As a little girl many years ago, I remember crawling up on my Daddy's lap. Although he was a busy man, he always made time to snuggle. It seemed as if he was able to make everything just right. Even as an adult, I am still very childlike when it comes to thinking about my Daddy. He is a wonderful father to me, grandfather to my children, husband to my Moma and great friend to many people.
I have had the opportunity to share many great times with my Daddy over the years. He has enjoyed his share of many different hobbies. As a family, we spent a great deal of time in the garden planting and harvesting the food we ate. I remember sharing a sun ripened peach with him at sunset right from a tree he planted in our yard. You could always count on sharing a watermelon in the summer too. Most evenings for supper we would have corn, okra and tomatoes...all from our garden. Oh, it seemed like we grew everything, but these were the most plentiful.
There was always a coon dog hanging around for him to take hunting. Sometimes, he would even take us with him. Once he and I made a dog house. He said, "Hold the nail, just like this." So, I did...Oh man! Did my thumb hurt! He spent many long hours cutting timber to provide for us. He worked all day loading the railroad cars with lumber and then would do side jobs cutting it just to make ends meet. I understand the pressure now as an adult that he must have felt having 3 hungry children at home.
I am so very proud to say that we are family, but most importantly, I am proud to say we are friends. I love to spend time just hanging out with him at the baseball games, football games, playing cards or just watching TV. One of his favorite things to do is have weekly trips to the different thrift stores all over. I think he knows where all of them are! This is a great way he and my mom get quality time alone together. Sometimes, my children or even I get invited on their journey. On these adventures, no matter what I have to say, he will listen. He always gives his opinion and tells you what he thinks, but he will still listen to your every word. He is my biggest supporter and also my biggest reality check. I may not agree or like what he says, but he is respected for his wisdom.
As time goes by, I remember the joy of growing up having a simple life without a lot of fluff. Things like the green telephone with the circle dial that hung on the kitchen wall. We were never allowed to talk on it much. Our family would enjoy playing softball, basketball or even volleyball in the backyard or down the street. My Daddy would hit the ball so hard! But then, he would pretend to run in slow motion giving us a small chance to get him out. There weren't any gameboys, computers, cable TV or even a Wii. We only got a few channels on the black and white set, but it always seem to play Hee Haw and Wild Kingdom, Little House or Waltons and yes...Wrestling. Oh boy when the big color console television came! We thought we were rich!
I could write and write and write about my memories, but this is enough for now. I will think of some more and post them soon! I love to hear memories from other people, so come on and share!
