On January 22, 2022, my Dad died. My theme, “Letters to my Dad” is based on random thoughts about him and the aftermath of not having him around anymore.
Hey Dad,
While so many people try to hide or deny their odd quirks and habits (including me), you never did.
You owned them all loud, proud and didn’t give a care who made fun of them.
Like how you used to drink soda out of a kitchen measuring cup whether you were just really thirsty or not. Even the grandkids would make fun of you with, “Grandpa, why not use a regular glass?”
Your answer with a laugh ? “It’s the biggest cup around here and mind your own business.”
When I would nag you to trim those wild and wayward ear and nose hairs, you would give me a big grin and, “What’s the problem? Don’t I look pretty this way?”
I used to be embarrassed as a kid when you would literally fall asleep anywhere and everywhere if you sat around too long. At a recital, at play, a (not old) movie. Or even in the car while you waited for me when it made no sense for you to drive back home during my piano lessons.
Your joke was always that you weren’t sleeping – “I’m thinking with my eyes closed.” 🙂
Unless your nodding off was punctuated by a variety of snorts in public, I quickly gave up on the embarrassment and rolled with it.
Dad, I’ve been taking pages out of your book and have been embracing what makes me uniquely me. Bad points and good points.
And these days on the not-so-rare occasions I may nod off at a family gathering, I simply say that I was thinking with my eyes closed. 🙂
Loving you always,
M xoxo