Deep chuckles echoing from the downstairs piercing through the vents in my green, stuffed animal filled bedroom. “Skunk, you cheated, I’m done I quit, you’re crazy…you bastard.” This was just the beginning of a night filled with friends and family. Nicknames flew across the poker table along with off colored comments. It was boy’s night out at my house…well, my father’s house to be precise.
The sun would fade into the fall sky and the guys came knocking. One by one all of my dads cronies would file in the front door, down the steps for a night of cards. Mom would set up food, hoagies of course, and some other goodies for the men to manga!
My brother and I were in elementary school at the time, but we knew even then, you didn’t go downstairs and bother dad on Sunday nights. It was his time to have fun. I respected that, but the boys loved me. I was the little girl that most of them didn’t have. I was affectionately known as “Beanie” later shortened to “Bean” as the years went by. I loved the attention. A few kisses were stolen here and there. The hairy faces of men I wasn’t related to grossed me out, but I tolerated it because that’s what nice little girls do.
Skunk, also know as Arthur , the name given to him by his parents, was quite the character. He would hug me and it always seemed like forever. I remember his deep, smoker’s voice. At the time I just wasn’t into all that affection from strangers. I was scared of my own shadow. I knew that he loved me so I just dealt with it.
Then there was Pete “The Greek.” He always looked like he needed a good shower. He was a loner always fighting with his wife and roaming around town. He had gray hair with a yellow tint and an odd skin color. I liked him anyway he helped my dad pick out our dog, “Spike.” How could I not like him for that little bundle of joy?
After that it was up to my room to watch my shows, have a snack, and get ready for bed. When nine o’clock rolled around I ran downstairs and gave my dad a big kiss goodnight. I had to say “I LOVE YOU.” Of course as I ran around the table I got handed some money from the guys. Then I had to fall asleep. It was hard going to bed after the weekend and on top of that, downstairs the noise was loud. You could hear Louie’s laugh a mile away. But after a few tosses and turns I managed to doze off.
My brother and I were sure to wake up Monday mornings to a few bucks left by the previous night’s poker winner. That was always an incentive to get out of bed and go to school. Louie and my Uncle Charlie were the most generous. They always left us cash on the kitchen table. That was great and what a way to start the day!
I remember it like it was yesterday. But, it’s been years since all the boys came over the house to play. It’s been years since the laughter, cursing, and yelling has echoed in the house. I miss it.
I’ve learned a lot in life since the Sunday night card games. Time goes on and people don’t. Skunk passed away and I’ll never forget the night I found out. See, he was this guy that creeped me out a little with all the hugs and kisses, but he was a guy that impacted my life too. I later found out that one Christmas Eve he stayed up till the wee hours of the morning helping my father put together my toy kitchen set. The one I hardly played with my mother often reminds me. There’s a photo of the two of us, me in a yellow, flowered nightgown and I’m making an awful face, while Art’s wearing a huge smile. I was the typical daddy’s girl that loved only her father. He was the only man in my life. Didn’t Skunk know that?
Pete faded away without a trace, and some people don’t miss him. I think he brought too much baggage and bad luck. Last I heard he was divorced and his ex-wife was throwing his clothes out in the yard. Not sure where he is and if he ever had a huge role in his daughter’s lives.
I’ve also learned more about the guys that still come around. Louie never married or had children, but he took great care of his mother. He lived in Chester with her forever. She passed away not too long ago and I know it broke his heart. He really treated her great. My mom says he was an excellent son. I recently found out that his father died when he was young and he promised to take care of his mother for him. I really admire that. He kept his word. He’s still got the laugh and the huge smile.
Phil, Tony, Ronnie and the others I see occasionally. My dad goes golfing with them on Sundays. It’s not as easy for everyone to get together like before. Age kicks in and family commitment too.
It’s amazing how men keep their friends and women let theirs slip away. I admire that about “The Boys.” They have bonds that will last forever. My dad has some good people in his life. They say, “You can’t chose your family, so chose your friends wisely.” I think my father made some fine choices.
The older I get the more I realize how these men have affected my life. If Arthur were hear today I’d say, “Thanks for caring about me so much, thanks for loving me, thanks for the kitchen set.” I’d give him a big kiss on the cheek without a pout on my face. I know he would have been one of my biggest fans. I’m sure he’s rooting for me up in Heaven and betting on the horses in between. I hope he’s at the big racetrack in the sky and loving every second of it.
I’ve been impacted by every last one of them. Pete made me thankful to have a father like I do. Louie is now a friend to me. He believes in me and respects me. I know in his heart he thinks I am something special because he tells me all the time.
Everyone has stories to tell. Life is a book and every chapter should be filled with meaning. My dad’s life has become more important to me with every passing day. As the years go by his stories get better and better because I can appreciate all the characters he talks about. I know them better now.
They’re not just “The Boys” playing cards downstairs on Sunday nights. They’re the men who have watched me grow up, from a little girl to a woman. They’re the guys who make my dad’s world a better place. Though each of them is unaware…they’ve left memorable impressions on my soul. They’re a part of my book and my movie called life. I want to say thanks to “The Boys.”
