lapierrefamily.org

Johnnny & Richy 1965 Christmas, originally uploaded by jjlapierre.

Look at those bright eyes. I actually remember this picture. There were a bunch of presents still wrapped and we wanted to continue, but thank goodness mom’s and dad’s like to take pictures. Happy days. Richy was always so handsome…

Me and Dad breakfast 1959, originally uploaded by jjlapierre.

I believe this was Easter, 1959. Definitely has to be Schoffield Barracks. Looks like Daddy is peeling an egg, evidenced by the Mortons Salt (and it’s ever unchanging logo). Easter Lilly leaf extends into the frame. I wonder if I was looking at the little lamb?

Family Gathering – Germany 6/19/1968, originally uploaded by jjlapierre.

Me hamming for the lens… Dad, “MSgt Leo J. LaPierre” in foreground; White dress – Mom (Johanna), Walter, Inge, Vivian, Peggy, Oma barely visible, Gabi barely visible.

I’ve had a semi-four day weekend; almost like a real vacation!

Being irreplaceable (tongue-in-cheek) at work has its drawbacks, like not being able to take a full day off. I took PTO on Thursday and Friday, yet both mornings I went in to the office to deliver the “must have” reports; a couple hours each day. Then however, I was able to slip out and forget the office for the rest of the day. Thursday was Jeremy’s birthday and we spent most of the day together, his little family and us. We went to LaGrange, had lunch at Country’s BBQ, helped Wendy’s mom & dad with a contract for a condo they are buying in Panama City. (Very glad to help with that!) Thursday night we ate at Texas Roadhouse with Tara’s parents joining in on the fun. A very full day, almost like a real vacation!

On Friday, Jeremy and I took Brodie to see some 883 Sportsters at a couple local bike shops. Sure, he’s only 8 months old, but he’s already making motorcycle sounds. bbbbrrrmmmm bbbrrrmmmm!

Saturday I played with a bunch of old laptops trying to get one good one out a few bad ones. I can never say no to rescuing old hardware, especially when it’s free, just like Wendy can never say no to rescuing animals. Our house is a haven for old cats, dogs, and computers. Go figure.

Anyway, now it is Sunday, the kids and grands are at church. Wendy is taking this moment to touch up some trim in a recent renovation and here I sit gazing out across my backyard again. It seems the semi-four day weekend has slipped by so quickly, but of course time is time, and it’s ever unchanging in its speed. Having spent the days with loved ones though, seals these days in my heart and memory, and holds them there timelessly. It’s been our treat having them here, we’ll miss them all over again when they’re gone.

It’s quiet.

I was 4 years old, we were living in Schofield Barracks in Hawaii. It was 1961, not sure of the exact date, but this was the first real memory of my father. He had been stationed in Thailand for a year, and my memories of him before this were very sketchy and mostly enhanced by stories and pictures I’d seen. I laid in bed the night before he came home and actually tried to remember what he looked and sounded like – to put his voice to the pictures we had.

The next morning, probably before sunrise, I ran downstairs in anticipation but no one was there. My dad was supposed to have come home during the night. Then I saw something… he had left some gifts for us on the table. I don’t remember everything but I do remember the yo-yo and how much I liked it. It wasn’t long before he came downstairs and we had our reunion.

This was pretty much the beginning of my real memories of my father… I loved looking at his Army stuff, his watch, boots, badges, and patches; and I loved the way he spoke and carried himself with such authority. And most of all I loved that he could break away from his tough sergeant persona and joke and play with us, and knew just what to do to make us happy.

Happy Fathers Day…