LEE ME AND DAD

Yesterday I underwent for the fourth time what my urologist likes to call a procedure, his peculiar term for an operation. I hope that this will be the last one and I will finally be cured oF my long standing malady. Unfortunately, DR.Limm arrived for the procedure one hour late which left me in the tiny pre-op cubicle for several hours. With nothing to do, I allowed my mind to drift back in time and I recalled the following.


Dad was a tall dashing handsome man, a firm but just disciplinarian. Lee was a rebellious, indolent, disobedient liar. On several occasions he told me that he hated our father. I, on the other hand, was an excellent child, looking at all times for parental approval.


I recall the following as if it were yesterday. I was about 15 years old and Lee a year or two older. Lee to Dad : "Have you heard this joke about Confusious ? Confusious say, it unsanitary to cook carrot and pea in same pot". Our Dad, nor known as an uproarious laugher, laughed uproariously. Not to be outdone I said- "Dad, have your heaRD this Confusious joke? Confusious say, he who break wind in church must sit in own pew." Dad's brow contracted Ina frown.
". That's utterly disgusting" he shouted.


I have wondered if there was some lesson to be learned from this. If so, I have not been able to find it. What I do know is that my feelings were hurt. Even today, 70 years later, when I think of this I have a tinge of sorrow.