Sammy's Small World Homecoming Date

Monday through Thursday, I teach voice and piano for two to three hours. To represent this part of my life, I've decided to share a small world story in honor of Lili, a second grader, who insisted on singing It's a Small World for our recital this weekend.

My son, Sammy received a last minute invite to a homecoming dance a few weeks ago. I didn't know his date, Annie, so I looked forward to meeting her and her family.

After our initial greeting in the foyer of their home, we headed towards the back porch for pictures. As we walked past the roar of college football on TV, my husband, Don, asked, "Who's playing?"

Annie's dad, Skip, replied, "Navy vs. Notre Dame," and then continued with something like, "I'm a Naval Academy alum and a big fan."

I turned towards him and froze in my steps, "Which class?"

His answer made me smile, "65'"

Knowing my dad is also a class of 65' Naval Academy grad, I told him with total confidence, "You know my dad, Bob Snelling."

Skip seemed as surprised as I was at the connection. For not only does he know my dad, he knows him well. My dad delivered a singing Valentine to his wife just last February –with his barbershop quartet—in the very room we were standing in. He had also just sent a donation to my dad’s campaign since he’s running for state office again—something I haven’t talked about much.

But what got me most about the small world connection was that I learned the man in front of me; this guy called, Skip; the father of my son's date had been behind one of the most out of the box memories I have of my dad. Here's the photo:



I wasn’t there. No one from our family was. But while mom was singing with the Atlanta Symphony Chorus at Carnegie Hall, dad was rockin’ it out with Skip’s band in Annapolis at their 45th Naval Academy reunion. Dad even rewrote the lyrics to an old blues tune and pulled out the best costume apparel he could find. If only we had a recording. Still, the picture speaks volumes.

My dad is ever evolving in this small world that still surprises.

I enjoyed Sammy's small world homecoming date. Moments like that comfort me. They remind me that big, sometimes seemingly messy things, are intertwining into small moments that have a bigger purpose. So here's one more close up look at my dad at his finest. And kudo's to Skip for getting him out of his box.