James Platt is my Dad, someone who rarely complained about much and lived his life fairly uncomplicated. Dad showed me his love and compassion often, in one instance that I'll never forget, Dad came to my rescue as a small kid. We were playing baseball in the back yard on 26th street in Canton, I was probably 6 or something. I remember doing something stupid, and the kids all made fun of me. I ran into the house and cried because I felt so stupid about whatever it was I did. Dad came into the house a bit later, and held me and talked to me. I don't know WHAT he said, but I remember his kindness and care with me. I remember that he "made it OK", and I went back to the game. Now, this is an unremarkable situation, however, it translated itself when I became a Dad to my two sons, Alex and Preston. Alex is a bit like I was at an early age, he sometimes would become emotional and frustrated. When he did, he acted out physically, and I knew from that experience with my own Dad to be kind, gentle, and give my son what he needed. Through those early years, I would hold Alex tightly, letting him give his best muscular explosion when he became physically frustrated, I would hold him tight, letting him get his frustrations out (without harm to his brother, mostly). After he vented, he would be released, and mostly he would be back to normal. I am sure I would never have done that if it weren't for my own Dad's response to my own frustration and emotional dynamics. Every time I held Alex tight, I would think about my Dad, James Platt. He lives on in me, and for that I am grateful. I hope he lives on in the lives of my sons as well. Dad and I had a great relationship for some reason. I never really was at "odds" with him, except for once, when I told him as a kid of 16 to "f&%k off" one time as he was driving out of the driveway. He heard me, the car came to a screeching halt - came in, slapped me in the face and walked back to the car. (I was fairly stunned, it was the first time he did anything like that) It was the best thing I could have experienced. I needed to be reigned in, so he did just that. After that, when he returned, all was OK, and I apologized to him. It was the ONLY time I can remember him EVER hitting me, but boy did I remember it and did I shape up after that. whew! So, I tell this story because Dad was a really "good" guy, he was fairly even-keeled, and somewhat soft spoken. But, I viewed him as a leader, and he was a Brick expert. I always loved that he was an expert at something, and he had his own business. It translated to me pretty well, as in later life I started my own businesses and became an expert in the audio field. He was always supportive, in fact, we produced a number of projects together that he used in his business and we were both very proud to have created something together as a team. I had the same experience with my son Preston, who is an amazing animator. He and I worked together on a 4 minute animated video for the Technical Excellence and Creativity Awards in 2005. I had the opportunity to "live" my Dad's experience and joy of working with a son to create something others appreciated. I love my Dad. Always will. He was my hero, and perhaps I was his. Well, one hero of his maybe - I have to share it with my Brother Bill who is a successful doctor, and my sister who is an wonderfully talented public school teacher. I'm happy to share. I was blessed to be visiting with him only a week prior to his passing. For that, I thank God. The visit will remain with me forever. There is so much more to tell, as always. Gary Platt (son #2)
Posted by: Gary Platt Walnut Creek, CA   Nov 22, 2009