" My Mom and Dad"

(Mom and Dad-early 1970's)

This page is dedicated to my Mom and Dad. They raised nine children together, and one of them was me! My Mom, Ruth, was a busy homemaker, who dedicated her life to her family. She was the glue of the household. She was always home when you walked in the door from school, just as she was always there when you trudged out the door in the morning, seeing you off with a hug and a wave. I remember her best, bustling in the kitchen; making meals, Christmas cookies and holiday dinners, for the inevitable crowd of 30 or more close relatives who would assemble for such occasions. Though it's impossible to "categorize" your Mom, I would describe her as a "traditional housewife", though now I understand exactly what that role encompassed. Her life was cut short by cancer, and she went home to the Lord in 1975 at the young age of 53. I miss you MOM!!

(Mom-High School Graduation 1935)

" Motherhood "

My Dad, Bob, spent his working career as a Cleveland Police Officer. He joined the Department in the 1940's and worked in many various assignments. He worked plain clothes duties, busting bad guys and became known as the "Lone Raider." Elliot Ness was the Director of Public Safety. Dad also worked foot beat and patrol car assignments, mostly in the 5th District in Cleveland. He was injured in the Glenville riots of the 1960's, and this injury would haunt him the rest of his life. He retired as a bailiff in Municipal Court after 35 years of deciated service to the City of Cleveland. As a little girl, I was fascinated by the romantic portrayals of TV policemen, and in my young mind, Dad was the hero of these scenarios. I envisioned foot pursuits, arrested bad guys, busted mob bosses and other heroic acts, just like the TV heroes. Dad nurtured these notions in his own way. I remember Dad wearing a faded tee shirt at home, with a circular hole in the chest. I asked him how it happened, and he told me he was shot by a bad guy. I was later to learn that he had burnt the hole there falling asleep with a cigarette in his mouth! But to THIS little girl, DAD was no less the Hero!

(Me and My Hero!)
(Nursing School Graduation-Nov. 1985)

" Only a Dad "

He performed many selfless deeds during his tenure, putting himself in harm's way to serve and protect. One of his fondest memories was assisting in a precipitous childbirth that didn't make it to the hospital, the grateful mother naming her newborn child after him. I can still envision the newspaper article, showing Dad, in his police hat, carefully holding the small baby. Dad lost his battle with cancer in 1990. I miss you so much Dad!

(Dad-1980)

My parents are the heroes of my youth, and my appreciation of their sacrifices deepens as i proceed further along on my journey as a wife and mother. They instilled in us faith, value and a love of family, gave me a rich heritage of family history and my best life long friends in my brothers and sisters. When i strayed off the path, their voices and values brought me back where i belong. I owe them a debt of gratitude I can never repay! I love you Mom and Dad!!!!

Some links I hope you enjoy!

Cleveland Police Department

Cleveland Police Historical Society

National Law Enforcement Officer's Memorial

The Final Inspection

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