Cindylu asked us in what ways do our fathers rock?There are so many ways. Some big displays of love and some very small. If you are familiar with the book The Five Love Languages, then you will understand that I am a total quality time person. Nothing says love to me like just hanging out with me, spending time, working alongside with me. That being said, I love it when my Dad just comes over to visit. Even if we don't have plans to do anything special except sit at the kitchen table. He usually comes over and I make lunch for him. That makes me happy.
It's bittersweet, this love language preference. I guess what you lack as a child, you desire as an adult. Since my parents divorced when I was seven, time was always what I craved of my Dad. I didn't always get it, which is probably why it seek it out now. To this day, if I know Dad is coming, I incline my ear for his big Dodge truck, his whistle for me, for him calling out, "Toots!"
So what is special about my Dad? He is one of the most nonjudgmental people I have ever met. I feel like I can talk to my Dad about anything and he won't condemn me or judge me. Dad has a love of music and art, which I have wholeheartedly carried on. He has a very twisted sense of humor...and I think I can proudly claim that one, too.
Just yesterday as I was talking to him on the phone, I was explaining how I called up my grandfather to wish him a happy father's day at almost nine in the morning, and I apparently woke the grands up. They were still asleep. I was surprised.
"I thought old folks got up at the crack of dawn! It took them forever to answer and I could tell that Nana didn't even have her teeth in yet."
"Well, maybe she was giving Tata an early Father's Day gift and you interrupted!"
"Well, that explains why she didn't have her teeth in, then."
Now that was funny.
One of the greatest things I think my Dad taught me was to treat others as I would like to be treated. Although Dad never really espoused a religion, that is an exact teaching of Jesus Christ. And it's one I have carried with me over the years. I haven't always followed it or practiced it, but I certainly believed it.
There are some good things that have happened with my Dad becoming an old dude. Aging has definitely suited his parenting skills. Perhaps all that is needed is reflection. But he is in a good place in his fathering right now. No matter how old I am, he will always be Dad. And I will always be Toots.
Happy Father's Day, Dad.
