What do you remember most about your dad?

     What do you remember most about your dad?  I am trying to remember one fond memory of my dad-a day that stands out and up against every other memory of my dad.  My dad is still alive, so when I say memory I just mean times passed that I have spent with him.  So here is the thing:  I can't really remember one completely amazing moment because we had SO MANY wonderful ones.  I guess I am just having trouble picking just one.  From my childhood I remember him pulling my brother and I on the sled in the snow-covered street infront of our house and going camping with him and mom.  I remember the way he would smell of oil after work, and I remember him carrying me into the house at night after he and mom picked us up from our grandparent's house after he and mom had a date night.  Sometimes I pretended to be asleep just so he would carry me in.  I remember the smell of his Old Spice as he hoisted me into his arms and carried me up the steps of the house.   I remember being at the Twin Islands camprground for weeks at a time with mom and Michael while dad was home working so that we had such wonderful places to go.  I remember him getting up to the country house and greeting him with a hug and kiss and saying:  Do you have any quarters?  My brother and I always hit him up for quarters after we had tapped mom out.  Looking back on it now, I wish I had been less of a teenager, and more of a daddy's girl who would just sit with him a while and tell him I missed him (because I did).  I remember him taking me to a daddy and daughter dance-He was so handsome and such a great date.  I wish all boys measured up.  I remember dancing with him at my wedding.  We cried the whole time-it was terribly sweet.  I remember him holding my son for the first time and how the water just welled up in his eyes.  I remember the time he yelled at me and I peed my pants--one of the very very very few times I was ever yelled at by him.   I remember the times when he wanted to say something--but never did, out of respect for me.  I remember how proud he was of me each time I graduated and I remember feeling happy that I had always had his love and support.  I remember the times when he DID speak up on my behalf and I remember the way the boy NEVER looked my way again.  I remember Dad today with all of the love in my heart and I thank God that I still have him in my life.  I thank God for the wonderful relationship we have and will always have.  I pray that each person who reads this takes the time to remember all of the big things and the little things about their dads EVERY DAY and that you remember to tell them how precious they are to you. 

     For those of you have lost dad, always remember the good times and don't dwell on the bad (if there are any).  In Heaven all things are forgotten and all are forgiven.  There are no grudges, and no hard feelings.    Memories keep our loved ones close and they are always with us.  Take the time to talk to your dad-he will listen. 

     Let us all remember the dads who are fighting for our country overseas and who will not be able to see their children for Father's day.  I pray that they come home safely and soon to the loving arms of their families.  

      Happy Father's Day to all.    I love you Dad.  Love, Cheryl