Daddy

“Any man can be a father. But it takes someone special to be a Daddy” –Unknown

My Dad was truly a Daddy in every sense of the word. He taught me about love and how to love. He was there even after disagreements. Or if I disappointed him. He taught me about football. Tried to teach me about golf. Was always there to help me pick myself up after a tumble. Always cheered me on from the sidelines. Always had a corny joke to make me laugh, which I usually rolled my eyes and said “oh Daddy” too. He shared his love with me for roller coasters, the Raiders, vanilla ice cream, tunafish sandwiches and milk and those things will remind me of Daddy.

As much as I’ve tried to deny it, we have the same sense of humor. The same tendency to worry and fret about our children. The same eyes that tear up so easily thinking about how much we love our children.

On March 22nd I met my Daddy at the hospital for a biopsy. (He had being having pain in his back for about a month) A biopsy that we had every hope would be nothing or at least something easily treated. He was very weak that day and the doctor recommended a day or two at the hospital to regain his strength. For next 5 days we received bad news followed by worse news followed by even worse news. Everyday the news and updates were worse than the day before. By the following Monday we were accepting the reality of hospice and that my sweet Daddy would not be leaving the hospital. My Daddy passed away on Friday, March 30th. He was only 68. I thought I had another 15-20 years with him.

During those 8 days in the hospital we had good talks, made final plans and said our goodbyes. And said lots and lots of “I love you’s”….lots of them. He was ready. I thought I was.

My Daddy loved his Momma.

He moved back to Utah when she was sick to help take care of her. After Grandma passed away he went back to California. But life in California felt especially lonely after living in Utah with family so he retired early and moved back to Richfield so he could be close to his family. He was able to golf with his sister and two brothers often and worked part-time at the golf course during the summer. I’m so glad that he had those last 8 years with his siblings, it made him so happy to spend time with them. He’d call me and say “I got to golf with my favorite sister today.”

My kids had the best Grandpa ever. He played with them. He loved them. He cheered for them. He liked everything they posted on Facebook. He even changed poopie diapers when he had too and still teased them about it even in the hospital. “I had to chase you around the house and you had poop on your butt.” We have lots of good memories with Grandpa. He was such a special Grandpa.