I don't believe I ever realized how fortunate I was to have such a wonderful father and role model in my life. I somehow thought that ALL fathers did the things my father did for their children. Lots of hugs, encouragement, fun days and wonderful trips-laughter was always on the menu. So was love.
When I turned 12 and began going out to concerts, things seemed to change I started to realize just how special he really was. My friends would always say they wished they were as lucky as I was to have such a wonderful dad. He loved to do spontaneous things and whoever was over was always invited along; dinners out, surprise visits to Carvel, a game or two of miniature golf or a movie.
He was always the first to offer to pick up two or three other friends and take us where we wanted to go and never once complained. He joked and laughed with my friends and called my best friend his "other" daughter. Our door was always open and friends and family were always welcome. A large part of my childhood was sitting on his knee learning how to play cards with all the people who showed up (what I wouldn't give for one more card game!). Most of my friend's fathers did not want to be bothered when they arrived home from work. In some their houses would get very quiet, guests were sent home, there were no surprises--or fun.
When I was older and began working for my father I saw the joy he took in his business and it was contagious. He allowed people to HEAR again and I too went on to become a Certified New York State Hearing Aid Dispenser. More then that, I saw the way he treated people, with patience and kindness and complete respect. I remember thinking he had to be the worst "businessman" in the world as I knew he gave away at no charge some hearing aids to people who couldn't afford them-a rare trait. Fortunately, at the time I never knew how many.
My father, Lt. Colonel Peter F. Provenzale, passed young, in 1980 at age 60. He was proud of his accomplishments during World War 11 where he was a navigator with the 8th Air Force, 351st group. What he spoke mainly about was his friendship with Clark Gable, also in the same division. He admired and respected him for being "just one of the guys." Clark Gable's mission was to make a documentary on the war and it is called "Combat America." My father was in many of the scenes and as a gift to my father, Mr. Gable presented him with an original 8 mm reel of the tape, something we still have.
What I got from my father were his values: People come first and money is not all that important. Do what you love and follow your heart-and always be able to say you did the best you could. Don't beat yourself up over mistakes, keep your head up and keep trying because when you live a good life, you will ALWAYS be happy. I always hope I make him proud that he left me his name.
I miss you, Dad and just as important, I have always respected you. He always told me that the best thing he could ever leave to his children was a good name....and I have never changed it because he did that so well.
**Carole Provenzale has been a Certified Feng Shui Consultant since 1997 and is the Founder of Feng Shui Long Island providing on site Feng Shui Consultations for New York City (Manhattan) and all of Long Island for Homes, Apartments, Businesses, Corporations, Renovations and New Construction. Carole also provides Lectures and Workshops on Feng Shui Principles.
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