Happy Father's Day to my own Dad( and to other Dad's reading this!)

Happy Father's Day Dad!

Dad, most all of my earliest memories include you. My very first one I can remember sitting on a lazy boy and sharing ice cream with you.

The other one, I was very little. I can remember your face looking up at me on a sunny day as you threw me in the air and caught me. I always felt so safe with you! I remember the 'flying saucers' before bedtime. Remember those? You would carry me up the stairs to bed and pretend I was the flying saucer. You would always top off the night with a kiss and a 'kitty' hug, you know, where you would meow as you gave me a hug, lol!

Perhaps my favorite was when you would take me every Friday when you got off of work to the Toy's R Us and get me the latest Strawberry Shortcake doll character they came out with. Geez, I am showing my age now huh?

I remember when you used to make my stuffed animals talk to me, that was hilarious! I remember 'Dino' telling me I was pretty even was I was an awkward 13 year old zit faced, brace faced wonder, lol! I remember you trying hard to gulp down that horrible dinner I made you that time, what was it? Watered down tuna fish with equally crappy made Rice A Roni? Yes, Going to Burger King was not a bad idea that night!

Dad, the bad memories are there too. I remember the hurt on your face when I made bad decisions and I am so sorry that I disappointed you there. Now I have my own teenagers and I have seen them mess up and I now know the hurt. Again, I am sorry.

I remember being rushed to the hospital when I had gotten toxic shock syndrome when I was 16 and had used those bad batch of tampons. Mom and Aunt Patsy took me as you felt very awkward. I remember the relief a little while later seeing you walk in my hospital room. I know you were as scared as I was even though you were trying to make as many jokes as possible to ease the moment.

Dad, I remember the last time you tucked me in. I was 18 years old and it was the night before I got married to Big Chad. Dad, I could barely contain my tears when I saw you crying as I took my wedding vows. I remember the sweet bond you formed with your first grandchild, Little Chad, and all the years between him and Korinne of being with my children.

I am so sorry I moved so far away when I got married to Tony. I am sorry you can only see Korrine bascially in pictures.

Dad, thanks for calling me everyday Krinny was in the hospital and just letting me scream and cry. I wish you could have been there. I was so afraid. But your prayers and the prayers of so many others got her through and I think she has our temper! LOL!

Dad, things have been kinda rocky with us these last several months. I am sorry that we differ so much on so many things. I wish I could have been the woman you wanted me to be but I just can't.

Even though you are becoming increasingly grouchy as you get older, I won't hold it against you and I promise I will take good care of you and Mom through your old age, even if it means you biting my tail off the whole time, lol.

Dad, thanks for being such a good provider and that at least from birth to 18, I got to know what it was like to grow up in privilege. I have been humbled with lifes experiences though.

Happy Fathers Day old man! I love you!

The Prodigal Daugther Wendy