Hope you’re enjoying a SNOW DAY and if you have to travel please be safe. I was out with the dogs this morning and saw a neighbor pulling out of her drive. I know she has three in grade school and reminded her “NO SCHOOL TODAY” and she noted that she was on her way to her job. Thankfully, she drives a nice, big heavy GMC.
I have many musings to share with you but used this cover photo as no doubt my second home at 3990 JoAnn Drive in the Lee Harvard neighborhood of Cleveland is where I “cut my SNOW DAY chops.” I was truly blessed to spend a great part of my youth is Slavic Village and Lee Harvard, two wonderful places to grow up (Although if you ask Mrs. Munch she would question that I have grown up!). The latter neighborhood was where I really learned about living, the trials and tribulations, the good and pain at times of life and I have experienced quite a few of the latter lately. More on that shortly.
On a day like today when St. Henry School and Elliott School were closed the kids in the neighborhood would be outside by 9a at the latest after some Cream of Wheat or Maypo! We would have all the gear to keep us warm and dry especially the rubber boots with the clasps to keep them tight! A snowball fight would start in the morning and I am telling you, there were 15-20 grade school kids out in the street and yards. I smile remembering the names: Uleszewski, Zelina, Kadi, Zipf, Willard, Wrobel, Horvath, Kolar, Bowen and more. All faiths, races, national origins were playing in the snow. The most fun was the next activity, building snow forts and igloos. I’m talking about igloos that fit 3-4 kids with entrances on the top and the sides! We all had to be forced to come in for lunch then back out for a few more hours. Of course, lunch was Campbell’s soup and a Lawsons bologna or chip chopped ham sandwich on white. I smile thinking about those days. PLEASE SEND THE KIDS OUTSIDE.
I mentioned the “pain of life” above and boy oh boy, the circle of life has hit me upside the head the last week. Now you know why I finish all these postings with “Life is precious, enjoy every sandwich.” For all the heartbreak I have experienced it is nothing compared to immediate families losing loved ones. Bill Livingston was an amazing journalist, his style riveting and knowledgeable plus his comparisons simply put were the best.
I spoke briefly with the amazing Marla Ridenour at Bill’s funeral and she noted with a smile that in 2016 she was seated next to Terry Pluto and Bill Livingston in the Oracle Arena in Oakland in 2016 for game 7 of the NBA Finals when Livy noted “Their gonna win this thing” of course talking Cleveland Cavaliers! Yes he was correct. Bill’s hoops acumen was special and no doubt I am already missing the text exchanges we shared during games especially Cavs games. Livy always had the answer. At his funeral Mass at St. Clarence in North Olmsted a photo of him was shown on the wall next to the altar with the message (to paraphrase) “His stories will live forever.” No doubt they will live on and on.
I only mention the following to reiterate how special and again precious life is and please embrace that fact. After Livy’s funeral I drove to Coshocton for a friend’s wake and tomorrow I will pay respects to a second Dad who was also called home. A dear friend’s Mom also passed away and indeed the death of Bob Weir hit me upside the head. At times, my exuberance for life may drive some up a wall but now you know what I mean when I say “it’s gonna be a great day, I got out of bed.”
Read more of my musings, thoughts and takes at NEO Sports Insiders and I am thankful to be powered by the Ken Ganley Automotive Group & Ken Ganley Chevy Of Aurora.
Please take care of each other and it’s your world, pay attention. Life IS precious, enjoy every sandwich and for now adios amigo, long may you run.
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