My Papa John

I was trying to think of the earliest memory I have of my dad. I can come up with one. You see, in the house I grew up in there is this 3 maybe 4 foot brick wallish divider between the entry way and the dining room. Often times we could see through the windows when people would pull into our driveway and then walk the length of the sidewalk to the door. When this person was my mom my dad would often scurry at the speed of lightning to crawl as close as he could to the other side of the brick wall while my mom was unlocking the door. He would often recruit us kids to crawl with him. Then as my poor distracted mother would walk in and take a right into the living area my dad would reach out and grab her ankle and us kids would RAWR as loud as we can. Needless to say my mom didn't like it! WE however LOVED it!

I also remember my mom and dad leaving notes for each other. Maybe they didn't leave notes, maybe it was just fathers day/mother's day/ birthday cards, but I remember that my mom and dad referred to my dad as "tiger". He would often sign his cards "love, Tiger". Even now as I type I can see a card on the kitchen counter in front of our old tan phone with the orange button used for dialing Granny with one touch (something my brother and I frequently did as children) and inside is a note from my mom with her very unique handwriting and she is addressing my dad as tiger.

Anyone who knows me knows that my memory is horrible. I don't remember a lot of things but I really cherish the things I do remember. I am grateful for fun times like that as a child and knowing that my dad loved my mom very much, especially in a time where most of my friends had parents that more and more were getting a divorce.

I remember that all I ever wanted was my dad's approval. I remember trying so hard to please him and make all a's and be the best because no one's approval meant anything to me other than his. I remember my dad making every single one of my dates come inside and talk to him for ten or more minutes before they could take me out. Even if the same guy took me out consecutively each and every time he would have to come inside and chat. I hated it at the time and looking back it makes me laugh. I love my dad. I love that he cared enough about me to know who I was dating and to convey to them that I was not to be messed with.

My dad has set the tone in my family. He has never been one for presents and in turn I have never really been one for presents. Instead of getting cash for all A's or getting a toy my dad would take us out to our favorite restaurant. My dad has always shown that it is acts of service or appreciation that matter more than an object. My dad recently came for a quick visit and when I tried to pay for a dinner he denied me. He called me up a few days later and told me how the way I was living my life was the greatest gift he could have. That meant so much to me because I knew he meant every word. The greatest gift my dad could ever get is to know that his children are living good lives and successful in what they do. While he may find interest in a new BBQ or the latest technological gadget he doesn't actually care one bit. He never has. I feel I have followed in his footsteps here and I think he is a great example. He isn't perfect, he never has been, but he is trying his best to be the best type of person he can. That is something really honorable. Just like I was seeking his approval as a child I feel I often do it now. I bear his surname and I hope I can honor it my whole life. I want to respect who I am because I respect who HE is. I know that there is no other man on earth that would love me as much as he does or that I could love as much as I love him. I am grateful HE is my father, and no one else.

I love you Dad!