Our history and experiences can define us, inspire our actions, and as writers impact our words and stories. Mine most definitely has. My father was a gangster. Really!
This is a story about my relationship with my father and how his profession affected me and my life. “He called me Sugar Plum. Both a blessing and a burden, I learned interesting lessons from my father: about generosity and determination, taking risks, and certainly finding the willingness to live life as an adventure.”
I visited my dad’s gambling hall, where a card room was hidden behind closed doors. But it was in our kitchen at home on many Sunday mornings where I saw my dad and his pals, a cast of interesting characters, counting “the take” from football, baseball, and other sports bets. There were those who showed a certain respect, a certain caution of who he was, and therefore, who I was in their world. I love writing mysteries, but I knew it was time to write this mystery…about my father and me.
So, I remember Papa, but not like the old heartwarming TV Show, I Remember Mama. My memory has a far different rhythm because he was more like a Walter Mitty character in real life, and because as a gangster he frequently lived outside society’s code of acceptable, approved behaviors.
None of us are innocent. We all keep secrets about who we are and things we know.
“The issue of my father’s dark side still hangs in the air for me. There are moments I still question, even here and now, “Do we own the shame of our parent’s actions? Do I?”
“I hope these stories entertain the readers and provide insight into a special man who lived an incredible life, had wonderful adventures, and—no matter what—always came home to his little girl.” Jory Rosen, Grandson
Sounds like you got to know your father better than I did. Mine was very, very quiet, and didn’t really tell stories about his life. That would have helped me relate to him better.