A repost because it's Fathers Day and some things change over time... but some things don't.
Today is my Dad’s 75th birthday. My siblings and I have had the privilege of watching our parents age gradually and gracefully. How truly blessed are we that they are young, active, vibrant, and fully participating in life, our lives, and the lives of our children every single day at 75. When I say participating I’m talking participating. From helping us all move into new houses, to heavy lifting and an all-day setup and teardown just a few weeks ago for their granddaughter’s wedding reception. To say they “show-up” is an understatement.
I’ve always proudly considered myself Daddy’s little girl. There is a spoiled side to that, I’ll admit. But it goes far beyond what money can buy. There is a confidence that goes along with that phrase that has always given me the unfailing knowledge that no matter what life has thrown at me, everything will always be ok. Somebody has always, always got my back. It dates back as far as I can remember. It doesn’t hurt that his approach to “fixing things” is identical to mine.
I’ve learned to approach life like my Dad. No problem is too big, no situation can’t be dealt with, no mountain too high (literally because we’ve driven up a few in a 4-wheel drive in a location I’m pretty sure we weren’t supposed to be). With the right attitude and a plan we can solve anything. There is a tactical approach to absolutely everything (at least in our eyes). If something needs to be figured out you can bet that there will be two people with a pencil and paper ready to make a list and figure out the answer and the thought of there being no solution is not a card on the table. That would be me and that would be my Dad.
The things that make him laugh make me laugh; the things that stress him out, stress me out; for every time he’s washed a car I’ve vacuumed a rug. We love the ocean, discussing religion (ok he really doesn’t), and a good political (usually friendly) debate. We even equally value a really good night’s sleep where the earlier it starts the better it is.
Everyone has those memories that stick from childhood. I try to block out the times I was thrown into the pool, but remember a trip we took into the city to see the circus in the little VW bug, the Christmas he built me a life-size play house with Christmas lights hung above; a month long cross country van ride taking plenty of back roads, a lot of driving well before my 16th birthday, and lots and lots of laughter.
So many adventures like when the two of us almost sank our brand new boat trying to get out of the way of the barge heading right for us in the Willamette River (not really, but we thought so for a fleeting moment when our lives flashed before our eyes). It was getting dark and we shouldn't have gone (Mom was right), but we were so excited to get it on the water that we just couldn't wait. Adventures: Good ones, funny ones, scary ones... But always adventures.
I have always told my kids that when the family splits up to do different things always follow Grandpa. Where Grandpa is going, you will find the most fun. I’m going to turn 50 this year and I’m still always going with my Dad – because it’s always going to be the most fun. I sure hope when I’m 75 my kids feel the same way about me. I know they feel that way about Grandpa. He’s a pretty cool guy!
Happy Birthday Dad!
Thanks for 50 years of being Daddy’s little girl.
Love You!
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