I want to wish all the fathers out there a Happy Father’s Day.
I have previously posted memories of my Dad (Salvatore Charles Sciabarra, b. June 11, 1917), who died on March 4, 1972 at the age of 55. I have also previously posted memories of my Uncle Sam (Salvatore “Sam” Sclafani, b. May 2, 1915), who was like a second father to me, and who died on January 23, 1994, at the age of 78. Both my Dad and Uncle Sam were a loving presence in my life from the moment I was born. They were first cousins and as close as brothers. Uncle Sam married my dear Aunt Georgia (who was my mother’s sister), so he was both my first cousin (once removed) and my uncle by marriage. His impact on me was so profound that I dedicated my second book, Ayn Rand: The Russian Radical, in memory of him.
Below, from left to right, is a photo of my dad holding me at the age of 8 months, in October 1960, while Mom was feeding me; me in the middle at the age of 3, saddling up on one of my favorite stuffed animals; and my Uncle Sam holding me in August 1962. I so loved how he carried me around that every time I saw him as a toddler, I would say “Uppy!” And into the air I went!
The love of my Dad and my Uncle Sam remains deep in my heart. My love for them is eternal.
Notablog 