Today my Dad turns 70 years old. That's right, 7-0. Growing up, my two closest friends did not have their Dad's in their life. As an adult, many of my friends now have lost their Dad's due to illness. I know how truly lucky I am to have my Dad in my life for the last 35 years.
As many of you know, my Dad is a Vietnam Veteran. Many years after he served, he began therapy to help with his PTSD and other illnesses he has suffered as of a result of what he witnessed and was exposed to at war. He struggled with alcohol (he has been sober for years). He struggled with feeling as though he was never there as a parent to myself and my two brothers, or a very good husband to my Mom. I think that last one is the hardest for him to deal with.
Growing up, I remember both my Mom and Dad always being there. They both went through hard times (don't we all), but I never once doubted how much they loved me. Never.
Here are a few things I remember about growing up with my Dad, in no particular order.
- When I was a baby my Dad had a beard and a mustache and one day he shaved it and I was terrified of him (I don't know if i remember this or someone told me the story, but it is hilarious).
- My dad would get up very early to go to work, but when he came home I would often sit with him on the porch while he'd take off and shake off the sawdust from his boots (he was a carpenter).
- Every time he farts (to this day) he yells "pick that up!" One time Nick accidentally yelled "put that down!" and we still laugh about it (I am dying laughing just typing this).
- His silly birthdays, where my Mom would often make him a cake or buy a cake (I don't remember which) and we would cut up little bits of paper and throw "confetti" at him that would often stick in his bits of hair.
- Walking around the mall with him and my Mom, while my Mom would buy a few things- he was the best bag holder, haha.
- Playing with friends at the playground when he would play softball with the guys (maybe a 40 and older league?)
- When I was in high school I played volleyball and he never missed one my games. Ever. He even took a tiny ferry to get to Shelter Island Pierson school when we had a game there.
- When Nick asked for my Dad's permission to marry me he said something along the lines of "I'm not losing a daughter, I'm gaining a son."
- When I went for a wedding dress fitting, he came along and was the only man in the store. When he saw me in my dress, he hid behind a rack of dresses because he had tears in his eyes and he didn't want to be made fun of by the ladies there (and he was, in a nice way).
- The day of my wedding, the first time he saw me in full bride mode, is a moment I will never forget. Talk about emotional. I started cracking jokes to keep him (and myself) from crying. Two of my bridesmaids had lost their Dad's (one very recently) and I can't imagine how emotional it was for them as well. I will never, ever, ever forget that moment.
- At my wedding, we danced to Isn't She Lovely by Stevie Wonder. It's a pretty upbeat song and we danced and swirled and "bopped" all around the dance floor. It was truly wonderful and every second was simply awesome.
- When I gave birth to Nicholas, it was a bit scary and I had to call my parents to tell them I would be ok. They arrived about 6 hours after Nicholas was born and I remember just looking at them both as they stared in awe at Nicholas. Another one of those moments I will never forget.
- My dad doesn't always feel that great health wise, so the moments and adventures he is able to have with Nicholas when he feels well are truly amazing to watch. My Dad loves Nicholas and Nicholas loves Grampa and I'm so grateful and thankful that they know one another.
Here's to you Dad- thank you for everything you have done and continue to do for all of us. We love you so very very much.
Here are some of my pictures of my Dad throughout the years. In no particular order because my computer is driving me ca-razy today. :)
