Lomcevak

Remember when these were common?

Cards from the mid-60s

I found these finely preserved specimens as I went through some old documentation in my Dad’s house. They were with the warranty papers from a gas range installed as part of a kitchen remodel in the mid-60s.

The range had a pair of small vents over the pilot jets. The tiny chrome covers stood out from the enameled surface like perfect jewels, just begging to be touched, irresistible. As a kid I’d sometimes briefly touch one, just because, even though I knew better.

When I was clearing out Dad’s house I smiled as I briefly touched the no-longer-perfect metal. I still knew better and it was still hotter than hell and the result was quite predictable.

Not long after, I had the gas service to the property shut off.

A week or so ago I got an email message out of the blue from a family member, Pat. She introduced herself, saying she ran across my name on the ‘net when looking for other relatives and found my Dad’s obituary. Let’s see if I’ve got this right: Pat’s mom was my dad’s aunt. So what’s our relationship?? That stuff is always so darned confusing to me.

We’ve swapped a few messages and already I’ve learned more about that side of my family. It’s interesting! I hope we keep this up.

Today the (snail) mail brought a couple of items that warrant some comment.

For my Dad, who passed on not two weeks prior, came a survey solicitation from Saint Peter’s University Hospital. He spent just shy of twelve days in their ICU. During his stay, the decline in his health was dramatic and rapid, ending with his discharge to hospice. That decision involved several different departments and quite a few physicians, specialists and staff. The survey request ended with this closure, “Thank you, and please accept our best wishes for your good health.”

For me and my family, from JFK Medical Center which runs the Haven Hospice Program, came a hand-written envelope. It contained a letter extending their sympathy, which went on to describe the comprehensive set of services available to us to help cope with our loss.

I can’t say enough about the staff at Haven Hospice. Although we spent less than 24 hours there, the degree to which the staff has extended an amazing amount of goodness and support is nothing short of amazing. They’re truly great and caring people.

The past few weeks have been exceptionally grueling.

My Dad, whose health hasn’t been the best over the past few years, passed on last Tuesday in hospice. I had the honor of writing his obituary. I expect that over the weeks to come I’ll be writing more about Richard’s life.

I’ve been destroying aircraft lately. Soon I’ll destroy more. It’s sad work. But sometimes you just need to detach and get the job done. Let me explain.
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