The Bunny

Many moons ago my father had picked me up from Harrison High School and we were on our way home. We lived in Purchase, New York (Purchase is home to Manhattanville College and abuts Greenwich, Connecticut). It was dusk. Daddy and I were just chatting away and all of a sudden a baby bunny ran in front of us and we felt a slight bump. Daddy, I could tell, was upset. He made a u-turn and he parked at the side of the road and went in search of what he hoped was an injured bunny. Unfortunately, the bunny was beyond help. I knew that if there was any hope at all that Daddy would have taken the bunny home and nursed it back to health.  That was his nature. That is why he was a director of a summer camp for underprivileged children for many years, that is why is worked at the "Lighthouse of the Blind" in New York City and taught children woodworking. That is why he cherished his daughters and mentored his grandchildren. He loved chess and was always eager to pass his knowledge on to family members. He taught me how to fish using a worm as bait, to play golf. He was nicknamed "Doc" by his friends for some reason. I wish I had explored that more. He was a loyal friend and loving father and husband and grandfather. Greg believes he is the man he is today thanks partially to his grandfather. Gregory later went on to become nationally ranked in chess. In those years we didn't talk much, if at all, about our troubles. But, somehow Daddy always knew when I needed him and would be there for me.  Years later I was driving and Leland was in the passenger seat, navigating when a bird flew into the front of our car and perished. I felt just dreadful, as if it was entirely my fault. That experience has never left me and at that point I knew the pain Daddy felt even though both incidents were unavoidable. Maybe it proves that I truly have some of my Dad's wonderful DNA in me. That makes me feel really happy.  I am reading a series of The Royal Spyness mysteries by Rhys Bowen and wow are they good. I always enjoy reading about merry olde England. Give them a try!                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                    Corn Salad: three 15 oz canned yellow corn, drained - 2 bunches green onions, chopped - 1 (NOT) a full cup of mayo.  Just before serving crush 1 bag of chili cheese fritos and stir in. Not a labor intensive recipe.