The Apple Didn't Fall Far From the Tree

My very favorite mental home movie from my childhood would be Dad’s arrival home for dinner, usually a little late (after 6 o’clock), from working a day shift at the firehouse.  He’d sit in his regular spot, roll up his sleeves, and dig in while Mom inquired about his day.  Often the answer would be a story about somebody pulling in and asking how to get somewhere – to Harvard? Study, Study, Study! To Symphony Hall? Practice, Practice, Practice!  On cue, Mom would sigh and say, “Wrong audience, John” (Oh, how wrong she was – I was lovin’ it!), to which his patterned response, complete with shoulder shrug, sly smile and mouthful of dinner, would always be, “They keep feedin’ me straight lines.”

What a great philosophy – get a laugh or two out of life when the opportunity presents itself.