Remembering Bo

A Year Ago

 

A sad anniversary for me today. My godfather Bo passed away a year ago. I miss the heck out of him. I miss the way he answered the phone in his sweeter than sugar 'hellllllooo'. I miss sitting at the kitchen table talking to him. I miss the way he said things just for laughs like Pedogie, instead of Pierogie.  Garrett and I sing 'you say pierogie, and i say pedogie....let's call the whole thing off' everytime we cook pierogies now.  I miss his character and boy was he a character.  I miss watching him sit at the patio table with my husband, while they solve the world's problems over a couple of beers. Luckily, he pops up several times a day on my computer slide show, and I say, 'Hi Boski'. I know he's with me, but I'd give anything to hear him say Pammy again.

 

Here's my post from a year ago.........

 

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.

Simply Remember

The Memorial Weekend Plan

My plan on Memorial Day is always to simply remember.  I think it's extrememly important to remember those who have given their lives for the freedoms we enjoy. Think of that. They've given their lives.

As this weekend begins, let's pay respect to those we have lost through all wars, those who served beside them, and our servicemen and women who serve today. As I see so many people still being oppressed around the world, I think it is fitting to make time, not only to remember those lost, but to enjoy our hardfought freedoms. Otherwise it would all be for naught.

Say thank you to the veterans in your life and those you meet who you may not know.

Here's to those in mine.

Here's my Mom with my Dad and my Uncle Norm a few years ago. My Dad was lucky. His engineering skills kept him on US soil during the Korean War, my Uncle Norm, not so much. He served during WWII and survived Guadal Canal and the Pacific campagin. He witnessed horrific things.  His wife Auntie Auggie, who we lost a few years ago, served as a nurse in WWII.

Then there's Uncle George, behind Col. Lessard (who we just call The Col), in the jeep.

If I remember right, I think Uncle George may have done one tour in Korea and two tours in Vietnam. Wish I could say he made it home in one piece, but he didn't. He survived a horrible injury, but you'd never know it today. He leads the gun salute at the cemetery every Memorial Day.

Then there's my favorite Navy man. My godfather Boski, who I really miss.

Here's to all of you servicemen and women. I will never forget the sacrifice of those who didn't come home or those who were willing to serve their country.

Our Memorial Day plans are to do some stuff around the yard. I have work to get done first, but I sure would like to dig in the dirt in the next few days. I'd love to plant some of our vegetables and my window boxes. Beyond that, I'll attend the parade and services in my hometown on Monday, and then back to Di and Al's for a BBQ. Later that day, we'll pop over to our neighbors for another BBQ. There is always something going on in the hood. If the weather holds out tonight, burgers on the grill and a campfire out back are on the agenda, which sounds like the perfect way to enjoy our freedoms. 

What are your plans for this Memorial Day weekend and unofficial start to summer? What's happening in your corner of the world? 

ttfn,

A Big Part Of My Life

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,