Just a catchup

Hi Frankie. Thinking about you lately. It is that time of year. Betty had a party for Ray yesterday. Chris, Charlie, Celeste, Will and someone you do not know, my daughter inlaw Rachel, all made the trip. While the party in the evening was a surprise, the visiting family did what they always do and converged on Ray, swimming in his pool, sunning on his pier and riding in his boat. The pictures I saw looked like fun. But enough of present day, this note is about history, April 15 and you. On April 15, 1865, Lincoln died of his wounds from the night before. Half a century or so later, on April 15, the Titanic sunk from its wounds from the night before. Over a century later we can only guess what will happen today from last nights wounds. I was not at Rays party. Then in 1964, about half a century or so after the Titanic sank, you were born. The seventh. The youngest for another two and a half years, the smallest for much longer. You had a wonderful view of the world as a munchkin. I thinking today of you standing next to Dad, by the master bathroom in the morning while Dad shaved and discussing anything and prefacing your comments with; "Dad, I remmeber when I was a man". I think you always got a dap of shaving cream and a bladeless razor as a reward. When we moved to West Nyack, you were playing football in the front yard as the moving men unloaded the moving van. A very big African American man, stopped and looked for a moment and laughed and told me you were wonderful to watch, with such moves and confidence. No one counld catch you. You held on to that attribute your whole life. Always able to laugh, especially at yourself, conversant in many topics, expert in some (I am thinking sports), you made simple conversation enjoyable and interesting, and usually entertaining. And, you and Julie were wonderful hosts. An attribute I took advantage of often enough on my pilgramages to Rockland County to visit "home". Frankie, Frankie Doodle, Fredo, Rooster et.al., I am thinking of and missing you today. A bit more than most days. Happy Birthday. Love Bill