tatko den

he got a travel trailer so we could caravan with our neighbors to what would be our future "lake-town" to visit frequently for years. he let us play on the CB radio and make up handles. he let us try a cigar (i think with the hope of squashing our curiosity about the nasty things - but that backfired and started a long standing tradition of cigars on the dock at the lake). he bought copious amounts of firecrackers, including the chicken that no one knew what to do with and only found out what direction to point it after fireballs started shooting from its butt directly towards where my grandparents were sitting. he drug us behind the boat as we learned to water ski. and on a giant inflatable banana, an adventure that ended in tears and bruises. he took us to see toy story in the theater and liked it as much as we did. he paid for our college education. he gave us lots of lessons in becoming independent, intelligent, free thinking women (sometimes i feel bad he never had a son - but i think he did pretty great at dealing with a house full of daughters). phrases like "buck-up" and "quit your belly aching" helped curb our natural leaning towards the emotional. and hit pet names like "baby doll" helped us know he cared. i've only known him to cry a few times, one was when he gave me away at my wedding. he selectively gave and withheld his aid in order for us to learn from our mistakes. he generously provided us with vehicles and maintained them. he has treated us out to innumerable meals. he has waved his dirty socks in our faces. he has hugged and kissed us. he has teased us relentlessly. he let us drive his jeep and his bronco. he flew us to del rio, ruidoso, and seatle in his plane. he took us to a geologist rock show and bought us geodes and rock polishers. he brought us crazy sweaters from australia. he took us on tours of his ship when he was in the navy. one time i asked him what was in this giant metal container and he said "nuthin, honey" and i thought that he said nut'n'honey and that there was cereal in there. he can drive long long distances without saying a word.he can do lots of big math in his head. he has incredible business savvy. he has great advice and perspective and it is always a delightful treat when he shares it. he laughs until he cries. he sings in the mornings. he is a consistent morning person. he likes breakfast dates. he keeps his yard and pool in tip top shape. he's a hard working man. he listens to junior brown and the beatles. he has three daughters and a wife that love him and a whole bunch of extended family that have benefited from his presence and compassion. he is my dad. and a darn good one.