By Ira H. GoldmanIt’s almost 34 years since my dad died. Every Ira and his parentsday something happens that makes me thinkabout him. I was most fortunate to have had LeoLawrence Goldman, MD, as my father. He wasin general practice in Trenton, NJ, from the early1940s through his death in 1972. He practicedmedicine when doctors did house calls, officevisits were $5.00 (not a co-pay!) and gas was19 cents a gallon.My father had strong beliefs. Liberal? Progressive? He wasn’t thateasy to brand but he believed every patient was entitled to his medicalknowledge and skill whether they could pay him or not. I went withhim on house calls and I’d stay in the car reading or listening to theradio. Those days, when I had my father to myself on his time andunder his total influence, were special to me.ifyou didn’t have toworry about your money,what could you do with your life?You may not realize it, but youdo have a choice.• Perhaps you’d spend more timewith your family• Maybe a relaxing game of golfor a day of sailing would beexactly that – relaxing.• Or, perhaps, you’d be able toenjoy everything you’ve workedso hard for just that much more.Spending the time to develop apersonal financial plan is essential.Our financial planners can assessyour present needs and futuregoals and then help you chart anappropriate financial strategy.To set up a no-charge, no obligationconsultation with a professionalplanner to determine if comprehensivefinancial planning willbenefit you, please give us a call.Garrido Financial ServicesJorge C. Garrido, CLTC5900 N. Andrews Avenue Suite 800Fort Lauderdale, Fl 33309954-331-5119 office954-673-3188 cell954-331-5050 faxJGarrido@metlife.comMetLife Financial Services, New York, NY 10010 L011285BO-M81-LDMy DadHe was the third child and only son of fourchildren of second generation European JewishAmerican parents, a product of the Great Depression,a person who fell under the “quota system” for Jewsentering universities and medical schools, a personwho fought his own private war with manicdepression and a man who had trouble telling meand my brother, “I love you.”One of my dad’s strongest passions was my mother,who taught grade school in Trenton to pay for his educationat Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, PA. Another was his strongbelief in equality and giving back to his community. He was brandloyal, purchasing Pontiacs from the late 1940s through 1957 (I canremember the year, color and type of each) from the same dealer.He switched from Pontiac to Studebaker only because that dealer losthis Pontiac franchise.Every year, my Dad took us for a motor trip through New Englandand Eastern Canada. We’d load up the car and my Aunt Min (myfavorite aunt) would join us. Since my birthday was in August, it wasalways a part of our vacation. <strong>The</strong> trip gave Dad a chance to exploreareas we hadn’t seen or return to areas we loved, like Sebago Lake inMaine. We’d go to Quebec City, where he would ‘practice’ his French(he spoke five languages) and we’d stay in small European-like guesthomes, walk the narrow, winding streets around the ChateauFrontenac, eat Quebecois cuisine and love being together as a family.When I was a know-it-all college student, I saw Dad as out of touchwith the world—until I realized that I was the one out of touch. Hewas “hip” in his own way, back in the 1960s.He was totally against the Viet Nam War. He understood mygeneration and he never got on me for my long hair, sideburns, hippieclothes, the McCarthy for President flower decal on the back of myVW or my political opinions and actions. He believed in personalexpression, as long as it didn’t come with violence.After I graduated from the American University in 1969, Dad andMom sent me for a summer’s sojourn through Europe. On my return,he suggested I go for a graduate degree but he never pushed me to gointo medicine. After Elise and I married I was working for thePlanning Department of Trenton. Dad suggested I take coursestoward a master’s degree in planning. I signed up at RutgersUniversity on a part time basis. In 1971, Dad said he’d pay for mymaster’s. I resigned my job and went to school full time.In the summer of 1972, while traveling with Mom and Aunt Min,Dad had a blinding headache. It was near San Diego and he knewenough to drive to the nearest hospital. After two days in and out ofconsciousness, he was diagnosed with a brain tumor and went toPhiladelphia for care. He had brain surgery and was never again ableto communicate fully with us. He died on December 29, 1972.I find it a marvel that time has a way of mending heartache. I’ve lostthe sound of Dad’s voice but not his words. I have his photographsand my memories. I have tried to emulate Dad by treating people theway I’d like to be treated. I’ve made a conscious attempt to tell Leahand Alex I love them. I have tried to instill his love of learning andknowledge in them. I have given them an understanding of who theyare and what they should stand for. I’ve tried to give them what mydad gave me. My dad taught me well.Happy Father’s Day.Ira H. Goldman has lived in Parkland, with his family since 1991. He has beena member of the Parkland Planning and Zoning Board. He currently serves onthe City Charter Review Board, is president of his HOA and is a vice presidentand board member of the Parkland Friends of the Library.104the PARKLANDER
WE LISTEN, WE CARE, WE DELIVER!THE BURRIS GROUPDAVID 954-234-1345GINGER 954-729-4784CHRIS 954-234-8901Upcoming Events:Graduates HonoredSunday, <strong>June</strong> 4th — 9:00am & 11:00amBaptismSunday, <strong>June</strong> 4thHillsboro Beach Pier5:00pm11555 Heron Bay Blvd., #301Coral Springs, Florida 33076CORAL SPRINGS COUNTRY CLUB$429,000Father’s Day WeekendGuest: Brian Holloway, Inspirational Speaker& five time NFL All-Pro athlete, 1985 New EnglandPatriots AFC Champion & Team Captain•Men’s Breakfast: Sat. <strong>June</strong> 17th—$25/ticket•Sunday Services: Sun. <strong>June</strong> 18th—9am & 11amWeekly Services:Sundays@9am & 11am • Wednesdays@7pmChildcare & children’s classes available at all servicesYouth: Fridays@7pmVacation Bible SchoolMonday, <strong>June</strong> 19th — Friday, <strong>June</strong> 23rd9:00am — 1:00pm$35/Child (lunch & t-shirt included)Ages 4-12 ~ Registration due <strong>June</strong> 1st~Reaching our community one life at a time!4001 NW 63rd Street • Coconut Creek, FL 33073www.wpcag.com • 954.698.09033 bedroom 2 bath home recently remodeled withlarge diag laid designer tile, wonderful kitchencounters including breakfast bar, updated baths,newer roof, freshly painted inside & out, A/Creplaced, new pool equipment & sprinklerequipment. This home has been meticulouslymaintained. Great location for shopping, dining,entertainment, sports activities, & schools. No HOAthe PARKLANDER 105
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