I suppose if I were truthful, I would say that the longer we are separated from a actual event, the more idyllic the memories become. It’s Fathers Day, and we are all celebrating, and although my Dad lives five hours away, he is still in my heart.
My Dad may have been encouraged to take us kids with him on his Guy Days one time too many, but if he did, I never knew about it. Fishing, hunting, snowmobiling, we did it all.
And one too many trips to the local sporting goods store. Where all the guys would stand around for hours, and tell tall tales, each one topping the other.
“Dad, I gotta pee.” me crossing my 3 year old legs desperately!
“Just a minute, I’m about to explain the humungousness of the one that got away.”
The sound of liquid trickling into a yellow puddle on the floor, of course my Dad was the last to notice it and thought that the sounds of silence were just amazement at the size of the fish that got away.
Finally he noticed that no one was watching his arms spread wide, and all eyes were on the tearful little girl, awash in pee.
“OK, that’s it we are LEAVING RIGHT NOW.”
And you know what, I don’t think I ever had to go back there again.
So Dad, here’s to ages spent in the sporting good stores, the decades of sitting quietly in a wildly rocking boat in the middle of the ocean, without any vision of land, or fish.
For not throwing us out of the boat the first time we sobbed over a dead duck, petting it and calling it poor ducky. We know that all the other hunters were laughing at you.
For showing me how to hook a fish, and when to throw it back. Thanks for showing me how to shoot, even if I will never hunt.
For taking us on innumerable snowmobile trips, even when it was probably the last thing you wanted. And thanks for introducing me to the wonders of a frozen malted milk chocolate bar pulled from the back of a snowmobile’s trunk, a perfect accompaniment to reaching the mountain summit.
And thanks, for doing the best you could.
Happy Father’s Day, I love you.
Jen
J~
ReplyDeletebeautifully stated,,
perfect homage..
to a very loved Father!
warm sandy hugs..
Loui♥
Ha, ha. I have a pee story with my Dad too. Serves them right. Too funny.
ReplyDeletePoor ducky. I can imagine how good that chocolate bar was.
Great that you have so many memories with your Dad.
Jen, Dad's do their best and somehow we are able to find the love in it all. :-)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and memories.
That peach double is the one I wanted to buy.
ReplyDeletePatsy
Awwww, Jen, this made me cry, remembering fishing trips with MY dad...where I either fell into bogholes or caught more fish than he did or picked blueberries instead of fishing, but always, always had fun with him. What a wonderful tribute.
ReplyDeleteHunting, fishing, total boredom, and a bit of neglect. You said it well. I lived that childhood. I'm glad you can see past, I'm afraid mine messed me up too much.
ReplyDeleteGreat post, Jen. Thanks for writing it.♥
A dear departed friend once said to me: You did the best you could with what you had. And it sounds like your dad did even better. Beautiful words and gorgeous pics, my friend.
ReplyDeleteBrenda
sweet post....
ReplyDeleteand that is one creative way to get out of going somewhere :)
don't think i'll try it out at cabella's anytime soon though. lol
Oops - bet you guys have never let your dad forget that pee story!
ReplyDeleteDads are great, aren't they?
IS VERY GOOD..............................
ReplyDeleteSounds like you have some wonderful memories of time spent with your father, Jen! Poor little duck, I would have cried too. :-)
ReplyDeleteI just found you. I LOVE........the color combo of your blog. I'm a real sunflower kinda gal, too.
ReplyDeleteJo
Special post about your dad. Triggered a Hero story for me. I love your pictures as usual. You are so talented.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your Dad..thanks for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteA beautiful tribute, Jen!
ReplyDeleteThis brings back memories of my Dad standing up to pee over the back of the aluminum boat, while I'm squealing about not wanting to tip over.
ReplyDelete