Tuesday, December 20, 2005

I walk the line

Each year it's my job to take my dad out to shop for my mother. It's our little tradition and it's probably the only time he graces the door of the bookstore, Target or any other retail establishment.

It's something that can be trying, explaining to him that yes, books can be more than $5 off the bargain rack and that indeed Mom doesn't wear a 10. However, it's a chance for us to spend a little time together, no moms, no brothers, no significant others.

Tonight was our night and we began with dinner at Shoney's, which seemed to please him. He still paints houses and that's about all he can talk about. He gets even more stubborn each year. He gets even more crowd phobic, seems to get lost in the stores and loses his patience whenever there isn't a clerk nearby. He doesn't mince words and he's a little more blunt than I'd care for. It's not easy to take, but he's my dad and when I am tempted to be not so tolerant, I remember that once when we were driving down the road and I was standing behind him, I threw up down his back. Instead of yelling at me, he jumped out of the car and yelled at the Rambler.

My mother, as you probably know, was never very maternal. That's no secret. When I was young she worked at night and so he was left with me in his charge. He'd play records for me, sing "Ring of Fire" with me and even let me ride around on his foot.

He can sometimes be hard to take. The smoking is much too much. His opinions and stubborness are overwhelming sometimes. Each time I begin to lose my patience, I remember Roy Orbison songs, him driving to the Chinese restaurant to get my doll even after it had closed, and how he beams whenever he introduces me as his daughter. Then it all seems ok.

He loves me even though he doesn't say it. I love him even though I don't tell him enough. He's my daddy.

4 comments:

musicgeek said...

Aw, aren't dads great.

emily said...

awwwwww

Caroline said...

That was a very sweet post. My Dad and I used to have those special Father/Daughter moments as well. Hope you're still enjoying your time off. Did I mention I am jealous. I will be off work for 3 days next week. YEA.

Nan said...

This is one of my favorite posts. I love stuff like this!