Happy Birthday
July 2, 2009 
I wasn't going to do this today. I was going to avoid being sentimental at all costs. I was going to recognize the day, mentally, be happy that he was born, and move on. Have a nice little day. Definitely not get sentimental.
But when I came here to write a post, I realized that it just wouldn't be right to not dedicate it to my Dad, whose birthday would have been today.
As I've mentioned before, Dad passed away last October. Today, obviously, is the first birthday of his that he hasn't been here to celebrate with us. I sure wish that he was.
I'm realizing that grief is a crazy thing, heart-wrenching and beautiful all at the same time. Just when you least expect it, there it is. It takes you by surprise in moments where you wish that it would just go away, but it also ushers you forward and allows you to recognize what's going on inside.
However, I don't always feel sad when I think about Dad's passing. I always miss him, but the sadness isn't always the emotion that takes precedent. As time passes, it gets easier to think of who he was in life and be happy for that. In honor of his birthday, and in the interest of being happy for who he was, I decided that I would share with you some fun facts and favorite things about my Dad...
- He was the toughest yet most tender-hearted man I have ever known. He lost his temper more times than any of us would want to count. On the other hand, he was the first one to say how much we all meant to him, and did whatever he could for anyone who needed him.
- He loved cherry pie.
- He loved dogs and horses, and at several points in his life had way too many of them.
- He loved the color red. Bright red. Flame red.
- He loved chocolate covered peanuts.
- He had what we call 'Dad-isms'... These sayings that were unique either to him alone or to men of his generation. Sometimes it wasn't what he said so much as the way he said it. I wish I could share that with you.
- He always whistled at Mom and us girls when we got dressed up for something.
- He loved cherry pie.
- He loved chocolate covered peanuts.
- He played the concertina (kind of like an accordian) and loved old-time music. He and Mom formed a band (she plays the piano/keyboard) and traveled around to different events, functions and parades to play.
- He spent many summers traveling all over the state and sometimes farther to haul some of us kids to rodeos. He always liked to be involved. When I was in rodeo, he usually was the one running the gate.
- He loved to hunt and fish. Even when he was not feeling well enough to get out and walk the prairie and woods, he would drive around and scout things out for my brothers and nephews.
- He loved cherry pie and chocolate covered peanuts.
- He always said that if you wanted to see God, you should just look at the mountains and you would see the beauty of God's creation.
- He could tell a story like no one else, and he had a lot of good ones. Most of them were mostly true. ;)
Well, I suppose fifteen is enough for today. I've already far exceeded my quota of sentimentality for the day. Just one last thing, though... As I was writing I noticed that the word 'love' came up over and over... He did. He loved. And I'm so glad.
Reader Comments (8)
What a beautiful tribute. You are a lucky girl to recognize such gentle greatness. Some kids never do. My thoughts are with you on this day.
That's really sweet, thanks for reminding me!
This is a sweet post and tribute to your dad! Now I'm all teary and stuff... *sniff, snff*
What a beautiful tribute. Cherry pie and chocolate covered peanuts? My kind of guy. My dad loved spanish peanuts and pepsi. It's funny the weird little things that remind me of him. : ) I'm glad for it though.
Farmer Gal,
Your blog is amazing! I am a sister to an old roommate of yours in college. I periodically would check my sisters blog and then check yours - now I am addicted. I check yours every day. I have been doing this for months but tonight after reading your post I just an overwhelming urge to write to you back. Dad's are wonderful - sounds like yours was amazing. My heart goes out to you on his Birthday.
Hi Shelly! I remember you from 'back in the day'... I'm glad you enjoy reading! Thanks for leaving a comment and for your thoughts. It is amazing how the support of others when dealing with the loss of a loved one really does make a difference. I'm feelin' the love!
A precious tribute! I think all girls should be so blessed to have such a great Dad!
I never met your Dad, but he sounds like a great guy and is very missed and continues to be loved. Happy Birthday to him.