Why did we sing happy birthday to Mrs. Linster on a summer night when her birthday was February 29th? “Someday you'll understand," was Dad's answer. Mom was the voice of compassion, pointing out the good in people. Dad was the voice of reason. When Mom told us to turn the other cheek when a bully hit us, Dad told us if he hits the other cheek, hit him back. You might take a pounding but he'll think twice about doing it again. A boxing lesson in the garage behind Mom's back was some of Dad's advice too.
When people tell me I'm blessed with talent, I think about it and think, rather, I was blessed with great parents. Mom with her passion for flowers and exposing us kids to people, and Dad telling me to study - not just in school, but with my drawing too. Walter Foster art books were part of that studying. Mom said art could be my voice, since speaking was not one of my gifts. Neither was singing…
