Memories of a Brother

We had incredible parents. All my memories are happy ones. We both idolized our father and I know he had a huge influence on the person that Mike would become. Dad had a sense of adventure, a confidence in his own ability to do anything and a kindness towards people that was as real as it gets. We used to have the Good Humor Truck drive down our street occasionally. The sound of the bells would bring children running out their doors and up the street to gather around the ice cream truck. I always noticed that my father would be the last one in line. When it was our turn, he'd look around to see if there were any kids standing there empty handed and he'd wave them over to pick something out. I suppose it was those moments that taught Mike & I precious lessons about kindness and caring. We were always PROUD that he was our father.

I think Mike and I were around 8 when we started our first business. We'd catch crabs and sell them for a penny a piece to the boathouse owners. They in turn, would sell them to the fishermen for bait. Once the deal was done, we'd head off to the corner candy store. They had a big glass case loaded with bins of penny candies. Some were 3 for a penny. As Mike and I chose each candy carefully, the owner would place them in our little paper bags for us, always smiling and never rushing us. I think it might have taken a good 15 minutes to make our selections. < smile > Times were different back then. People had time for children.