Happy Birthday, America????
Well, we had birthday cake, but it sure didn't say "Happy Birthday, America!" Nope, our cake said "Happy Birthday, BOB!" Mr. Enterline was a July 4th baby. In fact, he had his kids convinced, for years, that the whole country was celebrating HIS birthday on the 4th. Bob Enterline was one of the most generous men I have ever met. He threw a party for himself, but also for the entire street.
That's not the end of his generosity, though. When my mom and dad died, he brought us food for weeks. He and Mrs. Enterline gave of themselves to anyone who needed help. To their credit, they taught their children to be just as caring and generous. Their son Tim used to help my great-uncle care for our yard, after Daddy died. Tim would do anything to help. It's not a surprise that he became a fire fighter. He loved to serve. Their daughter Kathy would give away anything she had to help others. Mrs. Enterline became a surrogate mother for me. The 4th of July never passes without my remembering the Enterlines and their generosity and kindness.
Our celebration didn't end with supper. Tim had a large collection of 45's, and he'd be in charge of the music. We sit and listen or dance to the best of the Oldies. Just the families of 206 Street hanging out and enjoying each other. We kids would play tag, hide-and-seek, Bloody Bones, football, cards, whatever we could have fun doing.
As darkness fell, Tim was in charge of fireworks. My family strictly held to Florida's laws, so we only had smoke bombs, bottle rockets, and sparklers. The Enterlines always stopped at South of the Border and bought boxes and boxes of REAL fireworks. Our neighborhood fireworks were just as beautiful as "professional" fireworks shows.
I was able to bring my son to one of Mr. Enterline's birthday parties. I loved being able to continue the tradition, if for only one time. Thank you, Enterlines for the great memories!
