Happy Birthday, Dad
Sep 03 '00 (Updated Oct 15 '00)
I went home for my dad's 57th birthday yesterday. Funny how I still call the comfy wooden house on Spruce Street "home", seeing as I haven't been a permanent resident there in almost a decade. As I pulled into the driveway, childhood memories came flooding into my mind.. and I knew immediately why this was still "home".
My father drives a truck for Exxon, has for over 15 years. Before that, he drove long-haul grain.. mostly to Alabama and Tennessee. Perhaps not the most lucrative of occupations, but that's one thing my dad taught me: Find a career you like.. rewards run deeper than money.
As I look back over the years, I realize that my father has instilled many values in me simply by the way he lives his life. He was never one to "buy" affections, nor give in to what was 'popular' if he didn't deem it right. He would give up anything, at any time, for anyone. Not for personal recognition, but because he would think it was the proper thing to do.
Dad was always ready to spend time with me and/or my younger sister. I often wondered if he regretted not having boys; I shouldn't have worried. Just yesterday he told me how proud I had made him over the years. I think he was secretly pleased to be the only man of the house. It's no surprise, though, that I love to catch minnows in a ditch, play in the dirt, and climb trees! I can also catch a lightning bug quicker than I can count. And, because of him, I really do know how to shoot a basketball. I did not say shoot accurately, though.
Yesterday, my dad and I took an afternoon drive in his 'new to him' pickup truck. One, he says, that runs just well enough to get him in to work and home again. One he had to purchase when he sent the nice family car to college with my sister. We had stopped to turn around on an old farm road when I suddenly exclaimed, "I know where we are!" He just smiled and said.. "I was wondering if you'd recognize it." We were on the very same road that he and I walked together every summer Saturday years ago, in our quest to find green turtles and throw rocks at an occasional snake.
Those times seem so far away from me now, yet the mental pictures I have of those days are surprisingly clear. My dad.. being silly by counting his chocolate candy in case mom tried to eat one. My dad.. walking around the block with me when everyone else was busy. My dad.. doctoring my hurt kitten even though he swears he despises felines. My dad.. teaching me how to drive the old "Blue Goose".. a 1980 Ford Fairmont that was finally given up for dead only last year. Would you believe my sister and I both shed a tear over that broken down car? Would you believe we actually stripped it of its metal decals before dad drove it away? Believe it. They're in the side pocket of my purse.
My father taught me so many subtle values that I can only hope my children will learn and utilize when they enter this life. Basically, he taught me how to enjoy life.. in a simple way.. and that is very important indeed.
Happy Birthday, Daddy.. share those Hershey's kisses with mom, okay?
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Epinions.com ID:
Teach2755
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Member: Lisa
Location: Jonesboro, AR
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About Me:
I'm a half-crazed sixth grade teacher who's ready for summer. Enough said. :)
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