Generosity, personified
Outstanding uncle
Dedicated
Father-at-the-ready
Admirable
Trustworthy
Honest businessman
Enterprising
Respected by all
Uncle Jim is a man to be admired. In 1977, he bravely started his own precious-metal plating company here in Toledo. It was a 1200 sq. ft., father-and-son business. Once business took off, he employed many over the years. He offered free education through a tuition reimbursement program, full healthcare coverage, and respect for everyone from part-time housekeeper to chemist. As is the case for too many small businesses, the economy has taken its toll, and he has had to downsize severely.
He is a loving father to his own children, and father-at-the-ready for me. When I was a little girl, I feared nearly everyone … including (unfortunately, and for no reason) my own father. When I was approximately four, I decided my dad was an okay guy after all. One day in our kitchen, I decided I was going to tell him how I felt about him. I climbed up in his lap to give him the very best compliment a man could ever be given: I told him that of all the "men" I knew, I loved God first, Uncle Jim Powers second, and him third. Poor Dad. I was such an evil child. Sincere, but evil. I've never lived that one down.
Too often, we wait until it is too late to express our love and admiration for people in our lives. On this side of the Lake, I have many.
And I’m not waiting.
Marie Elena
Uncle Jim is a man to be admired. In 1977, he bravely started his own precious-metal plating company here in Toledo. It was a 1200 sq. ft., father-and-son business. Once business took off, he employed many over the years. He offered free education through a tuition reimbursement program, full healthcare coverage, and respect for everyone from part-time housekeeper to chemist. As is the case for too many small businesses, the economy has taken its toll, and he has had to downsize severely.
He is a loving father to his own children, and father-at-the-ready for me. When I was a little girl, I feared nearly everyone … including (unfortunately, and for no reason) my own father. When I was approximately four, I decided my dad was an okay guy after all. One day in our kitchen, I decided I was going to tell him how I felt about him. I climbed up in his lap to give him the very best compliment a man could ever be given: I told him that of all the "men" I knew, I loved God first, Uncle Jim Powers second, and him third. Poor Dad. I was such an evil child. Sincere, but evil. I've never lived that one down.
Too often, we wait until it is too late to express our love and admiration for people in our lives. On this side of the Lake, I have many.
And I’m not waiting.
Marie Elena
Marie Elena, what a wonderful tribute. You are right...one should not wait until it is too late to express love. It means SOMETHING to the person when he/she is alive. Later is too late.
ReplyDeleteMary, your kind words mean a lot. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteVery much the tribute. And the sentiment. It's never to EARLY. Thanks for that Marie.
ReplyDeleteThanks, PArtner.
ReplyDeleteM.E.
Marie, this is so beautiful. Have you shared this with him? I bet he would be tickled pink.
ReplyDeleteYou weren't evil; you were four. Don't be so hard on yourself.
Your poem would make a lovely art piece, by the way. With Jim's picture to the side of "Godfather".
Marie, I just saw this! I'll show it to dad as soon as I can get him back on the computer! He'll love it. It's just beautiful.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you like it, Sues. I haven't let anyone know it is out here.
ReplyDelete