Hockey and Peckers

“Keep your pecker up!”

That was the unintentional punch-line to a story Howard shared tonight. I hadn’t seen him in a few weeks and thought I’d stop this evening. He’s 88 and in pretty good form save the bandages on his head and shoulder.

“The stupid asshole cat is trying to kill me,” vowed Howard. “All I was doing was going down the basement stairs when that son-o-a-bitch decided to run between my legs. I fell back on the stairs and have been nursing myself since.” We both agreed that cats are a) only concerned with themselves; and b) evil bastards.

Howard told his son Brent not to come tonight for dinner – he had visited earlier in the day and Howard assured him there was enough to eat in the house. I’ve driven by a few times without stopping when I’ve seen Brent’s truck. Family trumps all other visitors.

Oh, I’ve forgotten the “pecker.”

Howard recounted how they used to do inventory control during the early semester book sale rushes at his store. Every half day, they would change the color of sales slips to keep the students honest – and they’d collect the slips at the end of each half day. A certain clerk working for Howard in the late 60s / early 70s was from England and always entertained with British colloquialisms. Apparently, most of the female sales staff was having lunch in one of the store’s storage areas when the assistant manager came about to collect the morning’s sales slips. Howard reported that he was a bit stressed and the English woman thought he needed a bit of a pep talk. As he left the room, she blurted, “Keep your pecker up!” He made his retreat with wide eyes and gaping jaw. The other ladies in the room tittered appropriately.

It wasn’t until she returned home and her American-born boyfriend explained the local understanding of her admonishment did she fully understand the earlier reactions. To her, it meant “chin-up” and stay positive. Her apologies were epic.

Tonight was the first time while visiting that I felt some emotions welling. I think he sensed it. No, I know he sensed it because he reminded me that every day was a gift and we’re charged with accepting our lives without regret.

He mentioned that in the last month or so he’s lost five friends – even kidding that he regrets living long enough such that no one will be around for his funeral. He especially mentioned his friend Al Renfrew – a former Michigan hockey player and coach – and legend among college-level hockey programs (see Hockey's Greatest Generation).

Howard shared that Al called him a week prior to his death and asked why he was missing from exercise class. Howard explained that he no longer drove. Al assured him he’d pick him up. That was days before his passing.

Perspective strengthens – and I remain grateful to Howard for sharing his perspective and strength.





Image reported to be in the public domain and available here:  Here