If it's not obvious, he was trying to get my mom to pose for the camera. She was a hesitant participant.
It's funny to think what my parents must have gone through as they prepared for my arrival. They were young. My dad was 23, my mom was 21. He was in the Air Force, my mom was a stay-at-home wife. They certainly didn't take any classes or research nearly as much as Brent and I have in anticipation of our daughter's arrival.
My mom was not a comfortable pregnant woman. She had horrific morning sickness. Her 87-lb. frame probably freaked out once a baby was thrown into the mix. She craved steak and lobster all the time. And she made my dad quit smoking in preparation for my arrival -- a FABULOUS idea, if I do say so, especially since he never started up again.
I don't remember much of my youngest days, obviously, but I do know that my dad loved being a daddy.
He was kind and loving. He taught me how to find the fun in the mundane. He was silly and made bad jokes. He taught me to appreciate music, both as a musician and a fan. He passed down his love of food. He taught me that it didn't matter if I was the best in school as long as I tried my best. He also taught me not to sweat the small stuff, something I apply to my life every. single. day.
Five years ago today he was taken from us, but his spirit lives on in so many ways.
"A sweet thing, for whatever time, to revisit in dreams the dear dad we have lost." - Euripides
34 comments: