My father was a very intelligent man. In the morning he read the newspaper, and in the evening read Reader’s Digest.
He could sew. When we were younger he made all of our clothes and made extravagant dresses for Shirley.
He was also an amazing cook. He went to farmers’ market and the A&P every day. I loved his cooking except for liver and onions. This meal never touched my lips. When I wouldn’t eat what he cooked I was sent to my room without dinner. My mom would sneak me a sandwich.
Once we went to a restaurant, and my mother and father could order a steak. But Lenny and I couldn’t. So…I decided to order a steak ….you are right, I had to walk home and not have dinner. I know you are laughing.
When I went to school, one of my teachers tied my left hand behind my back and told me I had to write with the right hand. When he saw the red marks on my hand, he was furious. He marched to the school and told them I should write the way I want to.
I went to the magic store and bought some disappearing ink. I threw it on my father’s shirt and as he was screaming at me, it disappeared. You know what I will say next. I was sent to my room.
When I became successful, I got my father an American Express card with his name on it. I told him he could buy anything he wanted and the bill would come to me. The next day he went to Walgreens and bought shaving cream and razor blades.
When I got my show, I flew him out and he was so charming. I said to myself, “Someone has taken over my father’s body.”…
When Leonard passed away, robbers came to my house and stole his jewelry. They were sloppy and dropped his favorite ring in back of his dresser. It was a gold pinky ring. In the middle of the ring was a garnet carved with a lady’s profile on it. And you know what? I have it right here. When I hold it up to my ear I can hear my father whistling.
Love,
Richard
