Yesterday, my father celebrated his 77th birthday. He looks pretty good, doesn’t he? He and my mother stay active, playing golf, walking and shopping. Yes, my mother turned him into a shopper. He’s quite a bargain hunter. If there’s a $100 golf shirt marked down to $15, he’ll sniff it out.
I inherited many of my personality traits from him. I pride myself on being a bargain hunter, I don’t pay full price for anything. Like my father, I’m quiet and reserved. I’m uncomfortable being the center of attention.
My father was never a fan of attention. I’ll never forget, driving to his retirement party, over twenty years ago. He said he felt like he was driving to his funeral. The thought of speaking in front of a hundred plus people, wasn’t on his bucket list, nor mine.
From my father, I learned the value of hard work. He came from humble beginnings, but worked hard to provide for his family. Growing up, I never knew exactly what he did in his position of Deputy Director for Civilian Personnel for the Army, but he left each day, before sunrise, always dressed in a suit and tie. After dinner, we’d gather in the living room and watch television. I have a vivid memory of my father sitting in his Lazy Boy. His briefcase always opened on the floor, and a pile of paperwork on his lap. He read and highlighted, nodding off to sleep now and then.
Many years ago, when my now twenty something nephew was around three-years-old, he described my father perfectly. As my father installed a ceiling fan for my sister and her husband, my nephew observed. After the job was complete, wearing a huge smile, my nephew looked at my father and said, “You’re a good guy Poppa.”
You are a good guy, dad, and anyone who’s ever met you will say the same. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me and our family. We love you!
Happy Birthday!
***On Monday, I received a call from Harlequin in response to the contest I’ve mentioned. I was offered a contract on my book. Needless to say, it’s a dream come true and I’m still digesting everything. In order to get the required revisions back to my editor, I’ll need to step away from Word Press. I’ll miss everyone, but I’ll be back. ❤
