Report from Paterson, NJ: Stormy Times.

[politicaljack78]

I worked from home today because of the storm and my dad's older home shuttered from the heavy winds. The highlight of my sales day was speaking to Marty Brodeur's wife and hearing his voice in the background (as a Devils fan, had to the let the Mrs. know how awesome her husband is). But I digress.

I was fearful because the home is older and with wind gusts in the 70's I feared for the gutters, the roof, and the windows. The power went out for an hour, but fortunate for me, it was shutoff on purpose to handle a downed wire in the neighborhood.

I went out and inspected the house at 6 pm, 8 pm, and 10 pm. In spite of heavy winds, only negligible damage. And get this, it was the newer repairs. One was for a aluminum metal window frame cover of the 2nd floor bathroom and the other was for a piece of molding for the front door. As I did my walk-around of the house, no issues. I then looked and found pieces of siding in the street, the backyard, and the driveway. The neighbors all went with siding and encouraged my dad to do the same, but he liked his house the way it is. They do not make them like they used to.

My deceased father (almost a year now), a long time democratic, responsible for delivering a key voting block in the area, had a keen eye for function. He believed in substance (Barack Obama) over style (Willard Myth Wrongley) any day. I miss my dad, he died the night after last election day and I as his son will do the same in getting out the vote. Thanks pop, I love you and thank you for still watching over me.

Now I have friends, family, neighbors, and fellow DU'ers who are not as fortunate as I am and are enduring much, much more. They are in my prayers, please keep them in yours. Thanks.

-Jack

[yellerpup]

1. Great story from the storm front, Jack.

Welcome to DU! Your dad sounds like a wonderful man.

[politicaljack78]

3. Thanks Yell.

My dad was absolutely awesome as a father and as a citizen. He worked 3 jobs to give us everything we needed when we were young. Then in 1991, after years of being the best producer at his manufacturing company, my dad and co-workers were let go to hire non-union employees. My dad became part of the 47% for the first time and he was definitely not lazy.

Unable to find work, a chance encounter at a gas station with a man running for Mayor of Paterson lead to a new passion for my dad to exert his energy. Our family had become citizens of the US just 5 years earlier and though my dad's stances on the issues were conservative, my pop's knew the Democratic Party stood for equality for all.

My dad soon had another job doing what he loved. But in 1996 things changed again. His extreme work ethic and desire to better life for his family had caught up to him. Yes my dad, became part of the 47% for good and he was definitely not lazy. My dad became a political leader, a community activist for our minority, but respected him and loved him.

And wouldn't you know that candidate went on to be elected mayor and has been the Congressman for the 8th, now 9th Congressional District for 8 terms. Before each election, he would come to this house for luck and my dad would get the votes out for the Honorable Bill Pascrell, Jr..

I have gotta stop rambling. I still miss my dad, being back in his house after 6 years. It's amazing how I can still feel his presence. Love you pop. But I have got to get some sleep for work tomorrow.

[Scurrilous]

2. K & R

[tilsammans]

4. Sweet story!

This former New Jerseyan has you all in my thoughts and prayers.