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Sunday, June 15, 2008

Happy Fathers Day

Pop,

Growing up, I never understood some of the stuff you did and said. Like whenever you'd have to spank me you'd say "this hurts me more than it'll ever hurt you". I pretty much thought you were an ogre whenever you'd make me clean my room, feed the dog and horse, or mow the lawn.

It would aggravate me to no end when you'd come home at night and make me repeat whatever I did during piano practice or make me tell you what happened at school that day, even though I'd already done it for Mom. I could never understand why I had to go over my report card with you at the end of the week when you got home from your business trip, because Mom had already read me the riot act and I was pretty sure she'd relayed the happy news already.

In fact, from the time I was about 15 until I turned 22, I was fairly certain you were the dumbest man I knew.

It's amazing how smart you got that year.

Now? I know you did all that because you didn't want to miss a thing that happened. That even though you couldn't be there at the time, you wanted to experience it for yourself. I DID notice you never missed a game, practice, or recital I was in, even if you had to drive 4 hours from wherever you were to see it, then drive those same 4 hours back to work the next day.

I saw you standing on the sidelines at every baseball or football game I ever had, even if you were still in your shirt and tie because you didn't have time to go home and change. Thanks for riding my tail about a C on my report card and getting on me when I did a chore half way. I was always grateful that after travelling all week and then mowing the 2 acre lawn on Saturday, you always had time to have a catch with me that afternoon.

You taught me how to treat my wife with respect and dignity, as well as what NOT to say sometimes. I've had a hard time absorbing that lesson fully, I gotta admit. You always got the most upset at the stupid stuff I did, like dumping the grease from the chicken on the front lawn or throwing the GI Joes up at the ceiling, knocking paint all over the bath tub.

But you were always loving and understanding with the serious stuff, like speeding tickets, car wrecks, and some random girl breaking my heart. As much as I've tried, I can NEVER remember a day where you failed to say "I love you" to me, and that includes the last 15 years not spent under your roof.
I've strived to be the same type of Dad to my kids, although I know I'll never be as good at it as you.

Thanks, Pop, from me and The Stooges, for helping to make me the Dad I am today.



8 comments:

Krystle said...

Awwh cute post!

First. AWESOME shirt!

Second. What is Rakes DOING in the picture?!

Ted D said...

Thanks, Krystle.

He's being Indiana Jones, of course.

The boy is certifiable.

Tex said...

What is Rakes doing? Rakes being Rakes. Ted doesn't bother trying to hold onto him cos he'd slide out of his grip just like Coco slithered out of that pile during the Ray fight

Happy Fathers Day!

Ted D said...

Thanks, Tex.

I've given up on trying to control Rakes. It's like trying to control a hurricane.

Anonymous said...

My bad! I read your note to your dad and now I feel like a schmuck. From what I read, I must say you have a really great dad. Truly, you are blessed!

Ted D said...

Edge, not sure what you feel bad about, but I've got a great Dad. Have fun with the inmates today, and don't let Rakes fall out of the tube!

~**Dawn**~ said...

1. Where is the disclaimer that I would need a tissue for this post??

2. Now I see where Rakes gets it from. He isn't Rakes being Rakes. He's Rakes being Little Ted! ;-)

3. That photo of you with the stooges is *priceless*. Man does it sum up Rakes (or what I know of Rakes from reading about him anyway LOL)!

Ted D said...

Dawn, sorry. I'll warn you next time!

My Mom swears he looks just like I did at that age, Dawn. Supposedly I wasn't as "active" but he's definately my little boy. I really like the picture as well. Ang took it on the front porch last night. We take one every year on Father's Day so I can go back and remember what they looked like!