Saturday, April 9, 2016
Today is your 73rd Birthday Dad, normally I would be scrambling to figure out that best gift and fitting card that I know you would love to read word for word, line for line - you didn't want anything else from us, but you loved your cards. So I have made alternative arrangements to write my own special card to you today reminiscing all of our camping trips, the fish fries, the boil ups, analysis' of breads, playing games in Terra Nova and Butterpot which we have done for the last number of years with you, Mom and with many others - including Patty.
I have many wonderful memories of the past 47 years. Going in the woods with you Dad, tasting apple tobacco for the first time - saying Dad, give me a big piece now - and gagging when it hit my mouth, hitching a ride on the bob sleds (it's a wonder we aren't still in a tree top somewhere), eating the treats that would be packed for snacks and lunches in the woods,. One very clear moment I carry with me is the sound of the tires riding on the woods roads, moving along slowly between the humps and bumps and the crunch of the branches and earth beneath the tires. And that's probably why I used to sit for hours in your truck in the driveway, I must have worn the treads off of a dozen tires - you're old manual steering truck - I travelled a lot of country in that driveway, signal lights and all going.. Bringing in wood after school, ensuring the stove was in when you got home from work, which at times, yes Dad I did the unthinkable - I put oil on a rag because those freakin splits just didn't want to burn for me BUT I gotter goin! I remember many times going to work with you for many years - helping with your filing, down around the stock room and yes - looking in your desk drawers to see what nice pens you had. I even took a few test runs with you in the trucks and busses, which you ensured every sound and feel was supposed to be there and if not it had to go back in the shop again - #55 comes to mind. I remember when I got older driving in the Terra Transport parking lot - just stopping by in my old brown Chevette, proud as a peacock of who I was going to see there - My Dad! The one and only, who worked so hard all your life so that we could have those camping trips and jelly and custard on the table!! You truly were a man of great pride in every aspect of your life Dad - the way you dressed, how very meticulous you were in your his life and career - and always very punctual - never late for anything, always at least 45 mins to an hour before an appointment or time for work! Now, I wonder where I get a lot of my ways - from you Dad - my wonderful loving Dad - you were the best and will always be the best!
Dad I know life wasn't always easy having the 3 of us girls, me being the youngest, and according to Patty, the one that always had to have the last word - but boy you had the patience with us like no other. We had our ups and downs just like any other family - which in my mind, made us a true family, but through all of that, I believe it has made me the fussy, anal, punctual for work (I say specifically for work as I'm not always with things outside of work - usually flying by the seat of my butt) but a hard working person who is sometimes antsy as they say - just like you Dad - trying to ensure everything has it's place and everything is in its place.
Dad, last night Rod and I pulled up in the driveway to the house, it was airy at first, felt like time was standing still - looking at your car in the other driveway sitting there idly. Then I looked at the house and yes Dad we need to adjust those automatic timers as it's bright for a bit after the lights come on (we'll take care of that for you - don't worry) I'm pretty sure you guided me through the process as sick as you were a few weeks ago with the time change, if not, good old Jackie will help as you well know! And Dad I sat in your chair at the house, I knew you wouldn't mind, haven't used your mug though - it's still resting in its resting place. Dad you were a very proud and loving father, grandfather to our children - Halie and Chelsea, husband, uncle, and father-in-law - you have left each and every one of us with our own special memories that we will hold very close to our hearts until we rejoin you and Patty again! I'm certain Patty has a quaint little house with lots of flowers to perfection for you both, a special place where you can invite friends and family to your table for a meal I'm sure Patty will prepare quite well.
Dad I will miss your bright smile, your big blue eyes, your fun sarcasm, our scattered breakfast trips, the quick glances of you at A & W and at the Orange Store with your pride and joy where you would meet proudly with your fellow antique car friends and made many more friends when you posed the question 'Now where are you from?' and before you know it - you've probably spoken or introduced yourself to everyone on the parking lot - another great trait that I've been told you have given me. Thank-you Dad, I promise to always there for Mom, Jackie and Riley, I will always love and hold you in my heart.. XO Marilyn
