Rick's Rambling

The Two Phone Calls That Changed My Life

2012-01-28T06:39:00.001-05:00

The Two Phone Calls That Changed My Life

by Rick Slark

I was getting ready for work on a frigid January morning when my mother called me, “Edward, I have just received word that your father has had a seizure at work. I need to go get him, can you drive me?” “Sure mom,” I said. “Is he okay?” “His boss said your father is disoriented and quite confused. He didn’t know the details, but thought it best if I came right away,” mom continued. “I am on my way,” I said, as I headed toward the door. Two months after this phone call the doctors diagnosed my father with Alzheimer’s disease.

Over the next three years my dad’s mental and physical health deteriorated steadily until our family could no longer provide for him. Sometimes dad would get lost driving to the factory where he had worked for twenty six years. He was constantly misplacing things. On one occasion he even put their toaster in the refrigerator. The most noticeable change came in dad’s personality, this man once known for his pleasant and easy going style had become cruel and tyrannical. The mischievous gleam in his eyes was replaced with an empty stare. His deep brown eyes were lifeless!

Now, fearful my dad may hurt himself or someone else, our family made the painful decision to place him in Birch Hill Care Center, just six blocks from the house my parents had shared the past forty seven years. Even though I was confident that professional care was in his best interest, the unspoken guilt of this decision weighed on my heart until my father’s death.

In an attempt to make his stark and sterile room feel a bit more like home my mother brought family photos, my dad’s favorite recliner, and other items from their house. I tried to visit him as often as possible. Nearly every Thursday I would mount my old Norton motorcycle and ride SR 57 to spend some time with him, I imagine I have ridden the eighty mile round trip from St. Vincent to Strasbourg twenty times in the past six months, but with each mile I rode the visits became harder and harder. I have often said that the two most difficult things I have ever done in my life were; “walking into that place, and then walking out!”

Today’s ride home was especially painful as my father’s condition had deteriorated significantly since my last visit. I immediately sensed something was wrong when I walked into corridor B, and noticed dad was not sitting in his usual spot near the nurses’ station. I was uneasy, almost panicked, as I walked down the long hallway toward my father’s room. The sickening smell of bleach and the faint cries from helpless residents filled the hallway.

As I entered my father’s room I found him asleep on his bed with his face to the wall. The frailness of his form shocked me. “Surely this isn’t the man I have called dad all these years.” I said to myself. Just then Dr. Landon; dad’s physician, entered the room. John Landon has known my mom and dad for twenty five years and was more than just dad’s doctor, he was his friend! “He hasn’t been well, Edward,” said Dr. Landon. “This has been a very difficult week for him. He fell out of his bed on Tuesday night, and suffered some severe bruising on his left side. Now it appears some of his organs are beginning to fail.” He then firmly placed his hand upon my shoulder as if bracing me for the words to follow then said, “Edward, your father will not be with us much longer.”

His words stung like a wasp. I was immediately overwhelmed by a flood of emotions. Tears welled up in my eyes and my lips quivered uncontrollably. I hung my head, and being unable to speak nodded slightly to let him know I understood. He squeezed my shoulder then turned and left the room.

Now standing alone in the middle of dad’s room I knew in my heart that Dr. Landon was right. It was only a matter of time. I walked over to my father’s bed and knelt quietly near his side. I brushed his flowing gray hair aside and softly kissed his forehead; “Sleep well dad, I love you,” I whispered then quietly backed out of the room. I was numb as I hurried down the hallway; tears streaming down my cheeks. I ran to my motorcycle and sped out of the lot.

By the time I had reached the entrance ramp to SR 57, I was mad as hell: “God, why did you let this happen?” I screamed from under my helmet. “He is a good man! He doesn’t deserve to die like this!” I yelled, riding as fast as the old bike would go. “I don’t get it! Why do you allow shit like this to happen?” I said. “I suppose you are going to strike with me down with is damn disease too! I thought you were supposed to be a kind and loving God!” I shouted sarcastically. I continued arguing with God for several miles, as nearly three years of pent up guilt, anger, and confusion, spewed out like red hot lava from an erupting volcano.

I was beginning to lose my voice as I came upon my favorite section of SR 57. Gently rolling fields planted with wheat and corn can be seen for miles along this stretch of road. Martin’s creek, named for a local family who has farmed this land for generations, borders the highway and the sound of its rapids rushing over the well worn rocks leaves each passerby a sense of peace. The sweet fragrance of honey suckle filled the air as I rode over the one lane bridge where it grows on either side. It was along this unruffled five miles of road that my anger began to fade, and vivid childhood memories began to flood my mind. I remembered being eight or nine; still in elementary school, when my father would take me fishing on his day off. I would anxiously wait all day for the final school bell to ring, then scurry to the place my father would always be parked. Waves of excitement would wash over me each time I saw dad sitting in our white, station wagon loaded with our fishing poles and tackle box. “Are you ready to catch a big one Eddie boy?” Dad would ask.

We would drive about thirty minutes south of Strasbourg, to the small town of Masseyville. We always parked along a dusty lane lined with overgrown thickets and blackberry brambles. I still remember how excited I would get as we climbed the hill, walked across the abandoned train trestle, and carefully made our way down the steep bank to our favorite spot. I wonder if he ever knew how much those days meant to me. I never told him. I recalled one afternoon as we prepared to put our lines in the water that I slipped on the sheer incline and accidentally kicked the Styrofoam container filled with two dozen night crawlers into the water. My dad was mad as hell! Needless to say, that was a very short fishing excursion!

As I leaned my motorcycle into the gently sweeping curves, my boyhood memories continued.

As a kindergärtner I only went to school until 11 AM. This allowed me the opportunity to run errands with my father and sometimes those errands took us downtown. For me, being downtown was always a thrill. There was so much traffic, so many people, and the tall buildings were fascinating. But the primary reason I enjoyed going downtown was because I loved to ride the escalators in the cities largest department store. Dad would hold my hand as we jumped on the slowly moving stairs and make our way to the next floor. Often he would drop my hand and say, “Eddie boy, I will see ya at the top!” Then he would run up the escalators as fast as he could leaving me far behind. When I finally reached the top dad would be standing there with a huge smile on his face and say, “Where ya been Eddie boy? I’ve been waiting on ya.” I would laugh and laugh. I wonder if he knew how much I enjoyed that game. I never told him.

Traffic began to slow as I came upon the St. Vincent city limits; I was nearly home and needed to focus on riding through the congested traffic. As I rolled to the stop light at Whitaker and Mason, I lifted the visor of my helmet and wiped the remaining tear from my eye, “God, I feel like I have been hit by a truck!” I said under my breath. “I need a whiskey and a nap!” I rolled into the driveway and took off my helmet and threw my jacket over the cracked leather seat of my bike. I entered the house and headed straight for the small bar in the far corner of the kitchen. I picked up the bottle of Crown, poured myself a double shot, and walked toward my room. I sat down near the edge of the bed and pulled off my riding boots kicking them toward my dresser. I downed my whiskey then collapse back onto the pillows.

I couldn’t have been asleep for more than fifteen minutes when I was startled by the ringing of my cell phone. “Shit, who would be calling me now” I said, as I rolled over toward the nightstand and picked up the phone. “Hello!” I said in an agitated tone. “Edward?” this is Dr. Landon. “There has been a terrible accident. It appears your mother was driving over to see your dad when another vehicle ran a stop sign.”

Doctor Landon then drew a deep breath. “I am sorry to have to tell you this over the phone Edward, but you mother has been …”

Here's something you don't see everyday.

2012-01-27T17:10:00.000-05:00

50 beautiful photographs of a cloudy day.

2012-01-26T18:18:00.000-05:00

Fifty beautiful photographs of a cloudy day. See more here

Twinkle Toes spotted at the beach!

2012-01-23T17:44:00.000-05:00

A conversation at the grocery store

2012-01-22T11:56:00.000-05:00

This morning, while at the grocery store, I met an old friend that I haven’t seen since I moved out of the neighborhood some ten years ago. We talked of our children and how fast life has seemed to go by.

When I asked if she still lived in the neighborhood I noticed a change in her countenance and she no longer looked me in the eyes. She went on to say that she doesn’t live there and then with much embarrassment, said she had moved to the south side of our city.

“Why are you embarrassed by that?” I asked. She went on to say that she feels people judge her if they know where she lives. I could tell this weighed heavily on her.

Heading home I couldn’t get that conversation off my mind. Lizzie, has done a terrific job raising three children on her own, holds a steady job, and is an asset to our community. I only wish she knew how special she was.

World Covers - Rolling In The Deep - Zapatou

2012-01-20T22:50:00.000-05:00

The Mullet

2012-01-16T13:47:00.000-05:00

I thought the mullet had been extinct since 1992. That is until last night. I was sitting at my favorite Pub enjoying a couple of beers with a co-worker, when everything in the place went quiet. The juke box stopped, the lights flickered, and even the loud and obnoxious fat guy, stopped talking. It was “not a creature was stirring” kind of quiet.

Stunned by the eerie silence, I swiveled about on my bar stool to see what was going on. It was then I saw the elusive mullet directly in front of me. My sudden movement caught the mullet wearing man’s attention and as we stared at one another I noted his neatly trimmed bangs. They were salt and pepper in color and combed to the left side of his face, much as one would see on a Republican Presidential candidate. He continued his stare for a few tenuous moments, smiled, then turned to find a stool further down the bar. It was then I saw the party side of this cut and blow. His shoulder length locks were flowing in the breeze as he walked proudly to his seat. All the patrons and staff were stunned by the scene. I turned back toward my pint, dumbfounded by what I had just witnessed “the mullet is not dead”, I said to my friend. David Bowie, Joe Dirt, and even Billy Ray Cyrus, would be proud.

2012-01-15T08:22:00.001-05:00

You Can Do It: 100% Realistic Budgeting Tips & Resources - http://pulse.me/s/4XLK2

Sh*t Nobody Says

2012-01-11T13:15:00.000-05:00

Steve Jobs' 2005 Stanford Commencement Address

2012-01-11T10:12:00.000-05:00

Happy Birthday Day, Dad!

2012-01-09T04:34:00.000-05:00

There isn't a day that goes by that I don't hold your memory close. I love you and I miss you very much. Happy Birthday, Dad.

Review of the Nub Habano 464 Torpedo

2012-01-07T13:35:00.002-05:00

Vitals

Ring gauge: 64

Wrapper: Habano

Binder: Nicaraguan

Filler: Nicaraguan

Cost: $6

Smoke time: 1 hour and 35 minutes

Construction

A firm and well built cigar. No soft spots were detected.
The wrapper is reddish brown in color and has a few abrasions which are most likely due to poor handling. They shouldn’t affect the cigars performance.
The band was not glued to the wrapper and could be easily removed (This is a plus in my opinion).

The Beginning

This is not an easy cigar to light. I prefer a torch lighter for these larger ring gauge cigars. Pay attention to your light as this cigar may take a little more effort.

Easy draw.
Plentiful smoke.

The flavor is immediate! There is no ramping up to full flavor. You are greeted with an explosion of peppery notes on the back of your tongue from the first draw.

The Middle

The pepper notes begin to subside and the cigar mellows into various notes that honestly, were hard for me to distinguish.

The ash is firm
This is the sweet spot of this cigar. It is very pleasing.

The Finish

At this point the cigar became harsh and the ash began to loosen up. A disappointing way to end such an enjoyable smoke.

Overview

Don’t be fooled by this cigars size, it is a long lasting and flavorful smoke. The Nub continue to be a staple in my cigar rotation. My only word of caution is that you take your time when lighting the Nub. Make certain all the edges are toasted. This will ensure a quality and trouble free smoke.

Review of the Nub Habano 464 Torpedo (mp3)

Auto News!

2012-01-06T17:37:00.001-05:00

Well, the numbers for December 2011 are in and they reveal the auto industry is getting back on it's feet. The new figures instill some confidence that Detroit is heading in the right direction.

New vehicle sales were up 9% from last December, for a total of 1.2 million units (13.5 million for 2011).

Trucks sales made up 52% of the market share (Ford sold 68,000 F- Series pickups).

Toyota Camry was the number one selling car with 33,500 units.

Honda Accord sales were down nearly 40% (Only brand to lose market share).

Mercedes was up 49% from December 2010

Kia was up 42% from December 2010

Chrysler was up 37% from December 2010

VW was up 36% from December 2010

I am glad to report that the future is looking bright for auto makers as they enter 2012 with a great deal of momentum and enthusiasm. This is great news for our economy.

What's a bird going to do with an iphone?

2012-01-03T18:50:00.000-05:00

Homes with amazing staircases

2012-01-02T11:06:00.000-05:00

My home was built in 1904 and has a main staircase for the family and a back staircase for the help. Since I don't employ any help, this staircase is rarely used. Here's a link provided by Forbes, to some truly amazing staircases.

What are you going to do?

2012-01-01T09:24:00.000-05:00

The slate has been wiped clean and a multitude of opportunities are before you. What will you do with them?

Happy New Year.

2011-12-31T13:49:00.000-05:00

We have no big plans for New Years Eve. I think Michelle and I will remain at home and watch a couple movies before turning the channel to watch the ball drop. Whether your plans are elaborate or simple, have a Happy New Year.

Another Christmas has come and gone.

2011-12-28T12:25:00.000-05:00

Another Christmas has come and gone and besides my brother in-law clearing the living room with his flatulence and my son nearly shooting my brother’s house cat, all went smoothly.

My wife and I kicked off our holiday on Friday with a visit to my brother’s home. His five grand kids were at the peak of their sugar induced “mutiny” by the time we arrived. I walked into the house and found my mother tied up in the corner and the little monsters running about. Throughout the evening they screamed, flogged one another with pink bats and hair bows, cried and giggled. They wet their pants, held a projectile vomiting contest, and basically, did the disgusting things all children do. I smiled and pretended they were angels!

Saturday was Christmas Eve and while my wife was away I attempted to wrap her gifts. Let me say right off, I am of the philosophy that gift wrapping is a total waste of time! I place this absurd practice in the same category as making the bed, why bother! I likely hold this view because I totally suck at it. I have narrowed my lack of gift wrapping skills down to three things.

I am left handed and therefore totally incapable of cutting in a straight line.
Due to a childhood accident, I lost my ability to judge how much paper should be used. I either use too much or not enough (This is a real handicap when it comes to toilet paper).
I simply don’t care.

Fortunately, I am also of the philosophy that it’s the thought that counts!

Finally, Christmas Day arrived and I began gearing up for my afternoon lunch and gift exchange with my wife’s side of the family. This entailed waking up early and beginning to drink heavily, followed by a triple dosage of my anti depressant medicine. Experience tells me that the best way to enjoy this clan is in a zombie like state.

Now the festivities are over and I find myself sitting alone, enjoying a cigar and pondering the events of the past three days. I've been thinking of the strange things I witnessed and the bizarre stories I heard. But to tell you the truth, I am sorry it’s over and I am looking forward to doing it again next year. I love you guys!

Rick

Best fan sign of the year.

2011-12-26T16:12:00.000-05:00

The Apostle's Creed

2011-12-22T07:51:00.000-05:00

The Apostle's Creed

I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth:
And in Jesus Christ, his only begotten Son, our Lord:
Who was conceived by the Holy Ghost, born of the Virgin Mary:
Suffered under Pontius Pilate; was crucified, dead and buried: He descended into hell:
The third day he rose again from the dead:
He ascended into heaven, and sits at the right hand of God the Father Almighty:
From thence he shall come to judge the quick and the dead:
I believe in the Holy Ghost:
I believe in the holy catholic church: the communion of saints:
The forgiveness of sins:
The resurrection of the body:
And the life everlasting. Amen.

Faith

2011-12-14T18:01:00.000-05:00

"Faith. Most of us live lives that don't require it."

from "What it Means to be Human" series.

Craziest Low Pass Ever ! MUST SEE !! [French Mirage F1]

2011-12-11T20:39:00.000-05:00

A new take on the Christmas tree

2011-12-11T05:38:00.002-05:00

The Christmas Tree That No One Noticed

2011-12-07T09:52:00.001-05:00

The Christmas Tree That No One Noticed. (mp3)

The Old Man

2011-12-03T12:33:00.000-05:00

The Old Man

by Rick Slark

He tried to dress, but his fingers wouldn’t move.

He tried to his coffee, but his hands were unsteady.

He tried to walk, but could only shuffle.

He tried to call her name, but couldn’t remember.