Big Leather Couch

Y'all know my dear Dad Vince...today I honor him...

I used this slide show last year and after considering many things, have decided to use it again. The pictures truly are special to me....

They honor three men who are incredibly special to me...my grandfather Ernest "The Boss" as my dad called him, the most incredible dad in the world, Vince Sr. and the person who is the most special in my life, my son Matt.

My mom's father, who my brother and I called "Be-Bop", do not ask me why, died when we were still so very young. Grand dad Ernest lived until he was 90 or so (Dad...I am sure you will let us know his exact age).

He was a larger than life man...who came here as a child from his home in Italy. I have mentioned bits and pieces about him over the years and someday will have to do a much more comprehensive post.

Dad Vince will be 78 this year and does not look or act his age. I never remember him without a head of gray hair, which is why I never thought a second when I began to gray (though they say the hair genetics come from you mom's dad).

I did get my "Marini Belly" from him - gee thanks dad! hahaha - that is no doubt.

Dad worked in publishing for many years. I remember one year when he was at American Home they sponsored a Bar-B-Que for their clients and held it at the skating rink at Rockefeller Center...It was on the news and there was dad on TV manning a grill..how cool!

He still has the newspaper articles done for this event and someday I will try and get them to share with y'all.

He worked at Esquire Magazine for some 17 years and was the Advertising Sales Manager for many of those years. One of his friends told me of a time when Playboy was having a party at their corporate offices in Chicago and dad crashed the party. The story goes that someone came up to him from Playboy and said "Vince, ok, you crashed but can you please let some of our sales people talk to the clients here" seems he had wrangled a few of the top clients in the corner..working them for business!

That is the way I remember the story....

In 1980 both he and I were selling printing for competitors. We had many of the same clients and entertained in the same restaurant. We both had a special table and they were next to each other. On Monday he would be with client A and I would be with client B. On Wednesday he might be with client B and I would be with client A.

I would call a client and they would say "Didn't you get the Purchase Order yet?" and I would say "You mean you gave that old guy the job? How dare you!" All in good spirits.

Dad worked hard and played hard. He took brother Rich and I to Yankee Stadium for games. I remember being in Florida and going to a Marlins/SF Giants game with him (Rich is a huge Giants fan)....We were in Atlanta as a family and we got to see Willie Mays and the Giants vs. the Braves years earlier.

I have talked about the trip south when I was 16 years old. He always knew how to teach a lesson without making you feel small...well maybe a little small!

He took care of Mom Joan when she got sick and made sure she was always comfortable.

They are still in love 56 years after marrying and in a few short weeks will get in their car and begin their summer sojourn up north and then to Memphis.

I am so lucky to still have him in my life...

Today, if dad is around...give him a huge hug...if he has passed...send that hug and feel their love enveloping you.

To those of you out there who are dad's HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO YOU

Love you Dad. THANK YOU ....