Tammi's World

A Special Day

Today is a rather special day in our family. Oh, we don't make a big deal about it. Just a few phone calls, maybe pulling out a photo album or two. When I was younger and still living at home we would have a very nice dinner. Pot roast, with all the veggies and apple crisp. Served hot with ice cream. Every year. No matter what.

Today is my father's birthday. He'd be 76 this year. Wow. I have to be honest, having never been close to his family I have not seen his brothers and sisters age. I cannot imagine my father 76 years old. He was almost 42 when he died. Just a baby. Huh. I'm older than my father. THAT is kinda freaky, if you think about it.

I had a very special post in mind for today, but what I needed to pull it off is all still in storage. Maybe next year.

But as I sit here this morning, coffee in hand I just see a series of images in my mind.

A picture he colored when he was just a boy. Of a sailor, swabbing the deck. He always wanted to be in the Navy.

The look on his face when I would say something "typically tammi". The confusion, then the dawn of understanding. Ending one of two ways. Laughter or Lecture. (even as a youngster I came up with some real doozies)

Watching him work in the yard. The look of concentration, making sure everything was just right. The look of pride as we sat on the swing afterwards, surveying all that we had accomplished.

The sound of his laughter. Yes, 34 years later I still hear it.

Sitting on the floor by his chair, my puppy in the chair next to him. Eating popcorn and apples watching football. In my minds eye I can still see from that vantage point. How tall he was (he was really only 5'6") I feel small and protected. And lucky. Football, popcorn and my daddy. Three of my favorite things.

Happy Birthday Daddy.

Posted by Tammi at October 16, 2006 05:39 AM | TrackBack