some things are never forgotten

as a boy he learned that when theyhis family were heading out for a Sunday drive in the countrystopping for a picnic lunch his old man would holler at him and his brothers Time to tap a kidney, push til you blow air, boys. I’m not stopping the car because you have to go to the bathroom.

kinda like a hymnal  preached to him and his brothers

                                                           anif they had trouble going because they were told his father walked up behind three of them gathered around the commode and turned on the sink spigot just right  letting the water flow

it never failed

               they peed to their little hearts content or their bladders were empty  whichever was the matter

he wondered what his mother told his sisters  he never asked

raising his girls it was the nearly same before a roadtrip Time to hit the headthe bathroom girls an dont come out til youve blown air Ill be outside the door listening

they were funny little girls in turn as they finished on the pot they whistled and coming out into the hallway they said You heard, Daddy. We went!  

Goodness such talented little girls I bet youse could make some serious money if you went professional

his wife gave him a chuck in the ribs with her elbow Stop. They’re little girls.

Yes Thats why Im saying it now Theyre little Its going over their heads in one ear and out the other I guarantee therell be no side effects our girls wont be turning tricks for money

Would you shaddup. 

sometimes she didnt have a sense of humour

yup his little girls thought they were awfully damn funny

after a little while riding in the car he started whistling absently  not continuously

which provoked them absently theyd start whistling

                                                        and before they stopped he suddenly swung the car to the side of the road jumped out run around the front of the car to their side door and yanked it open Out Quick Dont wancha wettin the backseat

first couple of times they stumbled outnot really listeninghearing what he said not knowing what to thinknot following what he was yelling about

but they caught on

they remember that

his eldest daughter called him one eveningchecking in just to yap shed missed a couple of his calls and emales  Dad.

Hey baby How are you

I’m fine.

then they rambled about herabout her life her husband and children her business then ramble about him if he was taking care of himself

Youre sweet love You know Im taking care of myself Im all on me I havent a choice

Just checking, Dad, just checking.

Thank you

Yes.  You're welcome, I’ve been meaning to ask.

Whats that

Piano music. Could you shed some light on why I get sleepy when I hear piano music?

Yes  I could

And?

I thought if I gave you a moment youd recall on your own

I have a suspicion.

Its unlike you not to act on your suspicions

Yes. Which is another reason why I wanted to call tonight. Could you confirm my suspicion?

Im sure I can  Unfortunately the buck stops with me

Yes. Unfortunately.  I suspect it has something to do with me when I was young.

Yes

Really young.

Yes

Really, really young.

Yes when you were a baby  When you were a baby and I bottlefed you early mornings I found a public radio show that played solely piano music I fed you burped you made sure you were dry or clean then Id walk around the livingroom you on my shoulder rub your back stroke your head You didnt last too longknocked out real quick So for as long as I fed you early mornings that was our time our time together our time digging piano music

Yes.  Yes, that’s what I suspec . .

. . Suspected what you knew You remember correctly Good thing Im here on this one to answer youMom wouldnt have known as I wouldnt know the things you did alone with her

You remembered

Thank you for confirming my memory.

Im happy I could love  But then you always make me happy 

some things are never forgotten

1029,  Saturday,  14  12. 19

1248,  Thursday,  23  4. 20

Harry Chapin  Taxi  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4qYU9b5OF8M