HAPPY FATHERS DAY

Today I celebrate my father (that's him in the picture above)...a man whom I admire and love deeply. Not so much for what he has accomplished in life. But because he is a good, decent man...an encouraging father...and a loving grandfather. Beyond the evening walks around the neighborhood when I was growing up, the annual celebration of the first snowfall where we would watch together no matter the time of day or night, the little league practice (I forgive you for the baseball in the face), the driving lessons, the furniture building in my first apartment, the daily Pizza Hut lunch runs during my accident recovery, the jubilant welcoming of my husband into the family, the cat-sitting (all 6 of them), the hidden $20 bills, the grammar lessons, the technical Q & A's, the...

Beyond that and more...my "dad" is the one I know I can turn to no matter what. He does not judge (although sometimes he shakes his head in disappointment). He'll listen, offer advice only when it is requested, and be there in full support. He's the technical type, and I think it pleases him that I now have a MAC (he was an Apple aficionado from the beginning) and know what HTML stands for. Not an outwardly emotional man, I know that he loves me even if he doesn't say it. I can see that he is proud...by the twinkle in his eye. After he read my book PRETTY LITTLE THINGS he called me to tell me his favorite page was 89. Mine, too.

I love the type of relationship we have. There's a silly bantering from time to time. Like when he told me I was a mutt...made from many different European heritages...and that my butt came from the Polish side. Or when he moved our entire family from Nashua, New Hampshire to Portland, Oregon because he read that Portland was "one of the safest places to live" according to some book. Years later, Money Magazine came out with a list of the best places to live in the U.S and Nashua, New Hampshire was #1. Well, I bought that magazine, circled #1 in red, and wrapped it up to give to him. He chuckled.

That's what my dad does. Chuckles. And hums while he eats. And eats all his dinner before he has one sip of a tall glass of milk to wash it down. And reads stories to my children as they sit on his lap. And collects hats (especially those in Dobbs hat boxes). And watches the news endlessly. And golf. I never quite got the news-watching until now...as I must have inherited that gene along with the Polish butt gene from my dad.

So today I celebrate my dad. For all the things he is...especially the little things! And it is the little things that mean the most. Dad...I love you...today and every day.

XOXO

I also want to celebrate another father (and son). Tim Russert of Meet the Press passed away Friday. I'm not a big political follower, so what I know of Tim Russert mostly is that he celebrated the relationship between fathers and their children. Last year, on Father's Day, I gave my father a special hard-bound autographed copy of his book WISDOM OF OUR FATHERS. This year, it is Tim Russert's first book BIG RUSS & ME. As I watch the coverage of this man, I come to see what a good, decent man he was. An honorable American. A respected journalist. A loving husband, father, son. He has always reminded me of my dad...the constant smile and rosy cheeks and general happy disposition. In my family, when we try to explain something that is going awry, we just say "Florida Florida Florida" (after the 2000 election coverage by Tim Russert). I am heartbroken for his family and friends that it is on Father's Day weekend that he passes away but know that he has left a legacy that inspires me and many, many others.

Comments

[amy]

Im so glad I just saw your post about Tim Russert. With the election coming to an end (finally) in a few days I can't help to think about Tim and how much he inspired me to be more intuned with all that is going on, but wondering why someone so passionate about this election was taken away from it all? I have to think that his sudden passing was in part to make so many people like me pay the attention that he would have wanted us to.I know he'll be watching Tuesday night!

[amy]

Im so glad I just saw your post about Tim Russert. With the election coming to an end (finally) in a few days I can't help to think about Tim and how much he inspired me to be more intuned with all that is going on, but wondering why someone so passionate about this election was taken away from it all? I have to think that his sudden passing was in part to make so many people like me pay the attention that he would have wanted us to.I know he'll be watching Tuesday night!

[Jane Foster]

Love the sharing of "Dad" memories as well as Tim Russert comments. Loved how my Dad sang "An Irish Lullaby" to me when I was sick, brought me oversized strawberry ice cream cones from the Brooklyn candy store & mostly how much he made me feel loved. Miss you Pop!
Thanks Sally.

[Linda Cain]

I could not have said it better. Tim will be missed by so many, when civility needs to take center stage. The tribute to him was unbelievable.
Linda Cain

[Sheila]

Hi Sally, beautiful post. I'm so glad you have a wonderful Dad, and sounds like a great childhood. Hope you're enjoying the summer! Miss ya!

Sheila

[Ally]

Thanks for the lovely post, SallyJean.

I, too have a great relationship with my dad. We are lucky. This was a very special father's day for my beautiful 22-year-old daughter, who up until now, did not have a relationship with her father. But she finally got the courage to call him and confront him and I'm happy to say that they are in the process of healing their 22-year- old wounds.

Now, like the others, it's up to my studio to see what's on page 89! (you would think I would have it memorized by now!)

P.S. Rest in Peace, Tim Russert. You were a champion among men.

Blessings,
Ally

[kristine]

really touching- it seems you inherited your kind heart from him as well...a lovely post- kristine

[Diane Duda]

What a wonderful post.
And, of course, now I need to go downstairs and check out page 89. :)

xo
Di

[Joy at Cupids Charm]

Hi Sally! I really enjoyed your sweet post. Your dads baby picture is DARLING...I see you in his eyes. I also loved those ruby red lips he is sporting in that photo!! I have a little niece with those naturally dark lips. I'd give anything for those! And such a lovely tribute to Tim. Life is so precious and beautiful if you take time to see it. Losing someone so quick just makes you appreciate life in a way that makes you want to take a moment to breath and hug the ones you love a little extra close. Thanks for such beautiful post. ~ hugs ~ Joy

[Carrie West]

Wonderful post! Amazing dad!!!!~

[Cheryl Simpson]

What a beautiful message to your dad! I hope he calls to tell you how much he enjoyed it too. Tim Russet will be missed too.
I need to not look at your blog everyday cause it never fails...the day I don't look on it you add something...so if I don't look you'll write more! *wink*
MWAH!

[Prairie Home-Sherry]

Sally that was truly beautiful what you wrote about your Dad...it reminds me of my Dad very simular in so many ways..
We are blessed!!

[Cindy Dean]

Great Post. You are lucky to have that kind of relationship with your dad. Treasure it.

[Julie Prichard]

I am so happy that you mentioned Tim Russert... I can't stop thinking about his smile and enthusiasm for things that we usually take for granted... a true inspiration..someone said "We lost the quarterback today" regarding his death and I agree. Great post.