My Father loved this time of year as football season was just getting interesting, the World Series was on our doorstep, and of course, election day was just around the corner. He loved the Mummers’ Parade and the Halloween season.
I’ve shared in past articles how Dad always liked playing a good trick on folks. He loved to organize the event like it was family fun, and everything had to go off like clockwork. He had the ability to keep a straight face and say, “It wasn’t me.” The person asking the questions often didn’t know it was a family effort, with him being both the organizer and getaway driver. It was never anything malicious, just all in good fun to family members and people he knew well. If he were alive today, I know he would be shocked by the price of toilet paper. That wouldn’t stop him, though; he would probably have us all go back and attempt to roll it back up on the roll to be used at a later date.
My son Jimmy wrote a column last week about something his Pop Pop taught him: that if you were early, you were on time, and if you were on time, you were late. That was definitely true because whatever the prank was and when it was completed, if you weren’t back to the getaway car, you were left in a full sprint trying to catch up to good old Dad.
My Dad passed away on October 25th, 2012. I remember sharing with my siblings that he would have chosen this time of year if asked. I don’t know if I said it aloud or thought it, but if asked, he probably would have inquired about playing one more trick before he left the mortal world. Like popping up as everyone was gathered around his graveside and saying, “Did you lose your wallet?” Or, “Is this what I had to do to get everybody gathered together and paying attention?” He would then probably laugh his unique laugh and say, “No I really do got to go home to the Lord and help him take care of his dogs.” The dogs part comes from no matter where he was when he was ready to go, he would say, “Well, it’s time to go home to the East End of the county and take care of the dogs.” Dad’s dog declaration was probably true about half the time.
There are so many stories I could share about my Dad, but I’d better move on to the serious side of my Father.
He believed in hard work and earning what you achieved. His mind was hard to keep up with; he was always working several steps ahead of most. He had a plan for you and envisioned where you should be in this plan, whether you were family or employee.
My Dad was tough on me, and we battled at times. I learned as I got older how to use a better approach in whatever my thoughts were. He liked things to be his idea. There’s not a day that goes by that I don’t think about him and miss him. If you’ve been to my office, his picture greets you as you walk in. I often think he’s watching me, thinking that kid will learn someday.
My Father and I grew much closer later in life after his grandsons were born. He and Jimmy had an amazing relationship, and even though Hunter was younger, they too had a special bond. Jimmy was always more mature than his actual age, while Hunter was, well, a wild child. I imagined that was probably how my Dad behaved at the same age. He often encouraged Hunter just to do whatever he was doing while laughing. It’s sort of made me understand why Dad would tell stories of how his mom, my Nanny Webb, would chase him and Uncle Rick with a baseball bat, but that’s a story for another day.
My Father loved his grandchildren. Through witnessing this love, our relationship became much better. I could never thank my Dad enough for being the father, coach, boss, and then grandfather that he was. He was always supportive and at his best at difficult times.
The best way I could think to honor and remember my Father’s legacy is through sharing Jimmy and Hunter with you. Dad would be so proud of James Arthur III, whose column can be found on page 32. And Hunter James, whose picture can be found within the Hartman Agency ad on page 16. I only wish he would have been here to see the boys grow up the past 13 years.
As most of you know, my Father suffered from lung cancer that metastasized to his brain. Cancer has affected way too many lives, and it seems to run at a high rate in our area. As you can see, breast cancer awareness is featured on the cover this week. Please take care of yourself and be proactive. Follow your doctor’s instructions and be checked and tested depending on your personal makeup. The best chance possible to battle this dreaded disease is through early detection.
God Bless America.
