Let them eat cake

Posted 8/21/12

I like cake. Actually, if it’s sweet, I probably will like whatever it is. In point of fact, I completed yet another trip around the sun this past week, and there has been plenty of cake to go …

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Let them eat cake

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I like cake. Actually, if it’s sweet, I probably will like whatever it is. In point of fact, I completed yet another trip around the sun this past week, and there has been plenty of cake to go around. I’m not big on celebrating birthdays, but I’m thankful to have friends who care, and upon their insistence I have blown out the candles a few times over the last several days. My birthday has always been close to Memorial Day (sometimes even simultaneous), and as a kid, I naturally thought that all of the barbeques, celebrations, parades and general hoopla were all for my benefit. Nowadays, of course, I am aware of the solemnity of what this holiday means. But as a nation we have also turned it into a three-day weekend that ushers in the summer fun. We begin the season with the flying of the flag, acknowledging that so many have given so much on our behalf so we can enjoy the freedoms those brave men and women have fought to protect. For that, we thank you.

Although loath to admit how many birthdays I’ve had (you’ll have to cut off my head and count the rings), I did have a friend (whom I’ve known since junior high) suggest she drive down from Groton, MA and spend a few days celebrating. “I’m sure you are crazy-busy,” my pal Lynne intoned, “but I see on Facebook that you’re building a fire pit, so I’ll be happy just hanging out by the fire. You don’t have to worry about entertaining me.”

Although I did have a few things scheduled, even my editor (thank you!) suggested that I “take it easy and enjoy the time off,” so I did, making myself busy digging up rocks, clearing some of the woods on the property for safe fire gazing and playing outside, enjoying the amazing weather that has graced the Upper Delaware River region of late. After Lynne settled in, I suggested that she accompany me on Saturday to another celebration that has been years in the planning—the grand opening of the new Shawn M. “Jake” Sochinski Memorial Skate Park in Liberty, NY, and off we went. Pulling into the lot, I noticed a large crowd gathering to admire the new facility as kids (and adults) were already using their skateboards, pulling some wheelies on bikes. There was even a hover board skimming across the freshly poured cement.

Town of Liberty Councilman Brian McPhillips was on hand for the opening day ceremony, and acknowledged that the park was more than 12 years in the making. “When I was running for office,” he told me, “a lot of people kept talking about the park and the difficulties they had encountered in making their dream a reality. I knew that in order for young people to believe that politicians can make a difference, that it was my duty to help.” Preparing to say a few words at the dedication, Gabby Rodriguez nodded enthusiastically. Along with scores of others, Rodriguez had been spearheading the issue and campaigning for the park for years. “It started when I was 13,” she told me. “I’m now 27. This is a dream come true. Shawn was a huge proponent, and we are honored to dedicate the park in his name. His spirit will live on here forever.” After a few words and acknowledgements of the local businesses and individuals who all contributed to making the skate park a reality, kids flocked to the pavement and enthusiastically showed me how it’s done.

Even though I left my walker at home, I’m far too old and brittle to try using a skateboard. But following the emotional dedication ceremony, it was thrilling (IMHO) to see the kids finally have a place to call their own, where they can gather and enjoy good clean fun in the great outdoors. I for one, believe in the youth of America and the new park is a perfect example of how, with perseverance, the system can actually work. I commend everyone involved. I didn’t know Shawn, but had a chance to speak with his sister Barbara, who was on hand for the ribbon-cutting, and she glowed with happiness, knowing that her brother had made a difference that will live on.

It was nice to share a small slice of my life in the Catskills with an old (and I do mean old) friend, and as we made our way home, we reminisced and had a few laughs before making a fire and settling in for the rest of the celebratory weekend. Sighing with contentment, I surveyed the scene, patted the dog and uttered these words. “I’m not unhappy.” Lynne tossed a twig into the fire and smiled. “Now I’ve heard everything” she said. “Let them eat cake!”

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