My brother, Dad, & me on Dad’s birthday. I am probably age 9.
March Slice Challenge #11
Today is March 12th. That will always be my Dad’s birthday even though he died almost 5 years ago. The last four March 12ths have felt strange to me and today is no different. I want to hug Dad and wish him a Happy Birthday first thing in the morning. I want to stress over finding him the perfect birthday card and gift, and plan dinner for him with my mom. I want to light his birthday candles and sing to him like I did for so many years.
Today is sad for those reasons because I lost a person so close to me, who knew me so well. When he died, the world felt more lonely to me without him in it. But I still have the memory of him and I still have so much to celebrate today on his birthday. I can still celebrate my Dad and spend time reflecting on everything he gave me.
I grew up having an amazing father and for that I’m grateful. I could always count on him and he made me feel safe. I knew he loved me and he loved my family. I am grateful he cared about me enough to teach me about respect, love, and the value of hard work. He always knew how to make me laugh and smile.
Happy Birthday, Daddy! I love you.
Here are 10 memories I have about my Dad that warm my heart today, March 12th…
1. Dad always sang along to the car radio. I do, too.
2. Dad loved the Philadelphia Phillies, the major league baseball team.
3. Dad was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1953.
4. Dad grew up in southern New Jersey.
5. Dad used to take me to Los Angeles to watch the Dodgers play the Phillies whenever they were in town. That was when we lived in California.
6. Dad was in the United States Marine Corps for 20 years. But like they say, Once a Marine, Always a Marine.
7. Dad took me to several stores one night when he got home from work because I was upset that I couldn’t find a nice dress for my 8th grade formal dance.
8. Dad always helped me with my homework when I asked for it.
9. Dad loved the restaurant, SweetWater Tavern. I still order the same meal we loved whenever I go.
10. Dad accidentally drove to work one day with our cat, Mittens, under the hood of his car. He was on the Dulles Greenway when he heard her crying loudly. He pulled over and saved her life.