Today is my Dad's birthday.
Grampa Frenchy, Clarence, Emile, Frenchy......people know, love and respect him by many names. Our Dad (7 kids) is of French Acadian descent. He did not grow up in a home that lavished hugs and kisses and spoiled the children, but a home of love and respect and independence and passed those traits on to each of us.
He grew up in a very small town in Northern Maine. His father died at an early age and his mother (my namesake) Cecile was left to raise 8 children on her own. My Grandmother was of fine character and dare I say hardy stock? She did her best to see that her children grew to be fine adults. And they did. After finishing high school Dad went into the Navy, then became an electrician by trade. In the 50's he made his way west to Arizona. Various jobs crossed his path and then he became employed in Miami, AZ at a copper mine. After some years there he then moved our family to Cottonwood, Az to work at the Cement Plant in Clarkdale, this is where most of us grew up and had a great childhood.
Our Dad was THE 50's Dad. Go to work in the morning, home for family dinner in the evening. Sunday church and sometimes Sunday drives. All of our needs were met, we wanted for nothing that was a necessity. We all had bikes, Barbie dolls and summer passes to the Clarkdale Pool. He took us camping in the mountains sometimes so Mom could stay home and have a few days to herself. During all these childhood years he stayed in the Navy as Active Duty and this allowed him to still travel a bit and prepare for his retirement.....some day. With 7 kids he must have felt that way on more than one occasion.....some day! Well, his someday has come and he is having a wonderful time. He is still independent, healthy and headstrong. We love him. I could go on and on about our Dad, but I will leave you with this. Happy Birthday Dad, I don't know a finer man.
