Birth Of A Legend

"Some people are born to greatness, others have it thrust upon them...
then there are those of us who have it both ways!" -Hawkeye Pierce (M*A*S*H).

[Daddy has it both I think we'd all agree]

It was on August 29, 1927 that the greatest father in the world was catapulted into this crazy world, head first. Funny way to describe it I guess, but true if you think about it. Then most of his life, he spent working hard to make ends meet, caring for family and being Daddy.

My father, "Dad" (pronounced in the Southern U.S. "DAI-aad!!!") has been a friend, a disciplinarian, an entertainer and comedian, a caretaker and protector, a business manager at times (when we needed him to help us with our business, or keep us out of trouble), an ultimate giver of unlimited hugs and kisses, and an adviser, among so many other things.

So many times in his life he'd wake up with make-up on his face, or Vicks Vap-O-Rub shoved up his nose, surrounded by all girls, always running to our rescue, but still loving every one of us no matter what...

"Daddy" - The Man, The Legend

Dad (far left) with his 'gang' back in th' day...


Dad spent most of his life behind the wheel, working hard,
And a Union Man until Gordon's shut down.


Dad, doing what he did best, loving with all his heart.


Dad with his "other teeth in", clowning
it up for the camera as always!


Dad looking handsome last year for his 80th birthday.

I have written so many things about my Mom and Dad throughout the course of this blog, and I have given you stories about him. It's hard to sum up his life in mere words. Those that have only known him in his time of aging, have not been lucky enough to experience Daddy as "himself". There are still glimmers of "him" even now, of course, but you had to be there really.

You needed to be right there in the room with us as small children, when we were playing in my room with the door locked and Daddy pulled the fuse to my room, making it pitch black, then went outside and knocked on my bedroom window scaring us out of our wits... we laughed and laughed after that.

You had to be there in person to understand the true irony and wit behind my father calling up my sister Vickie on the phone... telling her to 'sit down, that this was not an easy thing for him to have to tell her'. She was frantic, begging him to tell her what was wrong. "Now listen, I don't really know how to say this. I know you're going to have a hard time.' (Sister nearly having a mental breakdown before he finally fessed up to his reasons for the call). --long pause on the other end of the line-- "Vickie, there AIN'T NO SANTA CLAUSE!!!" She was so mad... for a moment. And then we all laughed and laughed even more!

You would've had to be there at different occasions, big and small, weddings or funerals when my sisters and I would notice him, standing tall above the crowd usually, with his beautiful red hair, and remark, "Isn't Daddy the most handsome man here?"

Then when he and Mom would look at each other, lovingly, and treat each other with such wonderful kindness, smiling, laughing, setting a beautiful example of how love and life SHOULD be, even though it rarely turns out like that... you should've been there.

When he mowed the grass, and took the weed eater right through wet grass into a fresh pile of dog shit, and spattered it all over him... you didn't HAVE to be there, but it was quite funny in person.

Oh the numerous times he fell out of a chair (even though his falls are not funny anymore), or acted silly and made us laugh, or just hugged us and made everything all better... You didn't have to be there, but you would've wanted to. The only problem is, If you'd have been there... with them, Mom and Dad, growing up with me... you'd have never wanted to leave.

Thanks Dad... and Happy Birthday again!

Comments

Ken Skinner said…
Just wanted to say that was quite a beautiful post :-)
Anonymous said…
Jackie you did a great job. I don't think anyone could ever really know how much we love that man.... juat us. He is the picure in the dictionary when you look up the word Daddy. Love your sis Vickie
Chelly said…
Jackie that was lovely. So beautifully written and so moving.

Happy Birthday to Jackie's awesome Daddy!

:)
Jay said…
Happy Birthday to Aunt Jackie's Dad!!!

There's no Santa Clause? :-(
Aunt Jackie said…
Kenski! Thank you. :)

Hey Vick! I'm glad you liked it, and yes you are right!

Chells! Appreciate that, and am so glad to see you come by! I'll tell Dad everyone wishes him a Happy Birthday!

Jay! Thanks... Yes, I know, Dad has crushed everyone by letting the cat out of the bag. hee hee
Anonymous said…
Jax that was great! The story about "Santa" made me laugh! I needed a laugh today! Happy Bday to your Dad! Donna :)
BBC said…
It's wonderful that you had such wonderful parents hon. How special is that?

I couldn't wait to leave home. And I seldom went back over the years. Dad was sort of becoming okay when he died at 44, I was still in the Navy, the years following, mom just kept getting to be more and more of a pain in the butt.

When my sister called to say that she had died it was something like, "Okay, whatever."

Then about a year later she died, too bad, she was a real sweet girl. Having outlived everyone I'm pretty much all alone these days other than 'extended' family.

That I love more than my retarded blood family anyway.

Oh, happy birthday you old fart. LOL
Robyn said…
Awww... Happy Birthday, Poppa Jaxxxxx!

I love this post. I feel as if I know him. You have a wonderful talent for detailing.
Reb said…
What a beautiful post AJ. Makes me miss my daddy! Give your dad a birthday hug from me.
Furtheron said…
Lovely post. A legend indeed.
Anonymous said…
you're so lucky. does he work for tesco? cos that shirt in the last pic is the same as my uniform!!
Anonymous said…
Nice 1..i miss my dad but he lives on inside me.pass on my regards to the old feller..
Anonymous said…
Happy birthday to your dad.

What a wonderful legacy he has passed on to you & your sisters, and a very happy blessing that he is still here to share himself and his love with you all.

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