Notes About The Poem
My mom, sister Jenny, me and my stepdad (about six years before the terrible disease Alzheimer's stole his life. I believe this was their 35th anniversary back around 1999.)
Eldon's Way With Words
My step dad, Eldon, long since passed away,
was known for some expressions he would say.
like when he was in traffic and in back
of some bad drivers. Then he’d call them “ Jack.”
Sarcastically, to make us laugh, he’d spout:
“I don’t have all day, Jack; just back it out!”
Of course, those “Jacks” would never hear him say
those snide remarks. We girls laughed anyway.
Those few rare times my sisters and I got
together with our husbands, we could not
refrain from talking in our stepdad's way.
One spouse can mimic well things Dad would say.
My youngest sister has a husband, Kyle,
and his impersonations make us smile.
His “Eldon” style and tone are really keen,
especially when he says real slow. . . “Nowwww, Jean.”
“Now, Jean” was Eldon’s catch-phrase for our mom
when trying to console her. It caught on!
When I’m a bit upset, my husband might
say to me “Now Jean” to keep it light.
It’s pretty cool to think when you’ve passed on,
your funny phrases aren’t completely gone.
I hope my dad is looking down to see
amusing words stayed in our memory!
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