Tomorrow is Papa’s birthday and he’s been on my mind a little more than usual. And…it had to happen, even once tonight…well meaning acquaintances that I haven’t seen since his death or they didn’t see the obituary just happen to ask, "How’s your Dad?" Is there anything more awkward for both parties?
I am searching my memories for special remembrances because I am feeling like they’re slipping away and that scares me. I grab at any little thing that will keep me connected to him.......
What would Papa say about that? Those were his favorite pair of shoes. Boy he’d get riled up when Abbie and Bubba used his fingernail clippers and never put them back. Papa would have ordered this off the menu. We used to take Sunday drives and he’d play "Slug Bug" with the kids. He’d want to know all about that officer killed in the line of duty last week. Papa loved this….or that. Remember when………….
So tonight, rather than make this a totally downer type entry, I thought I’d share one of my favorite Papa memories….. To give you a little background, Papa would "babysit" my kids when I was working various shifts. About 15 years ago, when my oldest daughter was a teenager and she was constantly monopolizing the telephone, this was the message he placed on his answering machine……..
You have reached 822-5555. Obviously you’ve called for Tammy, and since she didn’t answer, that means she’s not here. She’s probably at Rachel’s house, so call there. If she’s not there, try Michelle’s. If that doesn’t work, you might find her at Heather’s. Or, maybe Rebecca’s……
Papa was pretty polite and was often exasperated when kids didn’t identify themselves when calling. He expected them to identify themselves and then say "May I speak to --------?" Of course that never happened, and every once in awhile when he was feeling rather ornery the conversation went like this…….
Papa: Hullo?
Kid: Uhhh, Is Tammy there?
Papa: Why, yes she is! Thanks for asking! Goodbye.
Miss you Papa! :)
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You have such wonderful memories of your father. That is a blessing in itself.
ReplyDeleteIt's been a while since I've been to your journal so I read back and I must say it was hard to read your stories about Fly Boy. My son will be joining him in the Gulf region in late spring. Already I am worried sick. He enlisted knowing this would be the outcome. Our children should not have to make decisions like that. They should be able to enjoy their lives here on their own country. I can't tell you how proud I am of all of the Service men and women. Its obvious you feel the same.