5 years ago today, my dad lost his battle with cancer. It is hard to believe it has been that long. It is harder to believe all the things he has missed. I would like to think he is looking down on me so proud of what I have accomplished. Even though he wanted me to be an Architect he would laugh to know sometimes I am smarter than them anyway :)
As some of you know I usually have a nice steak or a really good beer on my dad’s anniversary. I am flying to Jacksonville today so I am thinking this year it will be a beer in the airport. As I toast to my dad, using what will probably be a $20 beer, I will remember the good times like these….
Flying kites at Folly Beach - Me with my K-mart plastic Octopus kite and my Dad with his professional 5 Decker kite. Hey, but mine was pink and that was all that mattered at the time.
Sailing on our Catamaran. - Especially the time my mom was on the ship while my dad and I were swimming. She leaned on the sail and a gush of wind came, and there went the boat. Back then my parents use to tie me to the boat with a long rope. I would float in my life jacket and get dragged by the boat. This was probably before they had “tubing,” hey ghetto fabulous. Use what ya got. Anyway….so here is the boat sailing off with my Mom alone on it, me being pulled behind it and my Dad trying to swim and catch it. Ah fun times.
Helping smoke the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. - I was always in charge of soaking the wood. Very important business when it comes to smoking.
As some of you know I usually have a nice steak or a really good beer on my dad’s anniversary. I am flying to Jacksonville today so I am thinking this year it will be a beer in the airport. As I toast to my dad, using what will probably be a $20 beer, I will remember the good times like these….
Flying kites at Folly Beach - Me with my K-mart plastic Octopus kite and my Dad with his professional 5 Decker kite. Hey, but mine was pink and that was all that mattered at the time.
Sailing on our Catamaran. - Especially the time my mom was on the ship while my dad and I were swimming. She leaned on the sail and a gush of wind came, and there went the boat. Back then my parents use to tie me to the boat with a long rope. I would float in my life jacket and get dragged by the boat. This was probably before they had “tubing,” hey ghetto fabulous. Use what ya got. Anyway….so here is the boat sailing off with my Mom alone on it, me being pulled behind it and my Dad trying to swim and catch it. Ah fun times.
Helping smoke the turkey for Thanksgiving dinner. - I was always in charge of soaking the wood. Very important business when it comes to smoking.
Lighting fire works on the 4th of July. - We would drive up to the local fire works stand at the last minute to get the best deals. My dad would go all out when it came to fire works. Roman candles, sparklers, cherry bombs, and we always had a big finale. I would light my sparklers and eat boiled peanuts while he did the show.
Jamming on Saturdays - My dad had the best vinyl collection and stereo system. At least for back in the day. He would open all the windows and doors of the house and blast classic rock and roll. He would sit out in the back yard beer and cigarettes in hand and I would play with my dog Mickey. I remember listening to Steve Miller Band, CCS, The Who and The Cars. Back then I could care less but, now any classic rock song makes me think of my Dad.
Body Surfing and Boogie Boarding at the beach. - He was always better. I tended to surf at the bottom of the ocean if you catch my drift, but I eventually got the hang of it.
Riding bikes in Forest Lake subdivision. - Only my Charleston peeps will know about this. I grew up on a street not really in a subdivision so if you wanted to ride bikes more than up and down the street you had to venture out. My Dad on his 10 speed and me on my pink and grey bike with the banana seat and streamers. I eventually upgraded but this is the time I remember most.
None of us are perfect in this world and although time does not heal all things, remember that family is still, and always will be family. My Dad was far from perfect but these are some of the good things I remember. This is how I will remember my Dad when he is not here for experiences in years to come. I will remember the good times and remember my Daddy who would tuck me in and tell me to “Dream Angels.” I love you Daddy and hope you are having a beer today too.
Body Surfing and Boogie Boarding at the beach. - He was always better. I tended to surf at the bottom of the ocean if you catch my drift, but I eventually got the hang of it.
Riding bikes in Forest Lake subdivision. - Only my Charleston peeps will know about this. I grew up on a street not really in a subdivision so if you wanted to ride bikes more than up and down the street you had to venture out. My Dad on his 10 speed and me on my pink and grey bike with the banana seat and streamers. I eventually upgraded but this is the time I remember most.
None of us are perfect in this world and although time does not heal all things, remember that family is still, and always will be family. My Dad was far from perfect but these are some of the good things I remember. This is how I will remember my Dad when he is not here for experiences in years to come. I will remember the good times and remember my Daddy who would tuck me in and tell me to “Dream Angels.” I love you Daddy and hope you are having a beer today too.
4 comments:
I think I need to be on meds too...you kinda made me tear up a little! Sorry you're weekend didn't go as planed!
Sorry...last post was from me...Michelle...up in buffalo.
p.s. the cold came back rather quickly after you left!
I substituted the beer for a lemonaide from chick-fil-a, but I was still thinking about you and your dad. I'm really bummed that you couldn't make it to Jax. Damn wind. We'll make it work eventually. Addison said Happy Valentine's Shann-a. Love ya!
I loved hearing these stories about your Dad and am so glad you published a post in honor of him. I had a steak and a beer last night, does that count? I was thinking about you on my drive back from Sugar Land to Austin a few hours ago. I know your Dad is proud of you!
xoxo
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