I love my dad! He left this world too soon, but I have never stopped thinking about him and loving him for the great example he left me. Since he passed away when I was 14, many of the people in my life (husband, children, newer friends) didn't ever get the chance to meet him. So, working through my tears, let me tell you what I love about my dad:
He had a thing for cars (see above - his '51 Ford)
He LOVED to golf - but he loved me more ... he gave up a golf outing with a pro golfer to be at the hospital when I was born
He had a great sense of humor
His childhood nickname was Funnybook Funk
He gave me whisker burns all the time
He and I would watch M*A*S*H together
He was very smart - set a great example for me in school
He was also very artistic - my sister got those genes, though :)
The Boy looks a lot like him if you go to his baby pictures - it's so fun to see my dad in my little guy
He picked a really great mom for me
He fought a very debilitating disease for years
He let his pride down when his children (and we were literally children at the time) had to take care of him
He couldn't stand being "holed" up and would get out and enjoy the world any way he could
He was very likable
He got me started on my two most irritating "addictions" - computers and talk radio, I remember listeing to Art Bell with him!
He was part of the Engineers vs. the Forestry students rivalry at Utah State - his year was classic! (even nerds have fun)
He let me make fun of his small home town when I was a kid - Tre"rotten" - I was such a stinker
He loved my mom
He loved me, my sister and my brother
He loved his friends
He was a skier - this did not rub off on me, but I can appreciate his love for the sport
His goulash - uggghhh- again, hated it, but at least he kept cooking it regardless of me being such a picky eater
His desire to live kept him alive years longer than probably would have happened otherwise - I am so grateful he fought to live as long as he did
His desire to enjoy life despite his illness - he died while on vacation with my mom and their two dear friends Ron and Ruby
I have so many wonderful memories of him, I know I drove him a little crazy sometimes, but I never doubted his love for me. I appreciate the fact that I was left with as many memories of him as I have. He had a lot on his plate and he dealt with it all with courage and strength. I love him, admire him and miss him so dearly. I look forward to seeing him again someday!
I love my dad!
2 comments:
Jenny, that's such a neat thing to post. Your dad sounds like he was wonderful. He gave you some great things to pass along to your kids!
Okay, I cried when I read this! What an incredible man and a thoughtful tribute to him.
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