A Remembrance

I have posted here about my Dad, but I just had a few more things to say.

Eleven years ago, today, he went to be with the Lord after having open-heart surgery.
Actually, he made it through the surgery but never could wake up. It was a heart-breaking time for our family.

Eleven years later, we have a different abnormal normal dysfunctionality, but we are still a family. A couple of members are, umm , gone but I won't get in to that.

Daddy was one of the funniest persons I have ever known. Very quick wit. Loved to laugh. I got that from him, as did Queen B and The Princess.

Another little trait he passed to us was STUBBORNESS. I know, I know. Hard to believe, but it is true.

I have seen Daddy argue with stoplights, maps, road signs and if he had had a GPS back in 1997, there would have been a cuss-fight with the direction woman. We call her Kathleen because she has a smoky,sexy voice like Kathleen Turner. OKAY, so you are too young to remember Kathleen Turner. Just go with me here.

Especially since our Kathleen doesn't always work perfectly and we end up at a Walgreens where there is supposed to be a car dealership. Another story for another day. Oh, the RAGE. It would have been hysterical.

Daddy was a common man. Self-educated by experience and hard work. I have seen few people with the work ethic he possessed. Most of those were WWII veterans.

I was so homesick when I first went to college, I called home EVERY MORNING begging to come home. Daddy would get on the phone and tell me the story about him going off to war and how seasick and homesick he got on the way to Europe and the two years he was basically out of contact with family. I listened and stayed.

As I became a parent, I realized that although the story was basically true, it had the element of "I walked 5 miles in the snow to school...without shoes." You know the story. The story did the job and I guess that was the purpose.

He's sat on the truckbed and talked to people with no teeth, education or much of anything else, and he has also been in the Oval Office joking with a POTUS.

If you still have your dad, give him a big kiss today or call him on the phone "just because" and tell him you love him. Please do this for me because I'm not able to.
If your dad has already passed away, think of him with a smile today.

There's just nothing like a Daddy and a little girl, even if she's grown.

15 comments:

Unknown said...

Beachy Mimi:

I don't still have my dad. We found out too late he had a rare lung disease. After his lung biopsy they sedated him so he would heal. Well when they took the sedation away he did not respond. We found out he was brain dead. I miss him still and it's been 8 years.

I pray everyone who still has their dad with them tells them how much they love him. Tell him specifically some good memories you have. Hug him and kiss him. I was privilged to be able to do that just an hour before my dad's lung biopsy. And I was privilged to be with him as he left his earthly dwelling for his heavenly one.

Love on your dads ladies while he's still in his earthly dwelling.

Heather said...

(((HugHugHug)))

Pattik said...

PeepOne here. From one Daddys
girl to another I understand as
you well know.
The new normal is just not normal.
But,we were very lucky girls to have had the Dads we had.
Humor, oh yeah you got his! Plus
you got his easy laugh which just
tickles me! He would be sooo proud
of you and I mean that!

Tracey said...

I still have my dad and I am so so thankful. Yes, I was spoiled and I love him dearly! God Bless!

a Tonggu Momma said...

Called the Colonel... as instructed. He is one of the few people on Earth who truly understand me. I adore him. And hugs to you on this day. Huge hugs.

Amy said...

what an amazing man and what an amazing heritage he left in you, queen b and the princess. great post, mimi!

Queen B said...

Great post. I will never forget him trying to cram a 45 speed record in my car cd player...

Wendi said...

Great post!
I am a Daddy's girl too.
I simply can not imagine my life without him.
So glad your Dad left that quick wit and humor with you and Queen B.
You are both hysterical.
((hugs))

Anonymous said...

What a sweet story. It made me cry. My dad is in the hospital right now with a possible blockage of the small bowel. He is 84 and I am so hoping he won't have to have surgery. We should know more tomorrow. Your story confirmed to me why I've been at the hospital nearly around the clock with him. Yep, nothing like a girl's daddy. Thanks for reminding me.

Anonymous said...

My DramaPond Daddy and I weren't close til I had kids- He luvs them so much- He is retired and helps me out with the kids a ton-
He usually takes me and one of the kids to lunch once a week- and he comes over and fixes stuff that needs fixin at my house! Luv him!
Good stuff Mimi!

Alicia said...

Oh, Mimi! This brought tears to my eyes. I, too, am a proud Daddy's girl. I'll tell anybody who asks that I'm still his little girl, even though I'm pushing 30. I've always said that any man can be a father, but it takes a very special man to be a daddy because there's a huge difference between a father and a daddy. I am so blessed to have a daddy. Thank you for sharing this with us, as difficult as it may have been for you. I'm going to give my Daddy a call right now.

Lisa said...

You are a lucky girl, Mimi, to have had a great Dad and have all these wonderful memories!

RR Mama said...

I still have my dad. We talk just about everyday. Even though I have been married for almost 11 years and have two boys of my own, I am still a daddy's girl! I am blessed he and I are so close. I will say extra prayers for you today.

Jules from "The Roost" said...

You are so right! It sounds like your dad was a wonderful man. Thanks for the reminder.

kristen said...

I love your blog (and Queen B's too). Today is my daddy's 60th birthday. I sent him your post this morning. He replied back, "Why did you make my cry on my birthday?" Very moving! Thanks for sharing!