I Will Remember You

In my role as a Psychiatric Technician, the goal is to care for patients with professionalism and warmth while maintaining boundaries, within that working relationship. But sometimes, there are certain people who touch your heart in a way you do not expect. The reason may not be clear; they remind you of someone dear fromContinue reading “I Will Remember You”

Bear Mountain

It’s the tiny bear trinket I remember, possibly more than the place itself. A delicate little figurine with a soft sprinkling of real fur fuzz on its body which I loved to carry around and stroke as if it were a real pocket pet. My dad bought this cherished gift for me and my threeContinue reading “Bear Mountain”

The Good Doctor

Today marks the 15th Anniversary of the death of my friend, Dr. Mark O’Neill. He departed this world in his prime, after a long illness of which I knew not. It is said life is fleeting. Glancing at this photograph taken at my annual NYC Christmas party, thirty five years ago at which Mark wasContinue reading “The Good Doctor”

Memories of Howard Johnson’s Takeout Counter

One of my very favorite memories of working in New York City was a ritual I enjoyed each morning before the onset of my work day. Tucked neatly away in a corner of my office building lay a parallel universe of culinary delight known as Howard Johnson’s. Famous for its orange roof, fried clams andContinue reading “Memories of Howard Johnson’s Takeout Counter”

On the Road Again

“On the road, again, just can’t wait to get on that road again. Going places that I’ve never been. Seein’ things that I may never see again. And I can’t wait to get on the road again.” Willie Nelson “Your mother,” began Jimmy Dillon, who sat contentedly perched on the bar stool next to mine.Continue reading “On the Road Again”

Summers Remembered

“Last night I had a pleasant dream I woke up with a smile. I dreamt that I was back again in dear old Erin’s Isle” (Lovely Leitrim) “Now this looks interesting!” pondered my father a hint of excitement in his voice as he sat studying the Irish paper. It was the summer of 1977 andContinue reading “Summers Remembered”

Screwdriver Parties Part II

Thirty-four years ago, I was hired as an Advertising Sales Assistant to a man named Jim Cappello. We worked selling advertising for a publishing company located in midtown Manhattan. I can still envision our sparse office located in that beautiful Art Deco building called The Chanin, between 41st and 42nd Streets. I recall the newspaperContinue reading “Screwdriver Parties Part II”

Daily Post Photo Challenge “Vivid”

It always draws controversy. I recall a neighbor glancing at the painting with the discerning eye of a collector remarking, “How in-ter-esting!” Love it or hate it, it hangs on my bedroom wall. This vivid, lively swirl of jade green, orange and blue with the upside down heart (my interpretation) The painting that brings the memory of my father closer to meContinue reading “Daily Post Photo Challenge “Vivid””

Screwdriver Parties

Pulling into my driveway late one afternoon, my eyes fell upon a dark sedan sitting idly.  Unable to recognize a face through the tinted windows and noting a New Jersey plate, a state from which I knew no one, a slight feeling of unease ensued. And then as if in slow motion, a window wentContinue reading “Screwdriver Parties”