It’s not so much how Daddy looks–although he looks different since he’s been through chemo and hepatitis C treatments. It’s more of how Daddy feels and how he makes others around him feel.
We weren’t even up their front stairs and Daddy already had the door open. Asa and Lydia walk through the threshold eagerly anticipating the fun to be had at Papa’s house. Daddy looks down at them and feigns surprise, “What are you doing here?” But when you look around, you know he’s been waiting on his treasured children. There’s a new cartoon playing on the TV, freshly baked cookies in the kitchen and the candy jar is stocked.
He’s tall. I still think he’s the tallest man I know, because it’s more than stature that makes a man tall. He always wears black. In a motorcycle, rock-band kinda way. And usually? A silver chain or two. It’s just him. He’s got a style that just screams HIM.
His whole face changes when he talks, tickles and gives to his grandkids. His hands are worn from 10 hour days. But they are eager to give of his stuff–kitchen gadgets, candy in brown paper bags or CDs.
:: :: ::
Ah. It just kind of ends. I could write for 5 hours on Daddy! But I’ll stop there. Wanna try a 5 minute post? Wanna read some more? Head over to the ever fabulous Gypsy Mama!
This made me cry, but that is probably because I know him. So special and that was a beautiful post, Amanda.
Paige Feckoury Roberson
I think it’s SO him, don’t you?
Oh my gosh, yes! He’s such a great man.
What I love most about his post is how clear it is how much you love and respect him. This is a man I really want to meet! (Oh, and I wouldn’t mind some candy in a brown paper bag, either. ;))
I’ve only met your Dad a handful of times, but he is completely worthy of this post. You have a completely wonderful family.
This is great – loe feeling like I now know him, sort of…
I wrote for12 – still the shortest I’ve ever banged one out that I was *barely* satisfied with…
Hope to catch up with you @ blissdom…
Agh, this is the goods!!
“It’s more of how Daddy feels and how he makes others around him feel.” – fantastic. I feel after reading that that I just met your dad. Amazing what five minutes of words can capture!
Amanda, that is so sweet! Brought tears to my eyes. What an amazing Dad you have!
“it’s more than stature that makes a man tall” So true and beautifully expressed. You are blessed indeed to have the kind-of daddy who is thoughtful enough to turn on the favorite cartoons and bake cookies. Thanks for your encouraging words on my blog!
Sarah
So TRUE. Every word.
Amazing writing, Amanda.
When is the book coming out?
Oh wait…I did read something about that on here a few days ago, didn’t I?
What a beautiful description of your dad! It really tugged at my heart strings! Your kids must LOVE, LOVE, LOVE their time with him!
Ah, Touche’, Amanda! …I am still unpacking this: “I still think he’s the tallest man I know, because it’s more than stature that makes a man tall.” Lovely post (introduction, in my case) of your Daddy.
It has to do in part–that as a kid I thought Daddy was the tallest, biggest and strongest. As I’ve grown and realized physically he’s NOT the tallest, I still feel like he is because no one compares to how great he is! 🙂 Thanks for the great comment.
Oh honey- what a sweetheart you are. Daddy said he just scrolled down your blog today and came across this post. He had tears in his eyes when he told me about it. You captured him perfectly. I remember you telling me once when talking about Daddy and how he gives of himself to others that “on one level, there’s no competing with Daddy.” He always notices what makes others happy and he tries to make it happen. Thanks for giving a thoughtful gift to him!