D is for Dad

Family, Gratitude 2 Minutes

My dad is David. He’s a cool dude.

img_3184
1976 USA Bicentennial and family vacation to NYC

Even though my dad lives a twelve-hour drive away, he is actually with me every day. So many years ago, let’s just go with 1984, my dad said, “Crystal, you can choose your attitude.” I was fourteen in 1984, and I’m not sure when my perspective shifted, but one day I chose to believe him. His philosophy forever shaped my life.

***

On the day my dad asked my mom to marry him, he bought a box of Cracker Jacks, opened it up, excavated the prize, and re-inserted a lovely solitaire diamond on a simple white gold band. Later on their date, my mom and dad shared their Cracker Jacks, and my mother found her prize.

“This looks real,” she said.

“It is real,” he said.

***

My parents celebrate their 59th anniversary in May. My dad will celebrate anyway. My mom has Alzheimer’s. They’re both 80. However, my dad still lawyers during the work week, and during the summers he still takes running dives into his swimming pool, and he still travels with my siblings and me.

Siblings and Dad
Dad’s 80th Birthday in Napa, October 2019

Mid-March Dad texted me to say that my mom’s nursing home implemented a no-visitor policy. So now Dad calls the front desk and asks them to open the blinds of my mom’s window, and he visits from outside. I can only imagine him waving his arms like a mad man and making the craziest faces to capture her attention. Then he will send me and my sister and brother a group text with his success. I mean, what can I say? My dad is a cool dude. Obviously, my mom thinks so, too.

Mom
Isn’t she precious?

Thanks so much for spending time with me at my first ever A-Z blogging challenge. As I hover at home this April, I’ll be seeking the good in every day and reflecting on it here. I count you as part of the good.

A is for Apple

B is for Boozer

C is for Champagne and Chanel No. 5

 

Published by Crystal Byers

When I was young, my dad would always say, "Crystal, you can choose your attitude." One day I chose to believe him.

Published

45 thoughts on “D is for Dad”

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  12. How lucky you are to still have your parents. My dad died in 1995 and my mom in 2011. It must be tough having to visit your loved one through a glass window. I hope your dad can hug your mom in person very soon!

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  30. Sounds like you have a wonderful Dad! My father passed on April 15, 2014, at the age of 89, but it seems like yesterday. He, too, was a wonderful man.
    Thank you for this post, as it was very moving and brought back memories of me and my own Dad.
    I have an online store where you can find gifts for Mother’s Day, Father’s day, new baby gifts, and so much more. Please take a look at it here:
    https://www.zazzle.com/store/a_new_view

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