Brrrr!

My Dad came over yesterday and helped Barry fix the air conditioner. It's freezing in our house now! Had to use 2 blankets last night. Nice.

Did you know my Dad is a genius? He knows a little about everything so he can hold his own in any conversation in any group. He is just as comfortable hanging out with millionaires as he is with the homeless. He has a wicked sense of humor--one of those 'you never can tell if he's joking' types. He has a very sharp wit, many have been wounded without seeing the twinkle in his eyes....

He's also a very fair man. You rarely ever hear him say anything bad about anyone (cept certain terrorist types and well, maybe some ethnic groups on occasion...mostly in traffic) He finds the good in everyone. This was very infuriating when I was growing up and angry over some imagined slight. He's a peacemaker, just wants everyone to get along, no matter what. The fact that he was a Marine is intriguing. Although, he certainly looks like one. He can appear very gruff and menancing, and he was always very strong. He could carry refridgerators on his back. Alone. And don't even think about arm wrestling him. I bet even after having suffered 2 heart attacks he could still whup ya with one tattooed arm tied behind his back.

He is a very loyal man. He is very loyal to my mother. He believes in the vows he took, he believes that he is 'forsaking all others' when he enables the craziness. In fact, he truly believes in the laws of his time. Corporal punishment, strong arm tactics, his grandfather's right to punish him, he believes he deserved it. It's amazing considering what a teddy bear he really is. When I had Cory and had not a clue what to do with him in the hospital, he was there "Give me that baby! Give me my grandson..." He was the first to hold him. He was there the instant I went into labor. He was also the first to explain how Barry should whip him when he was naughty.....hmmm....maybe I should have listened? LOL...not a chance.

It's a long complicated relationship between my Dad and I. He and I would sit and watch sad movies together "you crying? no, I just got something in my eye.." I was always a Daddy's girl. I don't know if that affected the relationship between my mom and I or if it just was my saving grace growing up. I am sad that I barely ever see him now. I remember sitting on the floor of the heart center contemplating the possibility of a world without him. Not possible.

It was good to see him yesterday. Still has that great twinkle. And he still knows everything. And right away "Linda, look on Youtube for the talking dogs!" Belly laughs...."crazy dogs hehehe"

I am lucky to have such an incredible Dad.