My Father...Myself...

   Fathers are, typically, the, very, first, male, role-model children have in their, lives. They may not, always, do the 'right' thing, as, they are human; yet, if they are doing their job, and, taking their, parental- role, seriously, they will impart some pretty good, 'stuff' to their, children. On, this, Father's Day, I am reflecting back on all the, positive-ways my Dad influenced me. Ralph was, probably, the MOST, intelligent, person I have, ever, had the pleasure to know. I thank him for this genetic-'gift', which he has 'passed-off to his progeny, as we, and, our, children, along the line, are, all, quite, smart, if I do 'say-so' myself! Ralph, also, showed me the importance of, properly, utilizing the, English language, taking verbiage and vernacular to the 'next-level'. He never 'talked-down' to us, but, instead, 'used his words', exposing us to some, that, if we didn't know or understand them, would send me scurrying to a dictionary. Dad, showed me, as well, what it meant to be a 'winner', insofar, as 'attitude' is concerned. After a point, he had a most, challenging, and, often, difficult-life, when it came to financially, supporting his family; yet, we never went without, nor, did I, ever, see him 'cave' from, or, appear 'crushed' by the hardships which befell him. To my mind, Dad was the GREATEST, success-story, even, though, he never made his 'millions'. Another of the wonderful, attributes, which, Ralph exposed us to was his, terrific, and, sometimes, 'off-color', sense of humor. As a family, we sure enjoyed a heck of a lot of happiness, and, shared a lot of laughs! Last, but, NOT, least, Ralph showed us all the importance of demonstrative -LOVE. In our family, as it was, as I was growing-up, it is, STILL, the same, these, days, we show our love and affection for one another in, very, physical-ways; We are a bunch of 'huggers and kissers', for sure. So, on this, 24th Father's Day, since your, 'passing', Dad, I am, as, always, thinking of you, and, thanking you, once, again, for all that you taught me by and through your, great, example.