Sunday, June 16, 2013

Dad's day

I hope all the dads out there had a wonderful Father's Day today.  I thought maybe I would take a moment to describe some of the reasons why my dad is so special to me. 

First of all he is so much fun.  He has a great sense of humor (much like my own!)  We often call each other when we hear a new joke or have a funny story to tell.  

He drives my 4 year old daughter to school every day and seriously loves doing so.  He says it is the highlight of his day and I believe him.  They love their drives together looking for animals, spotting signs, taking new roads with funny names.  and chewing gum (lucky kid!)

Now this brings me to a point more relevant to this blog.  Both of my parents have had to help me out quite a bit with transportation throughout my life.  Neither of them ever make me feel bad or like a burden for this.  They go out of their way to help me (and others) in so many ways.
I remember in high school when I used to work till midnight and my dad would pick me up.  I was always hungry (which meant cranky was soon to follow)  and we would stop at the Burger King drive- thru for an "emergency burger." It didn't matter if he was exhausted...he would never let on that he was.

Parents of children with disabilities or special needs, definitely have to adjust in different ways than other parents do.  I know people who complain about having to drive a woile town away to pick up a family member; and it surprises me to hear these complaints because I never heard them from my family.

My brother was also always willing to drive me when he got his driver's license and had his cool old AMC Concord or Eagle or something.  He was 2 years ahead of me and would drive me to school even if it was just to drop me off on days that he was skipping! :)

Anyway, as a kid, my eye doctor appointments were obviously not fun and lasted the whole day.  I would see several doctors and there would be all sorts of tests.  One in particular would entail sitting in a dark room for a while with things that reminded me of suction cups in my eyes.  My mom and dad would stay in the room with me and talk to me and my dad would act silly and tell jokes to keep us all in "good" spirits.  They would sit in the room while I struggles to read the chart.  this was no doubt heart breaking for them...

My dad is the perfect combination of goofiness and professionalism.  When around kids, he is like a magnet.  He has a wonderful imagination and children gravitate to him.  Much like a jungle gym!
But I would guess that people he works with have no idea of this side of him because he had his business-like demeanor that naturally invites respect and admiration from others.

He has always been extremely supportive of me and is a voice of reason when I need one. His motto "Don't sweat the small stuff" sticks with me all the time even though I am not as good as following it.

I could go on and on but you get the point.  I am a lucky girl!

Love you Dad!

2 comments:

Mary Jane's Playcare said...

Love you too, Pumpkin.

I am such a lucky dad. I thank God every day for all the blessings he has given me, especially the blessing of a wonderful family.

I am so proud of you and the way you have dealt with your disability. You are a great daughter and a great mother.

Dad

Mary Jane's Playcare said...

Love that picture of you and Dad, Heather. Your article was such a tribute to him! Just remember " Don't sweat the small stuff"! Love you, Honey. Do very proud of you!
Love, Ma