More Than Just Cheap Cigars
The Life and Times of My One-of-a-Kind Father - A Stogy Smoking, Gruff-Talking Obstetrician
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I don't think my father ever allowed himself the satisfaction of truly enjoying a fine cigar. It was not in his nature to take pleasure in something so indulgent. He would smoke them out of politeness if given to him, but never on his own dime. The fulfillment he derived from the odiferous, cheap cigars he so frequently smoked was not in their aromatic allure, but rather it was their frugality that so delighted him. "I could smoke twenty of my cigars for the amount you spent on that foreign job!" He would utter with a saliva-soaked stub dangling from the corner of his mouth. That's not to say people didn't try to turn him away from the stench-ridden brand of stogies. Believe me, many tried. He would not let go of something of such 'value.' The cigars came to symbolize the very man himself. He employed them as a way to make a statement. If you've ever been to a public place with a 'No Smoking' sign you know exactly what I mean. That was like waving a red flag in front of a bull. Out came the cigar, and with a sinister grin he would light up. He didn't feel that anyone should tell him where or when he could smoke. Imagine the pleasure he felt - not only was he smoking the cheapest cigar known to man, but he was also able to offend all those 'anti-smoking' types by blowing plumes of smoke in their direction. It gave him great delight to be able to go against the rules, especially when it came to his cigars.
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About the Book
This memoir is about a husband, father, doctor and friend. Jack Bartels became a success in his life primarily because of his own inner drive, but luck played a role at some critical crossroads. In his later years many could compare Jack Bartels to the television character "Archie Bunker," and most of those comparisons would have been fair. To take him at face value, however, would be a mistake. Jack was in many ways a study in contradictions. He was vocally opinionated but still open-minded, confident yet at times very shy, and brash but also deeply compassionate when people needed him most. He never sought praise and accolades as so many others do, and because of this his life is one worth remembering. Anyone from a large family, or with a parent or relative from the "Greatest Generation" can appreciate the life of Jack Bartels. A proud man eventually humbled by age and illness, Jack's course unwittingly highlighted the complex familial struggles of such end-of-life occurrences. The book is a journey about a man and his love of wife, family and career, as well as the humorous and at times dysfunctional state of one American family as they share in the life of a truly extraordinary character.
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About the Author
Matt Bartels was born and raised in Buffalo, New York and is one of seven children. He is a physician, father of four, uncle and cousin to many. Matt grew up with a highly intelligent and strong-minded father, whose personality evolved over the years to that of a somewhat grumpy old soul. After a prolonged and slow medical decline Matt lost his father, but still was left with an incomplete understanding of the man he called “Dad.” In his journey to discover who Jack Bartels really was, Matt soon realized that his father led an outstanding life. Beneath the gruff persona there was a very complex and dedicated individual. His father's passing left Matt, and many others, marveling at the inspiring and colorful legacy. He was motivated to write this memoir, his first book, to share the life story of his unforgettable father. Matt lives in a suburb of Buffalo, New York with his wife, children and dog.