Ode to my Dad

"There's something like a line of gold thread running through a man's words when he talks to his daughter, and gradually over the years it gets to be long enough for you to pick up in your hands and weave into a cloth that feels like love itself." - John Gregory Brown

Every girl loves her dad. I know that. That is why y’all won’t understand how wonderful a man my dad really is because he is MY dad… you expect me to think he’s wonderful. Well, let me pretend for a minute that he’s not my dad…………….. yep! Still awesome. Ok. Let me brag for a bit.

I’ve known Raymond since I was born. Before I was born, I was only told tidbits about his life—a life that most people wouldn’t care to lead. He was the youngest of many children. He was orphaned at a very young age and was forced to split up from his siblings and spend the rest of his childhood in various foster homes. He was never adopted. You would think that a person who has had so much trauma in his life wouldn’t turn out ok. Well, my dad was just born a great person, I guess, because he turned out just wonderful!

My dad is so smart. I don’t remember his IQ, it’s somewhere in the 150’s I think... He can do anything that he sets his mind to. He can build ANYTHING, fix anything, solve any problem. He’s a whiz at the computer. He built a really cool calorie/fat/carb/fiber counting program for my mom when she was on a diet. You can ask him anything about science, he seems to know it. (or he fakes it really well, I guess I wouldn’t know the difference) When Greta had her “crazy hat” birthday party, he had to think up an unusual hat. (he marches to the beat of a different drum) He ended up connecting two hard hats with tops together so the hat could be reversible. He wrote “happy” on one hat, then “birthday” on the other hat. It was pretty cool.

My dad is so kind. He never thinks twice about helping someone. He’s nice to everyone he meets and never has harsh words for anyone. He is so honest and trustworthy and forgiving. He helps me a lot with the kids. When I was pregnant, he would carry Greta everywhere because he didn’t want me to lift her. He is always helping us with different projects we have. We are always borrowing his stuff. He doesn’t complain about that. He worries about all of his children and truly just wants them to be happy. I know my dad would do anything for my happiness. What comfort that brings me that I always have someone on my side.

Man, this guy is funny! He has quite a sense of humor. He is always laughing or joking about something. He’s very witty, and can make anyone smile. I remember when I was a little kid, he’d have some loud music playing in the garage, and when a song came on that was exciting, he’d dance for me. He’d kick his legs up real high like a Rockette. He’d sing out loud to the music or just mouth the words. He still does this. It’s pretty funny to watch.

My dad loves to eat. You wouldn’t know it by looking at him. (I’m a little bitter he didn’t give me that gene) I know that if I cook something up, he will be right here to eat it. I can see a sparkle in his eye when I mention that I made a pie or a cake. He’s got quite a sweet tooth. Lately, he’s loved experimenting with his cooking. He’s always making up some sort of concoction. They usually turn out pretty good, too. He’s a little obsessed with Spam and Dinty Moore Beef Stew. I find it pretty amusing. At the beginning of the summer, he clears out at least an entire shelf out of the freezer and dedicates it just for ice cream. Now, he doesn’t eat just a scoop or two… he eats a very large bowl and usually tops it with some Hershey’s syrup. Also in the summer, he comes over and picks a bunch of huckleberries and makes milkshakes out of them for everyone. He’s also a little obsessed with berries. (and now my kids are too, thanks :P) Last year he picked a lot of blackberries and made syrup and froze a bunch. He’s tried growing raspberries in his yard, but they didn’t do so well, so he comes over here when they are in season and stands at the bush pretending to help my kids pick them while he stuffs quite a few in his mouth. This year we are going to drive to west Yellowstone and pick a bunch of wild blue huckleberries. He is going to bring his truck so we can load them in the back. *sigh* That’s a lot of berries!

This man loves my kids. Well, I guess he loves all of his grandkids, but mine are next door. My daughter used to cry for Papa when she was sad or hurt. Now she likes to go over there in the afternoons and play. Papa lets her type on his computer or his calculator. He plays chutes and ladders with her. He plays with little dolls in the playroom. He gives her dried fruit and nuts. They have a grand time together. He seems to have a genuinely good time playing with them, too. I’m sure one of my kids most cherished childhood memories will be playing with Papa.

I guess I could go on and on all day about my dad. That’s what daughters do. But this time, I think my dad’s extra special in everyone’s eyes, not just mine. I am so glad to have been raised by such a good man. I know that I am the person I am today because of his example and unwavering support in all the decisions I made, whether or not he approved, he always stood by me. I look forward to spending the rest of my life as his daughter, and then all eternity with him and our family. I can only imagine the huge mansion* that must be prepared for that man in Heaven because of what a valiant life he leads – full of integrity, honesty, love and compassion.

*Read “The Mansion” by Henry Van Dyke, written in 1910. Good book.