100 Words

On May 31, 1918 a boy was born in Chicago to two Hungarian immigrants, Barbola (Bessie) and Karoly (Charley).  Bessie came to the United States as a servant, Charley in the company of his father.  They left Chicago with their first-born, Louis, and moved to a small farm outside of Sumrall, Mississippi. Louis was the oldest of their five children and when he was 47 years-old he became the father to the youngest of his 7 children - me. In honor of what would be his 100^th birthday, an age I’m sure he would have loved to have lived to see, I have come up with 100 ways to best describe him in my eyes. Some words are contradictory to others in the list, but I think a person can be two things at once and still be their true self. Some words are not very complimentary, but if my daddy was anything it was honest and he would expect me to be the same.  Here it goes in no particular order (deep breath):

American citizen, Hungarian to the core, proud father, husband, uncle, devoted son, giddy grand-father, gentle, loyal, irascible, meek, straight-forward, brave, unassuming, whimsical, God-fearing, crossword-puzzler, sentimental, dependable, obedient, charitable, imaginative, shy, blue-eyed, radiant smile, infectious laugh, austere, tender-hearted, boxer short wearer, humane, gracious, animal-loving, Catholic, hero, medic, reserved, Reservist, generous, penny-pincher, born dirt-poor, grumpy, obstinate, cat god, roof sweeper, never-changing, ice washer, lawn-mower, joke teller, docile, unyielding, trustworthy, dutiful, humble, resigned, quiet, handsome, devoted, patriotic, corny, nostalgic, college-graduate, Veteran of Foreign War, intruder chaser, black sock wearer, private, quirky, determined, sensitive, hoarder, security-guard, thrifty, peculiar, introverted, Knight of Columbus, American Legionnaire, bingo-caller, retired, unretired, cotton picker, Santa, story-teller, poem reciter, silly dancer, proud, healthy, Depression survivor, ear-flipper, head-thumper, treatment giver, obedient, tactless, bo-bo-healer, Easter-egg hider, true-friend, soft-spoken, irritable, blunt, traditionalist, satisfied. Daddy.

Happy 100, Daddy! I’m sure you would be embarrassed to read about yourself and make a fuss, but a little proud just the same.  "Good evening, friends."