Day 4 of what Im thankful for- 1- My best buddy Bill Brachman who I met 36 years ago when I started orking at US Steel. He has become part of our family and is with us almost every holiday and dinner when we invite people over. Hes watched the boys grow up and now is a part of Keiras life. We played sunday morning touch football for almost 25 years and got to play with Matt & Michael when they were ol enough to play. We have fun anytime hes with us. Hes also a regular during Eagles season and if hes not over here, were on the phone during the game. We all love Pop-Pop Bill:) 2- My other buddy Tom Mayhew who Ive known for 20 years since joining the rose society. Another one of those special giving people who so enrich your life, he has been my mentor in rose growing and photography, and someone i try to emulate. it is rare to be at a rose event and see one of us and not the other, we have been called Mutt & Jeff. When the West Jersey Rose Society presented us with Rosarian of the Year Award, it was together the same year, because they said it wouldnt be right to give it to one of us without the other. We compete at rose shows and in rose photography and its always special to get a win against him, but its also a pleasure when he beats me too. When we talk it can go on for an hour or more, but seems like just minutes. Thanks to Toms guidence, ive joined him in the ARS Photography Master Class and last year won Best of Show and got the Cover photo for the May/June issue of the American Rose magazine. he has also helped me as editor of the Philly Rose Society newsletter with countless photos and articles since I took over in 2005. When a rose society needs a program or photos they call Tom and hes always willing to help. 3- Being able to hae the Frank Benardella National Trophy approved and awarded for the first time in Franks home state of New Jersey this year and having his wife June and his daughters Karen and Jane be able to attend and be part of the presentation. Frank was such a big personality and is so missed at rose events. Whether sitting in his greenhouse, at a rose meeting, prepping roses or at a rose convention somewhere around he country, Frank would hold court and entertain and teach anyone about roses rose growing. He also provided lots of laughs and his hybridizing program gave us so many beautiful roses. He also provided me with the opportunity to meet some of the rose industries top people with the AARS and this was also the first time on a plane for me. I think of Frank almost every time Im in my garden and see one of his beautiful creations!
Posted on: Fri, 12 Sep 2014 06:01:27 +0000