My Dad.

This is my dad. Well, at the time of this picture he was far from being a dad. So, eventually this boy became my dad. I love these pictures of him because it really captures his personality. While he was one of the wisest men I've yet to meet, he never lost his sense of humor. When I was a teenager it was the kind that made you turn red-faced and roll your eyes in front of your friends. He did whatever he could to embarrass me. If he knew I was waiting for a boy's call (back in the day before every kid had a cell phone) he would casually hang near the phone and somehow would snatch the phone off the wall before I even heard the complete ring. I was always shocked at his cat-like reflexes. He would say, "Philip? Ohhh, you're not Philip. Oops. Sorry, son. What can I do for you? I assume you want to talk to Amy about this Philip guy. Hold on." He would hold the phone 6 inches from his mouth and yell, "Aaaaaaaaaaammmmyyyyyyy, phone! You're in the bathroom? You have what? WHAT? Dia-what?! Ohh gross. Sorry son, let's just say she's momentarily detained." He would be beaming with joy and pride that he had just done this. I would just stand there rolling my eyes with my arms crossed and my foot tapping. "Done yet? I already warned them that you'd do this. Get some new material old man." He would hand me the phone, turn and walk away with a smile painted across his goofy face and continue about his day.

This is the same man that occasionally showed his sensitive side. I remember a time when I was contemplating what to do about a relationship. I was sick to my stomach about it but thought I was playing it cool as not to give it away to the fam and face the questions. He walked into my room, folded his arms and leaned against my loft-like bunk bed where I laid. he sighed and said, "So, what's going on Tabe? Things not going well with your boy toy?" I was struck speechless for a second. "huh? What? How'd you know?" I stopped keeping a journal because it's was erie how much he always knew without me ever saying a word. "Taber, I'm your dad. I just know these things." As I burst out into tears I said, "I don't know what to do! I don't ever want to hurt him... I just don't know what to do! I'm too young! Things are too serious!" He shared his wisdom and left me to think about it and didn't mention it again.

He loved animals and they equally loved him. A man that is good with animals is a man worth loving. My dad was so natural with them. I always loved watching him with pets. All was well as long as he was wrestling a dog or teasing a cat with a laser pen. What a guy. He was FAR from perfect. I've forgiven him his faults and let go of my grudges. I'm so glad I did. Memories are so much easier when you chose to remember only the best.

My dad is gone. It's been a year and a half and I still can't believe it. I see him in my dreams nearly every night. He's still comforting me and trying leading me toward the path of wisdom. Even though I wake up crying about once a week or so because it feels so real but I know it's not, it's worth it. He's still with me, making me laugh, and being his same old self... even if only after my eyes have closed.

Thankful.

Friends, enjoy the time you have with your loved ones. Spend time with your family instead of silly things that will never matter. How I wish I had spent more evenings keeping him company in the hospital. I'd do anything to get the opportunity again.