Happy Fathers Day to all the fathers out there. And Happy Fathers Day in heaven to Frank McCree, jr, Ribelle Parisi, Hank Wagner, Richard Straley, Ralph Warner and Bob Crowley. You will never be forgotten.
One evening about 25 years ago my car was in the shop, and I borrowed my father's car. I brought it back to his driveway that night. When I saw him the next day, the conversation went like this:
"Hi, Pop."
"Yeah. You used my car last night, didn't you?"
"Yes, I asked to borrow it, and you said yes."
"Uh-huh. And you parked it in the driveway."
"Um, yes."
"And you left the window open a little?"
"Uh, I guess I might have."
"And it rained last night?"
"Oh. Hell, I'm sorry, Pop."
"Yeah. You're sorry, and I got a wet ass!"
Frank, my brother, mother & father( plus uncles, aunts, granfather & grand mother) are all in Gate of Heaven. I try & go monthly & I do agree with you, most of the graves are unkept. I have been taking care of mine for over 18 years. I don't understand how loved ones can forget, but I guess most people just don't go or care. What a pity.... I made a promise to my pop that his grave would always have flowers on it & it does...
Hope all the dads had a great Father's Day. Regarding the cemeteries being empty -- people do move out of the area and it becomes a long trip to make in just one day. I am a member of a small family and no one is left in New Jersey -- but will try to visit my grandparents at Gate of Heaven soon.
Hi Frank: WHen I lived up North, I did not go to the Gate of Heaven cemetary much, (Mom & Dad) since I moved to Morris County I try to go (weather permitting) at least once a week and take care of my parents graves and my aunt & Uncle's, and it really doesn't take much time to take care of both gravesite's and it does make me feel better.
My Grandmother, my father, my sister and many close family members from St. Rose's are interred in Gate of Heaven. Since we moved to Texas in 1979, it often makes me sad to know these graves are not visited and no new flowers are placed in honor of these special family members any more. I try to visit on my more infrequent visits to New Jersey. Che piccata!
