So I've started asking some of you to share some of your favorite thoughts about my dad and I've received some really touching responses.
My dad's friend Rex, who worked with Daddy at Diamond Transportation, shared this:
"Your dad and I have been just about everywhere in this country together. I guess one of our longest trips together we left Harrisonburg, Va., went to Phoenix, Az. and unloaded. We sat there for a couple of days, another Diamond driver came in that we both knew pretty well was just about broke. We decked up his truck and trailer on our trucks and went to Bettendorf, Ia. Between the two of us we bought his meals all the way back. We both told him he owed us nothing in return. It has been a good 40 years or so of knowing your dad."
That really made me cry because, while I know my dad has a very generous spirit, not everyone is that familiar with him. Dad will give you the shirt off his back if he likes you and you're in need.
I also received a response from my Auntie Sue, who has been a part of my life as long as I can remember.
"It started over 20 years ago after Gary passed away. Although I had only been related by marriage, Joe remained one of my strongest supporters. For that time, we have talked nearly every Sunday morning and visited when we could. When he came to family reunions, he always stayed with me and I have sometimes felt I was closer to him than some of the actual kinfolks. Shortly after Gary passed away the holidays were upon me - didn't really want them but Joe & family visited and helped me through that first Christmas - meant a lot. Even when I remarried - they came to the wedding and have accepted Cliff into the "family". Just want you to know Joe that you are loved and very dear to me."
So, come on people! Share your thoughts with me. Give me something funny!
Saturday, June 25, 2011
Monday, June 20, 2011
Don't Take Any Wooden Nickels
When I was 18 years old, my dad had my car stolen to teach me a lesson. Well, maybe not stolen but he arranged to have it taken to a buddy's automotive shop just when I needed it to drive 4 hours to pick up a boy.
Even though I was living on my own, my dad decided he knew what was best for me and thought he could keep me out of trouble. Yeah, I didn't have a car. But one of my friends did and we made that 4 hour drive and we picked up that boy....and got ourselves into a whole mess of trouble!
My dad has always been doing stuff like this to me "in my best interests". He really thought he was doing me a favor by taking my car. Or telling my friends I wasn't home when they called. Or greeting my dates in his pajamas.
Growing up with my dad was an interesting experience. I was the youngest of three daughters and a shocking surprise to my parents. My dad was nearly 38 when I was born - he already HAD one teenage daughter and another daughter just starting school. I'm pretty sure my parents thought they were done with babies. Actually, I KNOW they thought were since my mom found out she was pregnant at a pre-op appointment for tubal ligation. How's THAT for a surprise? By the time I came around, my parents were tired with a capital "T". My oldest sister was in high school and my other sister was barely 5. The last thing they needed was a baby.
My dad was an "over the road" truck driver, meaning that he went out of state and usually wasn't home every night. I don't remember alot about my early years (duh - I was a BABY) but I do remember my dad's deep and gruff voice. And of course over the years of my childhood, I remember getting lots of interesting advice and hearing sayings that still stupify me today!
My dad is now 72 and has Alzheimer's. I've gone from being terrified of him to being terrified FOR him. He is my hero and the man I look up to more than anyone else. I want to memorialize him in words for all the funny, sweet, sad, and sometimes irritating and mean things he's said and done during my life. My dad is not perfect but he is an original - he's always had a piece of advice for me and even today ends our phone calls with his words of wisdom. That's why I created this blog - to remember the words I could never forget.
Even though I was living on my own, my dad decided he knew what was best for me and thought he could keep me out of trouble. Yeah, I didn't have a car. But one of my friends did and we made that 4 hour drive and we picked up that boy....and got ourselves into a whole mess of trouble!
My dad has always been doing stuff like this to me "in my best interests". He really thought he was doing me a favor by taking my car. Or telling my friends I wasn't home when they called. Or greeting my dates in his pajamas.
Growing up with my dad was an interesting experience. I was the youngest of three daughters and a shocking surprise to my parents. My dad was nearly 38 when I was born - he already HAD one teenage daughter and another daughter just starting school. I'm pretty sure my parents thought they were done with babies. Actually, I KNOW they thought were since my mom found out she was pregnant at a pre-op appointment for tubal ligation. How's THAT for a surprise? By the time I came around, my parents were tired with a capital "T". My oldest sister was in high school and my other sister was barely 5. The last thing they needed was a baby.
My dad was an "over the road" truck driver, meaning that he went out of state and usually wasn't home every night. I don't remember alot about my early years (duh - I was a BABY) but I do remember my dad's deep and gruff voice. And of course over the years of my childhood, I remember getting lots of interesting advice and hearing sayings that still stupify me today!
My dad is now 72 and has Alzheimer's. I've gone from being terrified of him to being terrified FOR him. He is my hero and the man I look up to more than anyone else. I want to memorialize him in words for all the funny, sweet, sad, and sometimes irritating and mean things he's said and done during my life. My dad is not perfect but he is an original - he's always had a piece of advice for me and even today ends our phone calls with his words of wisdom. That's why I created this blog - to remember the words I could never forget.
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