Today is not only the longest day of the year, but also Father's Day. We did do the big barbecue that we normally do, but still managed to convince mom and dad to have dinner with us. Dad, Joe Silva, has always been there when we needed help and was a hard worker to make sure his family was never without.
Back in 1956, he took us all to Portugal where we could meet and visit with the relatives that were still there, including both our grandmothers. Both he and my mother were born in the US, Dad in Erie PA, and mom ion New Bedford MA.
They both came back to the US just before World War 2, and as he was an American citizen, shortly after the declaration, he was drafted into the Navy.
As kids, we were always at the ball park, after all there were no computer games back then and watching television all day was just not done. We had spent a few days trying out for a little league team, and came home one night very disappointed that we didn't get picked. At the time, there was only one organized league in the city and it was difficult for kids to play ball, when only 6 teams existed.
Some how, he found himself with a group of parents that all felt their kids should have a better chance at playing. This group all had ties to different social and ethnic clubs in the city. They formed their own league which developed into one of the more prominent leagues in the city of Waterbury CT for many years fielding as many as 16 teams at it's height. It not only had leagues for kids from 7 to 12, but also had a league that fielded teams for 13 to 15 year olds. In the winter there was also an organized basketball league that had many a city kid playing weekly.
This father's day, Joe Silva, was there to appreciate the family around him, as well as mom. We enjoyed dinner and dad was also able to watch a ball game on the TV.
This will be the year he celebrates his 95 birthday.
While not as spry as he used to be, he is still there with his faculties, and when he's had enough, he and mom got in to their car and went home. I should live that long with that same health and drive.
However you spent your Father's Day, I hope it was a happy day for all and that the memories of this day will stay with all for a long time.
Father's Day 2015 and He's Still here
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