Thanksgiving 2017 - This morning my neighbor stopped by on his way to the store. He is originally from Garfield, NJ, my senior by ten years. My neighbor reminds me a lot of my Dad, always offers a good conversation and some laughs. He asked if we needed anything from the store, just being nice of course. He needed to get a stick of butter for his wife who was baking cookies. I said save the trip, opened my fridge, and gave him some butter. He wanted to give me some money. I said no way this is the least we can do for you guys. We started a conversation about how life was back in the days when neighbors always helped each other out. Where I grew up in Saddle Brook all neighborhood doors were open, we were true friendsand even shared a common phone together called a party line. Many neighborhood parties brought all the families together having fun and enjoying life. Here in Northeast PA you still can find that kind of mentality where people help each other asking for nothing in return. I really love this kind of mindset, material things do not matter to most people. This morning took me back to the year 1967. My Dad had worked for a manufacturing company in Garfield for 19 years. In December of that year his job was lost with no previous warning, the plant closed and the company was moving south. My Dad was in shock, there was no warning just a sign on the door 'closed'. The company offered two weeks pay, that was all. My Dad never graduated school so finding a new job would be tough. After 19 years of employment he had just purchased his first new car and was looking forward to enjoying the holidays. We had to discuss as a family how to move forward. It was decided that my Mom would get a job while my Dad worked at a gas station at night. My Grandmother had moved in with us, she had a stroke and needed to live with family. We as children had to pickup some responsibilities around the house and try to earn some money to help out. This year taught me so much about family and people. We learned as children what it means to persevere during difficult times. It was only three weeks from Christmas so things were not looking good. Both of my parents were very proud people and would not discuss any kind of handout from friends and family. We moved forward as a family while Dad looked for full-time employment. My mother was making Christmas cookies and ran out of butter. She said go across the street and ask Mrs. K if she could spare some. I ran over to Mrs. K and she greeted me as always and invited me in. I told her my mother needed a stick of butter, could we borrow some. We would give it back after my payday. She said of course your parents help us out every year. I did not know what she meant by that. I said thank you and ran back across the street. After handing over the butter, I asked my mother how they helped them out each year. She told me all our neighbors go through some tough times, it's just our turn in the barrel. She explained that Mr. K gets laid off each year after Christmas, he is a long shore men. And we help each other out sharing food or just having a good conversation. This is how in our neighborhood and country we survive. This story takes me to today being three weeks before Christmas. I’m asking everyone to try and find a “Stick of Butter Family” in your neighborhood or town. There is always someone in need. Be thankful for what you have and always try and seek the kindness in other people's hearts. For we all get one chance at life. The greatest gift you can give is to help to someone in need! God Bless you All! © Jerry O'Rourke SBHS '72, November 28, 2024


The Rope | The Hut | Saint or Sinner | Brother John's Unusual Request | Wasn't Cut Out To Be A Boy Scout | A Friday Night Party at Mike's

A Brook Tale

Celebration & Inspiration