My Papa…

Today would have been my father Jack’s birthday. He passed away on September 15th, 1994 just before his 70th birthday. My father was a wonderful Doctor (and there are a few of my FB friends who were delivered by him – or he delivered their children!). He delivered nearly 3,000 babies! He had 3 families where he delivered 3 Generations!!! If someone couldn’t afford medical care or had no insurance – he’d always treat them anyway – many people would barter and bring him food or a crocheted blanket as thanks to him.

He was instrumental in pushing for more research and the prevention of Skin Cancer. He taught me how to look at spots on the skin – AND to go up to a stranger and say “Excuse me, have you had that checked by your doctor?” Ever since he passed – when I see someone with a suspicious mole – I can almost hear him telling me “Hurry up and ask them it could save their life!” My father taught me to explain that if any spot or mole has: Changed color, size, texture or grown a new mole to get it checked out right away! I have to honest – every person I’ve asked since 1994 has always been grateful that I asked!

My father served in the Navy. He also spent time in Vietnam as a doctor (as you can see in the black & white photos). I remember back in 1993 – while we were at a museum in Kansas City – he saw a family – and started speaking Vietnamese to the little boy (about 7 years old) who was with his parents – and the boy was shocked! Then my father chatted in Vietnamese with the parents. They were so happy talking to each other!

I was the last of kids – so I was the “baby”. I called him Papa – and he called me “Twinkie” or “Motormouth Jr.” – he was “Motormouth Sr.” and my sister Janet was “Motormouth”! So rambling on and on is in my DNA!

Oh yea, my dad won a car on “The Wheel Of Fortune” on Friday, September 13, 1985!  How do I remember it was a Friday?  He called from Los Angeles and said in a very sad voice: “Honey, don’t ever go on a game show on a Friday the 13th.”  And just as I started to feel sad for him he says: “Or you’ll win a car!”!  He won a 1986 Mazda RX-7 – and he got it in the signature dark red.

I miss him so much – and I wish he could have be here with Theresa – he’d love her so much!
It doesn’t feel like 23 years have gone by since he passed – sometimes it feel like yesterday – and other days it feels like a lifetime.

“I love you with all of my heart Papa – and I miss you even more. Please come visit me in my dreams!

Happy Birthday!

Love,

Your Twinkie”

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