Happy Father’s Day
Remember all of your uncles who came over for Father’s day, dressed up in slacks, white shirts and ties, from Sunday church to eat dinner at your home? Your aunts were dressed in their finest clothes with the little hats to match, but some of them would creep you out and some them didn''t? Remember the ones who creeped you out?
Like Uncle Joe who always smelled like a cigar anyway he wasn’t smoking one. He’d give you the tightest hug and say how you were his favorite niece. Then Aunt Sylvia came right behind him to let you know how you were the sweetest child she ever knew. More hugs and pinch kisses. Remember those pinch kisses?
Then there was Uncle Felix who was always loud holding that can of beer, but he always slipped you ten bucks… and Aunt Marla who told you to be good and keep studying, because one day you would be famous, because you were so smart. A scientist she said.
Let’s not forget Uncle Samuel who told the most jokes you’d ever heard until you wanted to yell at him to SHUT UP, but you didn’t because you knew your mom would not be happy if you insulted your family. You were taught manners. But he and Aunt Elmire always brought you some candy. They never forgot. Not even one time.
Then all of the others who would smother you with kisses, and hugs. Calling you cutie pie and playing their 50’s rock and roll music, when all you wanted to hear was some of your 70’s music. You were 16 for God''s sake, can''t we kids have a turn? But you were raised to not be sassy and tell them you love them back, because.... they all really loved you. They did.
Then all of the cousins came in and you watched your aunts and uncle eat and told each other how all of the older folks were so out of touch. You rolled your eyes at almost everything they did. Remember those days?
Well, it was only ONE day you know, and now they are all dead and gone. There is no one anymore at family gatherings to give you all of that attention.
NOW.... You call your siblings over to have a gathering, and today, your children are doing the same things as you did generations before.
Remember how bored you were back then on that one day? They feel the same today. It happens, but… they loved you… and now… they have all gone. I bet you miss the hugs and pinch kisses... and all of the attention you got for that one day.
Have a great day whatever you celebrate, and say I love you often, in the living years.
I did when I grew up and became older.
Thank God it wasn’t too late.
(c) Mary Lynn Plaisance
June 18, 2017
All names are fictional.
i always enjoy your work, well said
m
Even though my brother and I were "cute," we weren't girls and didn't get that kind of attention from uncles during family get-togethers in the 50s, but I do remember a couple of aunts who would squeeze a bit too hard during their hugs.
Probably because of the time, there wasn't much argument about music. My grandmother or my aunt would get on the piano after dinner and we would all sing, from the youngest of the oldest.
Ron