WELL…it’s definitely that Time of the year once again. Inevitably, most of us are totally absorbed in the attempt to complete all of our traditional holiday “tasks” before the arrival of December 25th.
Frequently, we take a moment or two, sit and pause…catch our breath, and ponder or reflect upon the Seasons of our Past. Usually, these poignant reflections are prompted by some unexpected occurrence, remark, or casual mention by a Friend or acquaintance…or, perhaps, even by an unknown source.
For myself, three “Steps Back In Time” visited upon the doorstep of my memory during the past few weeks. Permit me to explain.
A BEAUTIFUL DAY
It was the early Spring of 1977. I had “risen” to the rank of Academic Team Leader for the Pittsburgh Public Schools. One morning, while teaching my crew of students, I was unexpectedly called to the Principal’s office. Not knowing what to expect, I, of course, became immediately fearful of what awaited me.
Arriving at the main office, and being directed to the Principal, after “sheepishly” entering, I was cordially welcomed and invited to have a seat. Thereupon, my “superior officer” related to me that the Superintendent of the Pittsburgh Schools, and the Head of the PPS Board of Directors wished to meet with me the following morning. No further information was relayed! NATURALLY, my fear ESCALATED! That evening, at home, I was a total nervous wreck. Nevertheless, when the next morning arrived, I drove my Chevy to the Oakland section of Pittsburgh…parked and entered the Board of Ed. Building…made my way to the center office…and announced myself to the receptionist. She directed me to the main conference room, where the “Head Honchos” were awaiting my presence.
I hardly remember my trip down the loonnnggg hallway! Knocked on the door…the Superintendent opened and invited me inside.
There I sat on one side of the extended meeting table, while the others sat silently on the other side.
“WHAT DID I DO???” WAS MY CAREER AT THE END???” “WHAT’S UP???”
The Board Director arose…came over to me…and CONGRATULATED me! She told me that I had been selected to represent the PPS Teachers at a televised public meeting which was to be held the next day at the WQED Television Station in Pittsburgh…LIVE!!! WOW!!! ME??? WOW!!!
After providing additional details to the event, I was dismissed, and directed to arrive early the next morning at the station. I floated!!!
When the next day arrived, I jumped again into the Chevy, and drove to the T.V. station. Upon my arrival, I was courteously escorted through the entire station…stopping in each area while the escort described.
THEN…a truly miraculous meeting. There…in front of my eyes was the man, himself. Dressed in his traditional sneakers, tie and cardigan sweater stood one of my truest Heroes…FRED ROGERS!
I stopped “dead in my tracks”…but, Mr. Rogers advanced his step towards me with his right arm and hand extended. He grasped my hanging palm, and welcomed me to his “set.”
I have NO idea how long I actually spent with Mr. Rogers; but, I DO know that the morning dissolved into afternoon when I was led from his presence into the previously planned meeting.
His smile, kindness, and the warmth of his hand have never left my Heart.
Recently, with the tremendous publicity surrounding the current movie starring Tom Hanks, and based upon Fred Rogers, my Memory called me back to that morning in the Spring of 1977. The “pause for reflection” fills my Soul.
LIGHT-UP THE TREE
The second Time of Reflection which crept upon me recently is due to a random Facebook post which appeared the other day. The post presented a Holiday image well-known to nearly very Pittsburgher…the installation and lighting of the huge artificial Christmas Tree which has decorated the corner of the former Hornes Department Store in downtown Pittsburgh for decades.
The post, provided by one of the city’s news sources, goes on to describe the tree and the effect it has had upon innumerable folks over the many years.
The effect is MUCH MORE than shared by myself. Permit me…
Shortly after my birth, my Dad, who after his WWII Service, became employed as a sign-painter at his Uncle Cy’s sign business. After a short while, Dad was offered a position with another sign company, McBride Sign Co., as a neon-bender (a person who makes neon signs). Uncle Cy encouraged Dad to accept this offer…so, he did. Eventually, Dad became one of the TWO neon-benders in the entire Commonwealth! (More about that later!)
Winters were extremely tough on the sign business. One year in the late 1950’s, Mr. McBride told his employees that the business would be closed for several months, beginning that November. However, Dad was not worried. He had acquired his electrician’s license, and was instructed to simply visit the Electricians’ Union Headquarters, where he would be directed into a new temporary job. He did as directed…and, upon his visit, he was informed by the Union to report to the Hornes store, where he was to become the Project Manager for the Hornes Christmas Tree. UNBELIVEABLE…BUT TRUE!!!
So, there he was: my Dad, creator of incredible neon art…WWII Service Hero of the renowned Devil’s Brigade, and now, the Manager of this incredible Holiday decoration known far and wide!
One of the greatest regrets of my Life is not following in Dad’s footsteps…never learning the Art of neon-bending…and never climbing the outside walls of Hornes to create that masterpiece.
HIGH ON THE HILL
Last…yet another public post caught my eye, then my Heart.
The incredibly delicious CLARK BAR will soon be returning to us here in Western PA! Yep, those of us who grew up devouring this wondrous candy bar will literally “scream with delight.” And my own personal delight has, once again, been multiplied.
Those of us who grew-up in, and/or visited Pittsburgh, will remember the HUGE neon sign gracing the ridge of Mt. Washington for many years. YEAH, it was a CLARK BAR rendition…and, YEAH, it was created by my Dad. Years later, this enormous sign was transferred to the roof of the Clark Candy Co., which was, in those days, located near the long-gone 3 Rivers Stadium. Nowadays, it resides in the Heinz History Museum, along with another neon sign: the Lobster from the old Klein’s Restaurant (yep, he did THAT one too!).
AND YOU???
Your memories of childhood, relatives, and events are just as precious as mine, perhaps even MORE so.
The Holidays are a Time of Remembrance, a Time to take a break and reflect for sure…however, they are also a Time to prepare for the Blessings which await EACH and EVERY ONE of us in the Future.
So, put up those decorations! Then, have a seat…maybe even raise a glass, or cup, to those who have brought us to Today, and those who await us “around the bend!”
“If you’re lost you can look
and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you,
I’ll be waiting
Time after time
If you’re lost, you can look
and you will find me
Time after time
If you fall, I will catch you,
I will be waiting
Time after time.”
CYNDI LAUPER
(Time After Time)
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