Small Child, Small Fire

 
Small Child, Small Fire
9/10/11 – Sunny, warm fall day. Master Po persuade Dave Po Jr. and Vicky Po to take baby Ana Po for ride in pappy’s new 4x4 WD work vehicle. Master Po take old tee shirt and wipe seats off due to recent rain. Master Po always thinking of comfort of those in his vehicle – comfort and safety of course always come first.
 
Baby Ana and both adults fastened in securely and off we go into town of New Enterprise. We not get far (right by Honorable Eddie King home) and Dave Po Jr. notice that the new vehicle is ON FIRE! He yell at Master Po saying “WE ARE ON FIRE” then again, “WE ARE ON FIRE.” He repeat this again a few more times, using more decibels each time. But rememba, Master Po hard of hearing, and has ears stuffed with plastic plugs (always thinking ahead and trying to prevent further sensory damage from engine noise).
Master Po think he saying “You’re on fire.” So I look down at my own shirt searching for sparks. All while thinking I’m not smoking my cigar and my shirt shouldn’t be burning. Finally, loud shriek made by Dave Jr., at same time Master Po keenly spot tee shirt used to wipe seats off – Yes, It burning vigorously, because Master Po place it between two front seats (again keeping passenger comfort in mind) but part of shirt fall down and lie on very hot manifold of engine. This cause fast burning and smell of burnt marshmallows too.
Master Po quickly grab burning shirt and throw it on road (yes, still burning), and some residue from shirt logo stuck on engine part still burning too. Dave Po Jr. make great exit somehow from burning vehicle - freeing himself and Ana Po without harm. Ana Po seem a little shook, but no harm done. She must get used to rides like this with Pappy Po anyway – so she off to good start in life.
So like good grandparent, Master Po now write letter to tee shirt company to tell them the plastic logo on their shirts is very flammable – like Chinese fire cracker. It is the least I can do, again always thinking of safety.
Master Po hold Baby Ana Po later in evening, and we smile at minor mishap. Master Po swear he hear Ana whisper to her pappy – “let’s FIRE UP work vehicle and go for ride.”

My Roots - The Potchaks - circa 1927

My Roots - The Potchaks - circa 1927
From Left: Son, Steve - Dad, Frank - Mom, Anastasia (Makar) - Sons; John, Mike, Frank, Chuck (Author's Dad) - Twins, Pete & Mary - Daughter, Catherine. Photo taken in Wilmore, PA