This week is the 8th anniversary of my father in law’s passing. His legal name was Carmine which he did not like; at all. To everyone he was “Chick”. He was the youngest of 4 boys raised in Coney Island. He didn’t talk much about his childhood that I know of anyway. I know his Dad died young (cardiac) and so did his mom; complications of diabetes. I can only imagine how far we have come in prevention and treatments of both conditions.
When Tommy was older he called his dad Chickie or Chicklet. I preferred Chicklet. It made me smile. Chick always made everyone feel comfortable around him. He was truly a sweet man and would literally give you the shirt off his back. Everyone was called “Babe” and there was no way you could be offended by that. Not coming from him. I can’t not mention what a sharp dresser he was. And always wore cologne.
Chick had olive toned skin, green eyes and for the most part dark hair/salt and pepper. My husband has the same skin tone and beautiful eyes. Thomas and Lelly have a lighter skin tone and the same eyes. I never saw any pictures of my father in law’s family. I would have given my right arm to have seen one picture of his parents. When Lelly was born, the first time he held her he said she reminded him of his mother. That made me so happy for him. Lelly takes after Chick in quite a few subtle/can’t put your finger on ways. It’s funny how mannerisms and personalities are passed down. I love it when Lelly says or does something innocently and smiles; Tommy will pick up her action or expression and say to me, wow she’s just like my father.
Chick treated me like a daughter. Not an in law. I was privy to information not usually shared with a daughter in law and the trust was felt deeply.
I always felt welcome in their home even when I was younger. And after we had kids Chick was an incredible “Poppie”. We were welcome to the house anytime. And if one of my kids slept over, McDonalds breakfast was a guarantee. Sometimes he would go with me to one of the kids assemblies and he was such a proud Poppie.
We miss him.
Menay O; mom to 4, Christian and thrift shopper on the side... 