Remembering "Pops"

I woke up early on November 20 this year, shaved, showered, got dressed and headed over to pick up Peter. I got gas and we stopped at McDonald's for some breakfast and headed off on a trip I have made dozens of times over the years to see mom in Pittsburgh. But unlike any of the previous ones, this was a very different trip. For the first time in my life, I could not personally wish my father a "Happy Birthday" as it was a year ago he went home to be with Jesus. Mom told me that I didn't have to come but I did not want to be anywhere else that day. Soon after we finished our breakfast, Peter turned on his DVD player to watch some episodes of "MASH" while I listened to the strains of some compilation CD's that I had made for Marti - all the while thanking God for everything good in my life - my mother, my children and my Marti.

The trip seemed to go quicker than most soon stopping at Panera & Starbucks in St. Clairsville, hitting the hills of West Virginia, going through the Fort Pitt Tunnel with the skyline of Pittsburgh ahead, going over the Homestead High Level Bridge and then pulling into the driveway of 3407 West Run Road - the place I spent most of the first 21 years of my life.

Peter was in good spirits as he gave his grandmother a great big hug. Mom hugged him back and then it was my turn. She looked nice having had her hair done (her neighbor has done her hair for years without charging mom at all) and she had some nice clothes on. We piled into the car with Peter holding the door open for mom. It was cold so the heat in the car felt very good to all of us. We pulled into Mitchell's Fish Market - a place that both mom and dad enjoyed going to eat. Peter reminicesed about dad getting wine spilled on his suit by the waiter here (along with Will & Victoria) a few years back. That brought a smile to mom's face. We were ready to order and Peter floored me - he said he would like salmon. Wow. Mom and I ordered the same and all three of us enjoyed that along with some decadent chocolate dessert and orange creme broule. We had the waiter take a picture of us but unfortunately it did not come out well. Mom said she wanted us to get back to home before the weather got 'bad' (mom is very up tight about any of her loved ones driving in winter) but I told her I needed to stop at a couple of places.

I pulled the car into Giant Eagle and told Peter and mom to stay in the car and that I will be right back. I came back with a dozen mixed roses and the mom knew what our next stop would be. We arrived at the cemetery and the weather seemed to get a little colder. I asked Peter to help me with the roses and he did as I gave one to mom, one to Peter (to represent Will & Victoria as well), and one from Marti & I. We exchanged a few remarks about how very, very special a man dad was. I said a prayer and we all hugged and shed tears. I went over to mom's parents grave and laid a rose on that as well. Peter helped mom back to the car and held the door open for her. I looked at mom and told her that I will consider my father hood a success if I can be 1/4 of the father to my children that my father was to me and she told me that you are and so much more. Peter readily agreed.

We got back mom back home and I placed the remaining roses in a vase in her living room. Peter gave mom a big hug and a kiss and so did I. We were soon back in the car and settled in when a smile came to my face. I realized that my 14 year old son is growing up into a fine young man joining the ranks of his older brother (along with a very special sister). He came with me not expecting to get anything but to give of himself. Wow.

I thought of the music that was played at dad's service and this song came to mind - often referred to as the 'Navy Hymn'

"Eternal Father strong to save
Whose arm hath bound the restless wave
Who bids the might ocean deep it's own appointed limits keep
Oh hear us when we cry to thee
For those in peril on the sea"

I cannot thank God enough for William F. Horosz Sr. - loving husband, outstanding father, but most importantly humble servant of his Lord & Savior Jesus Christ.