Wally

The man known  as "Wally" by local politicians, the neighbor, our pastor, my relatives, and my mom, I called “Daddy.” The neighbor kids called him "the beam" because he carried a flashlight (torch) when he walked at night.

He achieved an eighth grade education. He was gifted with energy, focus, discipline, and goals. His advice: "You need to go to school and get a better job than me."

My father worked two full-time jobs until he retired at age 67. His day started as a helper in my grandmother's bakery. His other job was as a laborer and later City of Chicago garbage collector. He walked behind the truck and lifted the full cans and threw them garbage in the truck. As a Democratic Precinct Captain, his door to door canvasing became his third job.

The man worked hard because he loved his wife and considered his children his wealth. He didn't learn how to drive until he was 55 years old. His youngest son rehab a car for him, then my dad got a driver's license.

What did I learn from a man who could snore standing up during my band practices? My father taught me:

• to never show weakness in public

• to get the best education possible

• to pray

• to go get it what you want, if you don't get it, it is only your fault

• to love your family, they'll always be there for you

• to use coffee grounds and egg shells for your rose plants

• to plant a garden 

• to listen to the music you like

• to seek quiet

• to walk

• to do it right the first time

• to laugh