23 Comments

Aw man, that was beautiful, Dave. "I don't care if it rains or freezes, long as I've got my plastic Jesus..."

My mom, Petty Officer 2nd Class WAVE, would have turned one hundred years old yesterday. She and the Master Sergeant had a lot in common (she was a three-packer/day). And I remember she had the glow in the dark rosary that I swear was three feet long.

I think he would be very proud of his mensch son. Verily.

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Mar 31·edited Mar 31Liked by David W Fitzsimmons

David, I wish I had known your Dad (and Mom) as the man they produced brings me so much joy and laughter in the most challenging of times. Thank you for sharing your Dad and a bit more of yourself with us, your readers and friends!

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Mar 31Liked by David W Fitzsimmons

I was lucky enough to be brought up in a home completely devoid of religion, but filled with love… You obviously had the love, but had to stand firm in your right to be rational, and to do good things in this life rather than waiting for the ‘next’… My hat is off to you my friend, and I’m confident the Master Sergeant would salute you and your good works.

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The Master Sergeant done good in bringing up his kid.

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R'Amen.

As I explain to my children, these types of stories and memories provide true immortality.

RIP Master Sergeant.

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Loving, touching piece, amigo. Clearly, your Dad (no doubt, with more than a little help from your mom) has taught you the important stuff well. He is proud.

Looks like a rainy day today, but I don’t care if it rains or freezes, long as I got that plastic Jesus…

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I wish I had met my Grandpa :( Thanks for bringing him to life through your memories, dad.

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He would have been so smitten. Blown away by you. And his grandchildren. Joe would have so easily won their hearts.

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Really nice way to start the day— thanks!

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This is a beautiful piece of writing, Fitz.

Thank you!

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God bless all the Master Sergeants we come across in our lives for they will truly inherit heaven. Thank you for sharing, wishing you and yours a most blessed Easter.

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💝Wonderful. This Air Force brat gets it. 🙏

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Endearing writing celebrating Easter. Thanks..."for the memories."

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Wow! So well written. I could feel what you were feeling even though my experience was different. Mom was religious and Dad was silent on the matter. His world was filled with birds and flowers. There were no conflicts about it. There was room for a Universe without God and one with God available to me. My journey has been validated in all its iterations. I am grateful. for that.

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If there is a Heaven you will be going there. I prefer to believe that when pass we will be part of a cosmic consciousness where we share our views and they meld in love.

Signed Polly !@#$!@Anna

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You truly are Tucson’s heart. Happy Easter. ✨🙏✨

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it brought tears.

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