To Dad With All My Love
I remember my Dad driving me from house to house on my paper route when it was cold outside, and sometimes when it wasn’t that cold, but I just didn’t feel like working that day.
He taught us how to swim by throwing us away from him and we’d have to dog paddle back while wearing our red arm bands.
While my Dad drove me to the hockey rink or swimming pool in the mornings before school, I’d put my fingers in the car heater vents to stay warm.
And he’d tie my skates when I couldn’t get the laces tight enough because my skates had to be just right.
One year, Dad took us through Arizona and Utah to Disneyland even though we couldn’t afford it.
And we had to stay in after supper from Sunday to Thursday to do our homework.
Dad helped us with our homework and our speeches. And gave us all a kiss before he headed for work each morning at Crescent Valley School.
And when we were teenagers, I know he worried about us.
He loves Petula Clarke songs which makes Mom a bit jealous and I remember he said his favourite song is ‘Cool Water’ by a country singer.
I used to like listening to his Gene Pitney record over and over.
When I was younger, I asked him why he retired before 65 since he was only going to make $30,000 a year from his pension. Dad said he didn’t need more than that. Now I understand that time is much more important than money.
My Dad loves his garden and starts planting under hydroponics in February. Growing up, my job was to take the compost to his garden each night.
Dad also takes care of the Church garden and plays piano for the Church choir.
My Dad is a great teacher and I hope to be a good teacher, too, by emulating him.
