With so many folks being terribly affected by what’s going on in the World, it is not unusual to feel the emptiness and sadness which can be associated with this time of the year.
Families have been literally torn apart. Finances for SO many have dwindled to the point of near extinction. Folks have lost their homes. Businesses, which previously had been successful and profitable, have been forced into closure.
Supplies on several of the most necessary products have diminished. Shelves have, for the second time within this past year, have approached emptiness.
NOW…many of us sit alone…minute by minute…hour by hour…and, day by day.
The isolation breeds desperation. As the Holidays Season of Winter approaches, that “isolation” often kindles memories and reminiscences of the Past, and the individuals who had previously walked the Pathways of Life alongside us.
1953
Mommy and I are decorating our side of our Family’s duplex home in Millvale. Uncle Cy and Aunt Barb live on the other side. (They don’t decorate at all!)
It’s quarter to five…and, we hear Daddy’s footsteps approaching the kitchen door. YAYY! Time to get my hug for the day! I stand waiting!!!
The door opens…but, Daddy doesn’t give me my hug. Instead, he rubs my head, walks to the kitchen table, places his lunch box on the tabletop, and sits down…his eyes staring forward in the distance.
Mommy’s there, and steps to his side. She senses “something’s wrong.” So, without a moment’s hesitation, she slide her chair next to Daddy, sits down, and touches his hand.
“What’s wrong, Hon?” she asks.
Daddy looks up slowly, turns to me, and asks me to go into the livingroom and see what’s on T.V.
I go.
Later, Mommy told me that Daddy was “laid-off” from his job as a Neon-bender at McBride Sign Company. Seems like the shop was closing for awhile…no one was ordering any neon signs for this Winter in Pittsburgh…or anywhere else. SO……..
Daddy was MORE than worried. What would we do? How could he pay the mortgage? Where would we get the groceries we needed for our meals? Gas bills? Electric bills? Car payments? Not even considering having Santa bring Christmas presents this year!
Daddy and Mommy were too upset to eat supper. Daddy went into the living room, and sat down on the couch in front of the T.V. Mommy sat down beside him, and rested her head on his shoulder. I laid down on the floor in front of them.
As the evening progressed, I could see Daddy trying his best to figure-out what to do.
THEN THE PHONE RANG
Mommy rose up from the couch, and walked over to the table upon which the old telephone sat. She answered.
“Yes, Charlie, he’s here. Wait a a second, I’ll call him to the phone.” George, Honey, the phone is for you. It’s Charlie from your Union. He wants to talk to you.”
“OK. Here I come.”
“Hello, Charlie…”
“WHAT??? WHAT WAS THAT??? YOU NEED ME FOR A BIG JOB IN DOWNTOWN??? WHAT??? “
After, about 15 minutes, Daddy placed the phone back into it’s receiver cradle, and stood still, just looking down at the phone.
Slowly, his eyes started to shine with Joy. His smile, which I rarely saw, broadened and covered his entire jaw. He turned to us both.
He told us that Charlie had indicated tha although McBride’s had laid him off for the Season, it was the BEST OF LUCK for him.
Seems that the owners and governing board of Hornes Department Store in downtown Pittsburgh had wanted his service and Artistic talents for several years. Now that he was available……..
LIGHT UP NIGHT
A few weeks later, Daddy drove Mommy and me to Downtown. After parking the 1954 BelAire, we walked several blocks to Smithfield Street. There we halted…directly across from Horne’s.
Daddy checked his watch…and began to countdown - 10 -9 - 8 - 7 - 6 - 5-4-3-2-1...Ta Da! from10…9…8…7…6…5,4,3,2,1…TA-DA!!!
The corner of Hornes Department Store lit-up with an electric blaze from street level to the top of the building.
The Christmas Tree which Daddy had been responsible for, welcomed the Holiday Season for many, many FOLKS.
AND…it still does.
You see, Charlie had indicated that Daddy was to “take charge” of the workers and design of that awesome tree.
LAST WEEK
I received from a Dear Friend in Pittsburgh, the notification that the Hornes Tree was “ready to go” once again.
Despite all the turmoil and feeling of hopelessness and despair surrounding us all, a beacon of HOPE can still be found…lighting the Pathway to JOY.
AND..the SAME holds true for us all.
Despite EVERYTHING negative, the JOY, LOVE, and, most importantly HOPE, continues to encompass us all.
My Daddy Journeyed onwards many decades ago. Yet, the message he gave to us with the lighting of that tree lives FOREVER in my Heart…as it may in the Hearts of us all.
It’s the time of the season
When love runs high
And this time, give it to me easy
And let me try with pleasured hands
To take you in the sun to promised lands
To show you every one
It’s the time of the season for loving
Rod Argent (TIME OF THE SEASON)
(For Comments, Contact…This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., or visit DANDELION DAYS on Facebook.)
The Christmas Tree in the story!