Growing up, I was pretty sure that it was either a law — or that my father worked for AAA — because he never passed a disabled vehicle on the road; he always put the flashers on and pulled over behind them to see if he could lend a hand. When it came to neighbors, I was pretty sure that the kindness he showed to them meant that they were extended family members ... we just weren’t related to. He used to do social work with the mentally and physically challenged; he’d bring me with him to work and I’m pretty sure that’s when I learned that no matter how poor we were, there was always someone worse off than us.
He pitched fast-pitch softball and could throw a ball faster underhand than I could overhand. I’m pretty sure that catching those pitches as I grew up helped me to be a pretty good baseball player back at Eastridge High School. I was convinced that he had the biggest muscles and was pretty sure my Dad could beat up your Dad.
He wasn’t a perfect father nor I a model son; I believe those two roles were reserved for God and Jesus. But as a father now myself, I hear his voice in my own as I tell my son that this or that will “put hair on your chest.” And yes, my son and I will pull over to help someone change a tire, or jump in on a neighbor’s project. We’ll be grateful for our health and proud to be a small part of a wonderful community.
My Dad will be gone someday. I really ought to tell him how grateful I am for the example he set and the lessons I learned from watching him.
I'm pretty sure I just did.
Peter W. Kelderhouse Jr. is a former Irondequoit resident.
Growing up, I was pretty sure that it was either a law — or that my father worked for AAA — because he never passed a disabled vehicle on the road; he always put the flashers on and pulled over behind them to see if he could lend a hand. When it came to neighbors, I was pretty sure that the kindness he showed to them meant that they were extended family members ... we just weren’t related to. He used to do social work with the mentally and physically challenged; he’d bring me with him to work and I’m pretty sure that’s when I learned that no matter how poor we were, there was always someone worse off than us.
He pitched fast-pitch softball and could throw a ball faster underhand than I could overhand. I’m pretty sure that catching those pitches as I grew up helped me to be a pretty good baseball player back at Eastridge High School. I was convinced that he had the biggest muscles and was pretty sure my Dad could beat up your Dad.
He wasn’t a perfect father nor I a model son; I believe those two roles were reserved for God and Jesus. But as a father now myself, I hear his voice in my own as I tell my son that this or that will “put hair on your chest.” And yes, my son and I will pull over to help someone change a tire, or jump in on a neighbor’s project. We’ll be grateful for our health and proud to be a small part of a wonderful community.
My Dad will be gone someday. I really ought to tell him how grateful I am for the example he set and the lessons I learned from watching him.
I'm pretty sure I just did.
Peter W. Kelderhouse Jr. is a former Irondequoit resident.
