Geppetto’s Log - Stardate 070421.1

Through time and space life passes. Everyone knows by now… it’s been a wild ride to say the least. Events of late… beyond the trailing of guidelines… have had me speechless. I am only now finding the words.

In the midst of it all has fallen the loss of a dear friend and mentor.

Geppetto’s closes only three days a year; Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July. On Thanksgiving most people want to dine in the comfort of home with family and friends, enjoying turkey and all the fixings. Christmas is more for home dining also and a time to focus on the “reason for the season.” Geppetto’s figured out long before we owned it that the Fourth of July is for BBQs, picnics, libations, fireworks and all day Karaoke. Okay maybe only at my house but it used to be a thing. I’m sure it still is in some backyard celebrations!

I happen to have at least four people in my life who were born on the Fourth of July. One of them stands out extra special this year… because he went to heaven about a week ago. His name was Dr. Robert D. Ward. He was the first Conditioning Coach in the NFL and brought Sports Science to football. You may remember the Dallas Cowboys doing things no other team was doing… like Ballet, Yoga and Thai Chi. That was Bob’s idea. Full potential was what he was after, development of both the mind and body… not only for himself but for others… even me. He is a Masters World Record Holder in Track and Field. His accomplishments and awards too numerous to mention. His passion never ceased.

Bob would say, “Be careful what you say, Julie. Once you say it, it’s out there and you can’t get it back.” He continued, “So… what do you want to put out there? What do you want your ripples in the Universe to be? Good or bad? The choice is yours. Just remember… you can’t get them back.”

Bob could not have known the breadth of his influence on my life. He will continue to inspire me to do my best, to look for the best and expect the most for others too. He was ahead of the game always. His thinking was infinite his faith in God rich and deep. I’m sure he is with God now and his many questions have been answered.

Since we bought the restaurant four years ago… Bob would often conclude correspondence with, “REMEMBER… PIZZA WITH EVERYTHING!”

Bob’s “Pizza with Everything” is a wonderful metaphor for life and all that is within it.

Meanwhile, BBQ Chicken is Geppetto’s pizza through the month of July. Pizza with everything is always possible… anytime!

Except for those three days a year… Thanksgiving, Christmas and the Fourth of July… Join us for dine-in or call for takeout and delivery… all of Salem and Keizer, call: 503.378.1271.
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Happy Fourth of July and God Bless America!