My Godfather
I'm a sad girl. We're a sad family. We lost my godfather today. Robert Belenchia. Uncle Bob. Bo. Boski. He put up one helluva fight against pancreatic cancer.
They really broke the mold when they made this guy. Boy did my parents pick the right godfather (and godmother) for me.
Well, actually, first they picked the right guy for my godmother. When they met Bo, they gave him the thumbs up and the rest is history. Friends for life.
A few things about my godfather:
He could have been a professional singer, but my godmother nixed that. Family came before singing. But boy oh boy could my godfather sing. My father and him would sing anywhere and everywhere they got the chance. My father would set people up, 'hey, my friend Bo is up from NY and he'd like to sing a song. He fancies himself a singer'. Then Bo would get up and belt a tune like there was no tomorrow and he'd bring the house down, every time.
He could dance as well as he could sing.
He was a veteran, teamster, father, son, brother, uncle, friend.
He loved lobster.
Loved lobster bakes.
Enjoyed a beer (or two...trust me he didn't drink all of those himself) or a scotch.
Loved to laugh.
Was the life of the party.
Loved to just sit around the table and talk.
Enjoyed being a grandfather.
Liked to talk to Gar in his version of an Irish accent. Aye laddie. And they liked to solve the world's problems.
Was the best godfather a girl could ever have.
Here's to you Boski. I love you.
Freeform Friday
I wish I had a video of my godfather singing, but I don't. In his honor, here's a little Jimmy Rosselli. If you're reading by email, click here.
Peace out,
I'm so very sorry, Pam. Bob sounds like a man who lived a rich life, blessing those around him.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
Angie
Thank you angie. He's not in pain anymore and I am thankful for that.
DeleteHe was the best.
I'm very sorry!
ReplyDeleteDid you know what to say "Boski" in Polish? Divine. Now it really is Boski.
:-*
I am so sorry for your loss. Sounds like a great guy.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your godfather, Pam. I lost my dad in September and it is such a difficult thing to lose someone close. You will laugh at this, but my dad's name was Bob too. You are right about being in a better place - as much as we want them here, they're no longer suffering. Take care of yourself and your family and celebrate his life :)
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to hear that. Thinking of you.
ReplyDeleteDear Pam-I am so sorry for your loss. This post is a beautiful tribute to your godfather. Glad you'll have these treasured memories but it is never easy to loose someone. I will keep your family in my thoughts and prayers.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute to Bo Pam. He will be so missed and that of course is the measure of the man. Love you
ReplyDeleteSorry for your loss Pam. Sweet memories will ease the sadness in time. Take care.
ReplyDeletePam, I'm sorry that the time came for your Godfather to return home. He sounds like the kind of man we all hope to have as spouse, father, brother, friend and part of the family. Your tribute to his memory and the time he shared with all who loved him here on earth is beautiful!
ReplyDeleteYour heart will ache and there will be an empty space were his laughter filled it. But I know that he remains with you not only in thought, heart, memories... he is with you in spirit. May his wonderful voice continue to fill you, for he will always remain with you. xo Blessings, Celia (HHL)
I'm very sorry for your loss. Remember your good times spent together, rather than no time at all.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry Pam! I know there will always be a hole but I hope the edges soften soon. Hugs
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry:(
ReplyDeletePam,
ReplyDeleteI am sorry for your loss. May the warm memories that you have of your godfather fill your heart with love and comfort during this time.
xoxo, B
I am so, so, so sorry for your loss. It's never easy losing loved ones.
ReplyDeleteSorry for you loss~he seems like a precious person to have had in both your childhood and your adulthood. Love a guy who can get up a belt out a tune~bravo!
ReplyDeleteVery sorry for your loss... hugs and warm thoughts to you and your family.
ReplyDeleteOh Pam - I just found out about your sad sad loss. I'm so sorry. My thoughts and prayers are with you. xx
ReplyDeleteSo sorry to hear about your godfather Pam. He looks like he had a full and happy life!
ReplyDeletePam, what a nice tribute to your Godfather. I'm sure your heart has been heavy, but the memories will supercede this time of grief. xo, Alicia
ReplyDeleteTHANK YOU EVERYONE!!!! Your thoughts and caring are very comforting. It certainly hasn't been the easiest few days, but mixed with the tears have been much laughter. My godfather was quite the character and that exactly how I will remember him.
ReplyDeleteYou guys are the best!