The Little White House on Chestnut Street ( A Father's Day Tribute)

In a fascinating, yet somewhat obscure community here in Spokane Wa. called "Vinegar Flats", sit's a little white house on Chestnut Street. Nestled along Hangman Creek( also known as Latah Creek) between the back side of the South Hill and Highway 195, this charming neighborhood is little known - even by Spokane natives.

When I drive through Vinegar Flats, my bones tingle. I am filled with curiosity and fascination of how my grandparents walked these streets and made there way with a dog kennel business here. I guess being a dog lover is just another hereditary thing for me.

My father, J.Pat O'Neill (now 81) was about 16 when his parents and siblings moved here from Superior ,Montana.

My dad is indeed a fascinating character. His Irish heritage and meager upbringing give him qualities I only hope to possess.

After school, my dad served in the Army, and came home to Spokane and married my mother, and they raised 7 children. My dad was in various sales careers until he landed his niche in Real Estate. Owning and brokering one of Spokane's largest real estate companies in the 70's.(J.Pat O'Neill realty)

Now that I have been in real estate for 5 years, I realize the incredible reputation my father has. I have had so many brokers and agents express their high regard for my father. His integrity and charm are consistently mentioned when someone chats with me about my dad.

My dad is a balanced blend of practical, witty, cautious, intelligent, generous, and supportive.

How many 81 year olds do you know who show up at their grandkids performances in coffee shops, pubs, ect. and sit among the tattoo laden twenty somethings smiling from ear to ear with pride while listening to inde music?

How many 130 pound great grandpas do you know that dog sit for their kids, including dogs that are bigger than them?

If the little white house walls could talk, they might reminisce of a young man who whistled while he walked , having no idea of the powerful legacy he would build with 7 children, 22 grandkids and 13 great grandchildren who all love and admire him.

My father is a true servant to this day. Helping an elderly gentleman in his condo complex just this past week, he moves through life quietly helping everyone he touches. Without asking for anything in return, my father gives of his time and energy.

I have never heard my dad say an ill word about anyone. (OK maybe a politician).

Quite frankly, I have never heard my father complain. I think there is so much to learn from the generation who fell on harder times, and truly appreciates the small things.

My father will not waste anything. Even a half of a peanut butter sandwich. Would if all the world was this resourceful?

I am exceedingly grateful that my grandparents, long gone, settled here in the little white house on Chestnut Street and made their mark.

Thank you dad, for being a man of integrity and service. Happy Fathers Day 2008, I love you!

(PS FATHERS DAY WAS STARTED RIGHT HERE IN SPOKANE, WA ! By Sonora Dodd )

BethAnn in Spokane

www.BethAnnHomes.com

Spokane WA REALTOR