protected me and even though we endured air raid drills, we were never attacked by German bombers.
I do remember those air raid drills. Our family would all hover down on the living room rug as the air raid sirens screamed above us. Every light in our house and street had to be turned off to prevent any enemy airplanes to attack. One night was especially cloudy, dark and scary. Daddy found a small flashlight for me and as I held that tiny light I felt better. Suddenly, the doorbell rang. The air raid warden, a friendly neighbor, saw my light and said it had to be turned off. So, Daddy wrapped his arms around me and kept me safe.
The Sunday papers were always a hit arriving with delightful comics. Daddy would seat us on the sofa, Donald on one side and me on the other side, cuddling close as he read the comics to us. I don't remember the stories but I do remember the undivided attention as he chuckled and patiently read all those comic pages.
He was always supportive and proud of me. When, in my 30s I launched a singing career throughout the US, Canada and other countries, Daddy would stand there and tell friends his "buttons were popping off his shirt" he was so proud. As my singing career grew with record sales, travel expenses, honorariums, Daddy would spend hours managing bookwork. How I appreciated that!
He had a great sense of humor, constantly telling endless "corny" jokes (at least as a teenager I thought that) to all his friends. Later I realized he just wanted to make people laugh and enjoy life. He was also a good example of a happy marriage, always being affectionate and caring with my mother.... kissing goodbye even when going on mundane errands.
He never 'spoiled' me but was always advising me and counseling me on important decisions, especially when I fell in love with Dick. Daddy had instant rapport with my husband and they enjoyed working on major reconstruction for our newly purchased home.
Growing up in a loving, supportive family it was somewhat of a shock to me when I learned about absentee fathers, abusive fathers, harsh fathers. It was then I realized how fortunate and blessed I am to remember my Daddy who always had time for me and loved me unconditionally.
In this age of IPhones, work demands, media bombardment, cultural enticements, may fathers today give their sons and daughters undivided attention, wise counsel and unconditional love so that on Father's Day these dads will be remembered with honor and devotion.
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DADDY!
