Friday, June 05, 2009

Happy Birthday, Dad!!

It’s a special day here at Bagwine Ruminations…

I don’t do Birthdays any longer for readers, because invariably I miss someone, but…

June 5th, 1921 was my Dad’s Birthday…

Jack Mahoney, in spite of never passing on his good teeth, full head of hair, and good eyesight on to me, was the one who did will to me…

His humor, his wisdom, his love for words, and his empathy for all. And for that, I thank him beyond any thought, any word…and any prayer.

And more than being my father…he was my Dad. He was, simply the best.

My dad, was a man who grew up in times when people had nothing, yet he was fairly well off. And what did he recognize?

Not what people such as he had, but rather, what people around him, didn’t have.

After World War II, he started a family, and in spite of the demands of his new wife, family, and work, he went on the road with two “niggers” and helped to integrate Catholic parishes throughout Southwest Ohio.

He wasn't Jesus, but he was living the WWJD kinda life.

He worked hard. He wrote his poetry. He never forgot that there was always someone, somewhere, with less than him.

Jack was as soft, bendable, and adaptable as a reed bending in the Little Miami River, and at the same time an unyielding rock against injustice in the world.

He was not some sort of burly "man" among men, but rather, a man who sought and found the best in humanity.

And, helped to define and utilize the best in humanity.

I still miss him at times, but he is always with me.

When I shudder at the injustices in the world, his hand still clenches with mine.

When I read Wordsworth, Yeats, or Tennyson, he is still reading along with me. (And like me, claiming he was better.)

When I think of all that this world could be, he still asks, just like when I was a curious little child, “Why Not, Matthew?”

He was always about taking life and the world to its extreme and peaceful end. He cussed like the sailor he was, and yet, was as spiritual as they come.

He was, my Dad…And I’ll always try to be like him. Not in all respects, but when it comes to having empathy for all people, and cherishing the written word?

I will never waiver. I will never falter. I will never let him down.

Happy Birthday, Dad.

Cheers!!
And for those of you who still want to read...

I think if I should have to go,
before the things I want to tell you
have been said,
I could not be at rest, eternally,
but must awake
and seek your soul instead.

And then if you would smile
into my eyes and say,
"I know for it was so with me",
my happy dust would mingle
with the earth,
as endless rivers flow to the sea.

In Closing...Jack Mahoney (c)1981

34 comments:

snugs said...

how very sweet..and now I know where you get you love of the holy baby Jeebus..

Tug said...

He was, my Dad…And I’ll always try to be like him. Not in all respects, but when it comes to having empathy for all people, and cherishing the written word?

I will never waiver. I will never falter. I will never let him down.


Besides the 'was'...I feel the exact same way with my dad.

You're an awesome man Matt...your dad *is* very proud. Happy Birthday to Dad Mahoney! Have a wonderful weekend, and a good day in honor of your dad.

Schmoop said...

Snugs: I added a poem to the post...He was a pretty damn good guy, and yeah, as much as I make "fun" of Jeebus, I am a student of his and other figures of social philosophy. And I take them all seriously. Cheers Snugs!!

Tug: I have never been called awesome before...but I will tell you, that coming from you, and your keen feel and eye for beauty through photography, I appreciate that greatly. And, I thank you. Cheers Tug!!

katherine. said...

yeah mateo...it seems you are like him in many ways...perhaps most importantly how you are a Dad to Ryno.

I have always enjoyed when you have shared his words with us.

I really like that his hand still clenches yours.

I raise my glass to Jack....

Schmoop said...

Tug: And I know what you mean, by he was my Dad. And you're right. Cheers!!

Schmoop said...

Kat: He was often grumpy...I mean, he had nine kids after all...but he was never mean or thoughtless. He was a damn good (and funny) guy. Cheers Kat!!

none said...

A great rememberance.

I raise my glass to him.

Schmoop said...

Hammer: Why thank ya Hammer. And he and I, send a raise of the glass right back atcha. Cheers!!

katherine. said...

you are a damn good and funny guy....only occassionally grumpy.

Schmoop said...

Kat: Ha...You're right, but I try to keep the grumpiness in check. And I thank you for the kind words...I'll try to live up to them and I am not just being flip. Cheers and Thanks, Kat!!

snugs said...

just think what life would be like with 8 more sibling for Ryno! Hell, I'd give grumpy a whole new meaning!

Schmoop said...

Snugs: One was plenty and I thank God everyday for that. Cheers!!

Jeff B said...

The part that hit home was when you said he was more than a father, he was your dad. Like you, I'm lucky enough to have/had those same feelings for my dad. can see how much he meant to you.

Great post!

Ken said...

Cheers Jack!

Schmoop said...

Jeff: He was in fact a good guy and am glad that yours was as well. Thanks and Cheers to ya, Jeff!!

Micky: Damn Straight, and thanks. Cheers Mick!!

Phfrankie Bondo said...

...my dad, who died when I was 13,gave to me as yours did to you, the gift of empathy. 'Tis a fine gift, indeed. Here's to Jack!...

Schmoop said...

Phfrankie: Sorry to hear that but glad you received the gift from him, P-Man. Cheers!!

Vinny "Bond" Marini said...

I read your words and I am so glad I still get to talk to my dad each week. To share his grandson's thrills and defeats with him...to share all that I go through daily with him.

Most excellent tribute to your dad Matt. As Katherine said...your dad gave you the gifts you now have the honor and privilege of passing on to Ryno.

Isn't that the best!?!?!

Have a most excellent weekend Sir

Schmoop said...

Bond; Thanks Vin...And some of the best pictures I have of him are of Ryno sitting on his lap as Dad reads to him. Too Cute. Have a fine weekend yourself. Cheers!!

Dianne said...

oh Matty
this is the you I adore the most
so poetic and soulful with such a good heart

not that the sarcastic bastard isn't hot

I love when you mentioned Dad's hand clenched with yours

I often speak of Nana slipping her hand into mine - I can still feel it and always will

Cheers to Jack ...

Schmoop said...

Dianne: Ha...Then you would have adored my Dad, Dianne. Outside of my appearance, much of who I am has been passed down through the Jack-Man. Cheers Di!!

Jay said...

Great tribute Matt-Man!

I will have a shot of Jameson Irish Whiskey in his honor tonight.

Lu' said...

*sigh* Cheers Jack. I wrote a poem about my Dad titled Best Damn Dad a kid ever had. I was his little girl and he was my Daddy. I was nine when he lost his fight to the big C.

Schmoop said...

Jay: That would be great if you do that, because that was actually one of his favorites. Cheers Jay!!

Lu: Yeah, it sucks to lose them early. I was lucky to have him around for 33 years of my life. Here's to both your Dad and Mine. Cheers Lu!!

Desert Songbird said...

When you speak of your dad, it speaks very loudly as to the type of man and father he was. You were, and continue to be, very blessed Matthew Mahoney.

Dana said...

I know I'm late, but wanted to celebrate with you!

It's clear, when reading your father's words, what a wonderful impression he made on you - and what a special legacy he left!

Travis Cody said...

Raising a glass to you and to your dad.

Schmoop said...

Songbird: Thanks and yes, by golly, I am. Cheers!!

Dana: Thanks and don't think about being late. It's never to late celebrate 'round here. Cheers!!

Travis: Thanks Trav, and have a lovely weekend, my good man. Cheers!!

CrystalChick said...

Cheers to your Dad.
Beautiful tribute to him.

Schmoop said...

CC: Why thanks for the comment, Crystal. Cheers to you as well!!

Cheesy said...

[[[[ matt ]]]]]

Schmoop said...

Cheesy: Awwww why thanks. And a big ol' hug right back at you and your ailing bones. Cheers!!

desert rat said...

Absolutely beautiful. Huge Hug!

Liz Hill said...

Ah--a Gemini! he was a wonderful writer and he would be proud of you