People in my life (1)

[netpositive]

My dad is a wonderful person.

My dad has many laugh lines on his face,
and often a smile or a joke on his lips.

My dad gave me the ability to laugh and
look at the positive side of things.

My dad has wiry, wavy, now white hair that
always looks like it's considering escape,
no matter how much he brushes it down.

My dad gave me his mother's hair. ;)

My dad has soft, medium brown eyes that,
even in a picture at age 8, give one the
impression that he's going to raise hell
once in a while - in the nicest of ways,
of course.

My dad gave me a twinkle in my expression
that no camera can see.

My dad can't walk a hundred yards in his
home town without someone greeting him
loudly and fondly.

I learned from my dad how much a teacher
gives to his students - even unknowingly,
and even to the unknowing ones.

My dad reads omnivorously, crafts poetry
and now mentors a class in memoir writing.

My dad tells everyone about his daughter.
His daughter the librarian; his daughter
the writer; his daughter the dancer, the
martial artist, the householder; a busy
daughter with her own life (but his love
and support having always underlain it).
I got from my dad curiosity, creativity,
and the security of knowing I was loved.

In his old age, my dad now has a companion
who loves him, and gives him, a great deal.

I learned from my dad never to shut someone
completely out of one's life - if they're
important to oneself, one gives what one can.

Is my dad perfect? No, and neither am I.
My dad has a slow but fiery temper, can be
damn stubborn, hates to ask for help, and
will go far too far so as not to hurt someone
else's feelings. So he's imperfect. So am I.

My (Leo) dad often jokes that I was his birthday
present, as I was born on his (33rd) birthday.

But I think I got the better of the deal, Dad.

Because that would mean you're my present, too.

You are entitled to your opinion.

Even if it's wrong.
-my dad, with a smile

Comments

[davehogg.livejournal.com]

I have so many friends that have had miserable family lives that I sometimes feel that my relationship with my parents is unique.

After reading this, I realize that someone else would understand at least half of it.

[netpositive.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I envy some of my friends their families too, but I also wouldn't trade my dad for anyone. We've varied in degree of closeness over time, and I know that puzzles people around us who are used to more dependency or enmeshment because of their own family dynamics. But if I've needed him, he's always been there, and if he really needs me, he knows he can call on me too. In that, we are alike - that bond is there, for good.

Re: Dads

[wolfieboy.livejournal.com]

I don't know who you are just yet but I can certainly use more entries like this on my friends list.

Hi!

I'd like to think that when I grow up that I can be like my dad.

Re: Dads

[netpositive.livejournal.com]

I was more like my dad as a kid, actually. Life changes one a bit. But that doesn't mean one can't try to change things back on occasion. :)