Memories of Memorial Day

On this Memorial Day weekend, looking back at celebrations within the Town of Sprague, all were a great sampling of small Town fun, dedication and a wonderful way to honor past and present veterans.  State and local officials, church groups, little league teams, both Girl and Boy Scouts and of course Town Veterans, all marched in this annual parade.  Citizen involvement along the parade route, always waving, shouting and enjoying the activities was much more than a viewing, it was also the social event of the Spring .  Of course any Memorial Day celebration would not be complete without food.  As always, Baltic Fire Department and their band of volunteers, providing the locals, not so locals and parade participants with nourishment. It always amazed me how much these men and women planned, worked long hours preparing the feast and just as many cleaning up the remaining "slim pickins"

Mr. Bill always tried to make sure the exterior of Fred's News was gussied up for the celebration.  It's red, white and blue parade banners and skirting, waving gently in the late Spring breeze, provided the picture perfect backdrop for the new Spring flowers, flowing out onto the sidewalks and bridge walkway surrounding the little restaurant.  Usually closing early on Memorial Day, allowed us the opportunity to enjoy the Town festivities,  When our beloved Fred the Dog was alive and well, we would head down the street, Fred sporting his patriotic bandanna, patiently waiting to continue his stroll, as all the kids would run to him yelling, "it's Fred the Dog, please let me pet him.  Poor Fred, so patient and understanding, his "fans" adored him!  He knew this as well, enjoying the attention and admiration of all who, squeezed, hugged, kissed and tried to sit on him.  When he'd had enough, he looking longingly backwards, our signal  it was time to return to the peace and quiet of the Fred's News back porch.  Perhaps a special treat might be waiting!

At the end of the parade route, the Town War Memorial, honoring all who have served their country.  Singing of our National Anthem, usually a local citizen, speeches, laying of the wreaths and the always solemn twenty one gun salute, signaling the end of the planned memorial events, but an unofficial parade continued up the hill to the Firehouse.   Usually an announcement was made inviting everyone, but the aroma of food cooking usually drifted down into the valley, hanging over the little village, making a verbal invitation unnecessary!  Just follow your nose!  

Nuts, Wackos and the Drunk!

Every Monday, the local newspaper publishes a column by Gene Weingarten.  His articles are entertaining for the most part. Not to compare styles of writing, but I enjoy reading him as much as I used to enjoy reading articles by Dave Barry, published in the Sunday newspaper years ago.  Two different columnists, the humor dry and at times borderline sick, yet very entertaining. A recent Monday article by Mr. Weingarten, found me seriously laughing, only because I could relate to the situations. Not having been directly involved in some of the ridiculously stupid episodes embedded in my mind, just a witness to people's insanity!

Customer who shall remain nameless, stops their vehicle in front of Fred's News, jumps out, got to have coffee and cigarettes!  Re-wind for just a moment, please.  I do understand, the zombie like creatures that frequented Fred's News early in the morning.  Many arriving with eyes barely opened, unshaven, hair smashed against the head as a result of hours lying in the same position, sleep in the eyes and pants unzipped.  No worries, their "ding willies," just as full of sleep as the the rest of the bodies, so what can't get up, won't get out!  Back to zombie waiting for cigarettes and coffee....his car slowly pulling away from the curb, at about the same speed as his gait.  No one notices until it slowly starts to move in a circle in front of Fred's News.  Thank goodness the road is wide enough at this point and not too much traffic early on in the day. Also very amazing this stupid act did not result in injuries.

Mr. Bill and I often laugh, had we made a video of this person chasing his vehicle in a circle, we might have had a winner on America's Funniest Videos.  Our visitor left his vehicle running but swears he put the thing in park.  Had there been an arrest, one look at the condition of the driver, the arresting officer might have asked:  "did the car drag you here as well?" For the record, our friend never did stop his car, it came to rest against the stop sign on the opposite side of the street, just feet from a fire hydrant.  Now that might of been a tad bit more interesting had it hit that!  I can only imagine the accident report for the insurance company.

The front windows also allowed us to view young people learning to drive, an occasional slightly inebriated citizen maneuvering the winding sidewalks of the village and one strange resident of Wayne's three-quarter way house, who decided to moon all vehicle that passed by.  Some vehicles slowed to crawl, others honked and one elderly woman slammed on her brakes, parking directly in front of the driveway, as she exited her vehicle, chastising the half naked drunk, she found her way into Fred's News, "young man," she addresses Mr. Bill, "go out there and get that disgusting man exhibiting his private parts!"  Mr. Bill, trying not to laugh, informs the woman the resident trooper has been summoned, he should be arriving any minute.  "Not soon enough!" she wails as she slams her fist on the counter, "I will take care of this young man!"  Off she goes, swinging her purse, chasing the guy trying to pull up his pants.  Quite the show, cars stopped, horns honking, old woman yelling.  I admit, she did get rid of the stripper, hollered at everyone that was watching, she too continued to stare at the drunk until he disappeared behind the house.  Of course Fred's News filled up with  inquistive people...."what the hell is going on...who is the old lady trying to cop a peek...where the hell is the trooper when you need him?"  All quite valid questions, none of which were ever answered.  The three-quarter way house was soon shut down...so the trooper must of been nearby...lurking! 

No Names...please!

I hate to put people in categories but sometimes, there isn't another way.  Example:  Daddy always said, "watch out for someone who slicks his hair back."  Sally Kropp mused, "My Dad always told me, you can tell some one's personality by the condition and type of shoes he wears."  God I hope that's not true.  Even though I have to wear professional dress for the job, we also for safety sake, wear slip proof safety approved shoes.  Mr. Bill calls them "my bowling shoes", I call them "old lady nun shoes".  Sorry Sister Veronica! They DO NOT reflect my personality, Birkenstock sandals REFLECT my personality, and of course my beloved flip-flops, please bury them with me when I leave my earthly body!

Both Mr. Bill and I are people watchers, it is the nature of the beast.  Fred's News' earlier years had a patron whose daily arrival would send shivers up and down your spine.  His demeanor, "look at me" and they fact that his over indulgence of cheap cologne arrived moments before him, seemed to set the tone for the morning.  I might also mention he did sort of "slick his hair back."  Delaval this next comment is for you, he was very much a chauvinist, but in a very real nasty way. Delaval, you are just too lovable and are just trying to get a rise out of people.  This idiot meant it! Constantly barking, "Give me this" or I said, do it this way".  My response, "Didn't your Momma teach you anything about manners?"  He'd look right through me and with a snarl, "hey Bill, tell her she can't talk to me that way, my wife would never talk to me that way."  I remember  Mr. Bill telling him, "She's NOT your wife, I feel sorry for your wife, God Bless the woman.  There are two things that can happen here; one, you tell her, I'd love to hear my wife's response on that one and two, you don't like it, don't come in.  The choice is yours!"  Unfortunately this man, enjoyed pissing people off, boasting about his domineering personality and how he ruled his domain.  I refused to serve him, Mr. Bill always poured his coffee, thankfully the visit lasted no longer than five minutes.  On one such morning he appeared, nastier than normal.  Eavesdropping on his one-sided conversation with a regular patron, I learned he was having an affair but his wife didn't know.  He actually was boasting to the patron, "she'll never leave me anyway, I've got the good job, she'd never survive without me!"  I said nothing, thought this would be one "to watch and listen".  This continued for some time. Months passed but one morning as he arrived he told the same patron, he'd lost his job.  Seems the big fling was with a co-worker, he was fired.  It also seems this co-worker had called his wife, confessing her tryst with the hubby.  Couple of things happened next;  one, she told her husband to leave, filed for a divorce and went to work; two, he continued to come in shouting his mouth off, "I'll show her, I own everything, she'll beg me to take her back".  My God what an ego this bastard had!  If I had heard the conversation correctly,  he was homeless, jobless and apparently clueless!  Again months passed, he appeared to be loosing weight, his conversations became less about her survival and more about dual ownership, splitting EVERYTHING and alimony!.  He could not grasp that thought.  She had grown from the experience, very much a survivor,  He wallowed in his own self pity, his visits becoming less frequent, "Thank you Jesus!"  Last reports he was working at a car dealership in Colchester.  Betcha he still slicks his hair back!

Mr. Nick

They say everyone has a twin, yikes that can be scary, but either Nick Zamoider has been reincarnated, never died, just left the area under the witness protection program or..........I just saw his twin.   My thoughts were: if this actually were a relative, they spent way too much time together.  This guy had an old pickup truck, hauling a bulldozer.  Scary isn't it!  His hands were as massive as Mr. Nick's, as he walked into the convenience store to pay for gas, the card reader at the pump not working, he was grumbling under his breath, so....Mr. Nick!  Standing in line awaiting his turn (I was directly behind him, for the same reason), he was fidgeting in his pocket for a cigarette.  Although I could not see the brand, once he retrieved it from his pocket, it was a short unfiltered type (yikes it was Mr. Nick), as he planted the little piece of bent tobacco between his lips, the clerk (part of the ethnic group that owns the majority of convenience stores in the world), Says "Sir, you cannot light that cigarette in my establishment nor inside any public place, it is the law." The twin tartly replies, "What the hell do you know about the G-damn law, you don't even come from here!"  Couple of things here, first I only mentioned the ethnic group because it is pertinent to the story, second, I  realized this must be someone who only shares a similar genetic makeup as Mr. Nick.  My thought process, Mr. Nick would never use profanity in front of women or children, at that point both were present. He would however, make such a remark...minus the profanity!

Nick Zamoider could have been Johann the Nephew.....Great's father.   Eccentric, outspoken very much a tinkerer, yet not a grubby.  Instead he was his mentor.  Both would sit at the far end of the counter, talking, arguing, plotting; Mr. Fanning's comment, "Nick's planning a revolution", just might have been closer to the truth than we thought.  Johann learned much from Mr. Nick, yet their arguing would send each into a tizzie, "He's such dumb fool," each would whisper about the other, eventually the stalemate would end, the plotting, arguing and conversations of how to make their world a better place, would continue.  Their world, was NOT our world, it existed only in their minds and Mr. Nick's heart. Nick and Johann were also alike in many ways, both self professed experts at everything, just ask them!  Having made the mistake of asking Nick a question about a Town issue, it became ingrained in my brain...we won't do that again.  That stupid little question turned into why we should live in a Marxist society.  Oh yes, Nick idolized Karl Marx or at least HE thought he did.

Although rumors Mr. Nick was once married, I never heard him speak about the subject.  He did have a longtime relationship with a wonderful woman from the neighboring Town.  She ran a daycare, Mr. Nick enjoyed visiting when the kid's were there.  They considered him a giant Teddy Bear who played and talked with them.  He would listen attentively to all their long stories, genuinely interested in each.  He often relayed the stories, to us as he sat in Fred's News sipping his afternoon coffee. This was the softer side of Mr. Nick, the side we most enjoyed.

Nick, also not a fan of the medical profession, had been bitten by a tick.  He began feeling "a little under the weather" but announced, "it would pass."  At the urging of friends and his girlfriend, he finally sought medical attention.  He had Lyme disease, which had brought on a series of other issues.  From that point on, Mr. Nick fought hard, but years of ignoring his health took its toll.  We were saddened to hear of his passing, but during the summer months, when afternoon thunderstorms were extremely loud, we understood, it was Mr. Nick, somewhere in the heavens, arguing and actually being himself.


  

Parents....Special People.

Having just celebrated Mother's Day and Father's Day fast approaching, Mr. Bill and I reminiscing about the difference in the crowds during the breakfast rush on those two days.  For the Mom's it was all about family. Usually an entire family would arrive, Mom and Grandma with a corsage, Dad and the rest of the troops very attentive.  Dad's day was quite different, with an earlier than usual crowd.  More often than not, it would be Dad's together, heading off for a day of golf or fishing.  It was also their day to eat the most unhealthiest of breakfast, not that any of Mr. Bill's omelets were for the faint of heart, but many would start their eating frenzy with an appetizer of Sausage Gravy and biscuits!

These holidays also showcased the diversity of families in our area.  It always amused me to see a person's reaction to certain families.  Having been raised by loving parents, that were open, honest and accepted the family structure as loving parents with kids, that was all that mattered.  Their view: anyone can have a child, but it takes special people to raise, nurture and love that child, regardless. Many times people would question, "Regardless of what?"  Their answer: "Anything!"  Yes, my sister and I were adopted, we always knew that, the parents telling us we were special, when in fact it was the two of them that were so special.

Our Fred's News family had many of these special people in their fold.  The Tatro family in Hanover, had many foster children that to this day remain in the area, now raising their own families as well.  Long time friend Al Philips daughter, adopted six foster children, part of two separate families, so these siblings would remain together.  Although both Al and his daughter have since passed away, the children have the memories of their Mom and grandfather, cherished forever in their hearts.  Scott and Mary always wanted a family, yet unable to do so, opted for the foster parent program.  Their dreams came true as they received the call, "we have a set a twin boys", goodness, double trouble, yet these two people never questioning their ability, became instant parents.  Scott admitting "I never realized I could get by on SO little sleep!" Family and friends rallying to support them, all becoming "Aunties,Uncles, Grammy and Grampy. Understanding that each of these little ones might someday have to return to their birth parents, a mighty struggle for all these Moms and Dads, each willing to sacrifice for their young charges, hoping someday they would be a permanent part of their families.  The sadness each have known, yet the comfort they feel knowing their time together, making a much better life for their "children."  In a world where so much is uncertain, the public thirsts for sensationalism, heartwarming stories of wonderful parents, give hope for a much brighter and secure future.

Fred's News families, also a diverse group, young children adopted from China, Guatemala, Ecuador and Korea. Each family devoted to their children, yet thrilled to teach them about their ethnicity.  One young girl from China, questioning her Mom, "Mommy, how come I don't look like you, I look more like HeeBee ( Korean)?"  Although I did not hear Mom's answer, I enjoyed the comforting feeling from within, knowing just how my Mom would of answered that questions, "sometimes things happen, beyond our control, you were sent special delivery to Dad and I, we love each other so much, it was meant to be shared with you!" That is so special!  

Spring Things!

Friend Dave Seatter reports, the weather is getting better in Connecticut.  At least he's had to mowed his lawn for a couple of weeks!  Living in Florida we forget those little things.  Although with a colder winter than normal, Mr. Bill almost two months without mowing, the more hardy flowers did continue to bloom.  Visitors amazed that Florida always looks so green.  For those of us that live here year round....not the case.  If it is green you want to see, Spring and early Summer offer that color in a multitude of hues.  The landscape now overflowing with color, flowers and lush tropical plants fill every available niche, with vibrant color.  This southern heat can also be their enemy and unless the afternoon thunderstorms cool the air and grounds in which they grow, a summer burn will appear, but in Florida, EVERYTHING grows!  Our backyard preserve now so densely populated with grape vine, sweet gum trees, dawn cypress, live oak and yes "POLK SALAD" (it is edible,  though I would not venture in to pluck the tender leaves!), its canopy, providing a damp coolness for all of Mother Nature's children.

Yesterday neighbors driving by, delighted by the aromas and visual pleasures afforded them by Mr. Bill's flowers, asked if these were his hobby since moving to this climate.  "Gosh no!" he laughed, then proceeded to explain the little place we all remember.."FRED'S NEWS.  It's old Victorian architecture, plate glass windows, the "Paris Window" and its sidewalks in every direction, all framed by his "hobby", the Flowers of Fred's News.  The Egg-Nazi showed them pictures of what once was, within his eyes a certain sadness of what it is now, just an empty shell of its former heyday. Much like the seasons, Fred's had its glory days, the stories, pictures and memories help ease the uneasy pain that lies within, knowing it no longer exists. 

We had hoped to make the journey north in June, just in time for Mr. Bill's fiftieth high school reunion, unfortunately due to special committments at Disney, we will not.  Perhaps later in the Fall, when the leaves are turning, the evening air is cool and the smell of wood burning in an outdoor campfire, fills the crisp air,we will return.  As we played golf on Sunday morning, we discussed this possiblity.  Mr. Bill has always been such a "home boy".  He doesn't mind flying if it is just a couple hours but prefers to drive....we shall see.  Although the latest report on his cancer in remission was great, he is still uneasy about venturing far away from his little house, his security blanket!  For the time being, friend Ward says there is a chance he will visit with Mr. Bill at the end of July.  It will be "the guy's days", I plan on being in Paris during that time if all plans come together!  I might then be able to visit some small coffee shop with a cozy window, surrounded by dazzling flowers and just watch the world go by!

Sister Veronica .."and Don't You Forget that Name"!

The first recollection of our wonderful friendship with Sister Veronica, was about twenty five to thirty years ago.  Short in stature, a broad smile and quick wit, whose precious innocent face, bore laugh lines and crow's feet, from years of squinting in the sunlight, yet her brow showed the pain of quiet suffering, endured by this lovely woman, suffering she never complained about, yet she had the ability to bring joy, comfort and humor into the lives of everyone she had ever met.

Sister Veronica, for years has called the Sisters of Charity, Holy Family Mother House, her home.  Within the walls of the convent she finds solace, peace and shares the closeness of her devotion to God with her "family".  She prays for those who can't, won't and don't know how.  She asks for forgiveness, although I cannot imagine why she feels she has done wrong, she prays for a better world than she has witnessed.  Where does she come from? In her words..."the old country", behind the former Iron Curtain, a place she has returned to a few times, despite the horrors she has endured.  Although she never mentioned her "ordeals", those within her inner circle, her confidants, have let small glimpses of these times be known.

Were she not a nun, she might be called an eccentric elderly woman, whose wit has never retreated from her body.  A fierce fighter and defender, even through the torture she endured, from former Iron Curtain interrogators, they must admit she was a "worthy adversary."  Travelling to visit family and close religious friends, living in land where religion was not a freedom, Sister Veronica was thought to be a spy!  Detained for unknown amount of time, she never for a moment thought of admitting to something she hadn't done, just for the sake of giving in.  Defeat is NOT part of her vocabulary nor her personality.

Before our Fred's News years she would take her daily walk to the local Post Office, carrying her leather satchel, hauling the mail back to the convent.  She could of taken one of the many vehicles parked at her home, yet she chose to stroll out and about the Town, visiting with whomever crossed her path.  Her driving skills, not the best, she did the public a favor!  Should there be packages too large to carry, she would warn friends of her eminent return behind the wheel.  Often she would stop by our yard, visiting with Mr. Bill as he puttered around his small greenhouse. A great fan of Mother Nature's domain, Sister Veronica, asked Mr. Bill all about the flowers.  "Coach", she affectionately called him, (he was the basketball and softball coach for her all girl's school teams), "why are my flowers not as beautiful as yours?"   Knowing these conversations always ended in the same manner, the Egg-Nazi usually surrendering a few plants to her, he loved the banter just as much as her. "Are ya feeding them babies, Sister?" he always asked.  "Sure " but they don't like me" she would answer.  "Are ya talking to little beauties,Sister" he would question.  "Yes, I am, but they aren't listening," then she would laugh.  "Take care Coach, I'll see you tomorrow, got to pick up some packages, I'll be on the road again." she would warn.  "Thanks Sister, I'll make sure I'm in the back yard, it will be safer for me!" he would joke.  "Just you wait, Coach I'm aiming for you, got you in my sights," and off she'd go, laughing and talking all the way back to the Convent.

In later years, after our purchase of Fred's News, Sister Veronica stopped in a few times a week on her daily journey, giving all the regular customers, hearty love pats on the back.  "Is is to early for a shot and beer?" she joked as she bellied up to the bar, pushing elbows to the side, hoping her small but mighty body might fit in. "Are my girls behaving in the afternoon?" she would question.  Knowing she would never tattle on the ones that didn't behave, she enjoyed these few moments of banter, as did everyone else.  Regulars always requested her presence next to them, we offered coffee, tea or a bit to eat, "no thank you, got to be on my way," she would announce, "time to run a few errands!"  Obviously her way of letting everyone know, she'd be on the road, get the hell out of her way!  Thank you dear Sister! 

Memory Chaos

The half way mark is today!  One more week on these meds, hopefully all will be well.  Everyday is a new and exciting adventure for two hours after each dose.  Yesterday morning seemed mundane compared to last night.  Actually I am writing this at 3AM Tuesday morning,  I do have to go to work but last night's reaction was similar to the sleepless and restless nights of the menopause years.  Went to bed at ten, wide awake and refreshed by midnight! Jeez it's going to be a long day.  Although I stayed in bed trying to transcended back into the snuggly warm world of sleepy land, my mind, much like the naughty little child,"no I won't go, no you can't make me!" kept gnawing at my brain.  I laid there thinking, I've got to be up by 3:15, out of the house and on the road somewhere between 4:30 and 4:45.  Some days trotting down the back stairs seemed so much easier. 

As I laid there thinking the irrational thoughts, conversations, events and just plain silly stuff, they broke through the barriers protecting my brain from these stupid memories, as if the downloading a million mega files.  At one time the apartment building next to Fred's News, housed a mish-mash of misfits.  Can't really remember names, but the fact they piled their trash beneath the stairs, combined with the dropping of said trash bags from the second floor,their final landing, helter skelter throughout their driveway, was enough ro earn them the title "Pig Family of the Year".  Ironically, building owner Joe LaPere didn't care.  The bags were finally removed, but only after Mr. Bill got in Joe's face, used profanity, announcing he was bringing the trash to Joe's ex-wife's house.  Joe lived too far away, Mr. Bill knowing Joe was not fond of the ex, actually I think he feared her, thought this would work.  It did, the trash was removed within a couple of hours.  The stupid part of this ugly memory, the dumpster for the building was only a few feet away, lazy bastards!

Angelo as a teenager, was also quite the pain in the butt.  He loathed our takeover of Fred's News, did everything in his power to piss the both of us off, yet as he matured, he understood.  Eventually working for us, he had a great way with the patrons.  Many knew of his tough upbringing, sympathetic with his plight, they overlooked his short comings.  Truth be known, we liked Angie.  If he was working the grill, we felt secure in knowing the job would be done right.  Eventually Angie outgrew his Fred's News years, moving from job to job, hoping to find his niche.

These thoughts continued for what seemed to be an eternity, I was exhausted when the alarm sounded, having fallen asleep within minutes of the buzzer.  In between these moments of semi consciousness, there were some strange dreams, people we hadn't heard from in years, moments that thankfully were forgotten with seconds of my returning to reality.   Tonight I am tired,my mind, still off on a tangent in some other dimension, therefore sleep should be interesting!  At least it will be fodder for future blogs.   

Surrounded by Friends

There were times the Egg Nazi and I felt as though we were our patrons' confidants, psycho-therapist and bartender! As intoxicating as the finest wine is, a great cup of coffee, a rich bowl of ice cream with hot fudge or a small glass bottle of icy coke, allowed even the most introverted person the ability to speak up.  Mostly these people are our friends. In retrospect, they also listened to our multitude of problems.  Our sons admitting their lives and that of their parents, were open books.  We listened to parents woes over their children: "was it normal behavior or did we think it a problem?"  Perhaps we were the comfort needed at the moment.  Mr. Bill often laughing, "Fred's News is the constant thing in many people's daily lives." 

Remembering Maxie, our long time friend:  Upon reading the front page of the Norwich Bulletin, we see an accident on I-395, one fatality, a local man, his son also transported to the local hospital with non-life threatening injuries.  Sometimes when you read something, your eyes glancing across the lines, what you see does not always register with your brain.  Comprehending what we had just read, the Egg Nazi and I simply stared at each other.  "Did I just read Maxie and his dad were in a car crash?" I questioned Mr. Bill, still looking at the headlines in dis-belief.  "Yes, it happened yesterday, Maxie is okay, the fatality was his Dad!"  Yesterday had been Max's birthday.  Taking his Dad with him, they were heading to Mohegan Sun Casino.  For years Max, Bill and I had always exchanged little gifts on our special day, yesterday had been no different.  Such a feeling of despair came over me, Max loved his birthday, what had he done to deserve such a tragedy?  A constant reminder of that unforgettable and horrific moment, would now make a yearly appearance,a wound that would never heal, Max would never have closure!

Delaval making his way to Fred's News that fateful morning, they had been classmates from kindergarten, their birthdays just a few months apart.  Delaval always laughing and joking, "Max is much older than me."  "Have you heard if he is okay, have you spoke with him?"  he questioned.  "No, we just found out!"  As the day progressed, people having trouble inderstanding the scope of what they had heard and read, talked about it, laughed at Max stories, cried at the news and worried about their "restaurant friend."

Max was released from the hospital within a day, he had been wearing his seatbelt, sadly his father had not.  Sam had been thrown from the vehicle, death was swift, he never knew what happened.  Delaval, heading to Max's home, Max appreciative of the visit.  We called Max, extended our sympathies not only from us, our family but our "restaurant friends" as well.  

As the days passed, Max and his brother coping with the life changing tragedy, he returned to Fred's News, sharing he found comfort in the place surrounded by friends.   Although Max never had a chance to tell his Dad, "goodbye" we learned, Max would cope, he would try to only remember "the good moments" of his youth, Dad and family.  The lessons his father had taught, would carry him through, "he would still want me to enjoy my special day".  Yes, Sam was that way.  Max also knew his birthday would be special at Fred's News....something he looked forward to.