My good old Dad

My favorite pic of me and Dad in Seward, AK 

I talk a lot about my Mom. She was a huge influence on my life and just about my favorite person ever. But I don't mean to neglect my Dad in all my talks. He has been the rock of my life. Mom and Dad provided me with the most stable, fun, happy, loving home life anyone ever dream about having. I can't say for sure but from my vantage point Mom and Dad were always solid. And I never worried about that changing. Mom said she loved Dad because he made her laugh every day. And Dad seemed to just love Mom... no reason necessary. They weren't overly affectionate, but they obviously liked each other. And that is ultimately the most important thing when it comes to a long term relationship... at least that's how it seems to me.

Anyway, back to my dad... he called me Tricky Ann growing up. If he saw me in the morning he'd always say "Morning Glory." I was the 8th kid he had... and he was 42 when I was born. So I had a dad a lot older than most. And I'm so fortunate to still have my dad 40 years later.

Every time we would walk into a restaurant the hostess would see our group and say "3?" Dad would say "14." And then we'd all laugh. Or they'd ask him what he wanted to drink and he'd say "decaffeinated water" just to mess with them. He'd fart in the living room and casually look over at me and say "What'd you say?" He is a funny guy... silly through and through.

My dad's influence on my life is more subtle than my mom's. But I love him endlessly. He is what made our home feel safe and secure.