Cuteness: it's a family trait

I'm not sure who to think is cuter in this picture: my dad, or Jake. See those eyes? My dad is where Jake and I get our big brown eyes. Dad's have faded a little with time -- he'll be 71 on October 29th -- but that is where I can look at him and see myself. For being 71, he's in remarkable health. He rough-houses with Jake, plays with him on the swing set, zooms Jake round the kitchen in his rolling office chair, and is always up for a game of catch. Growing up what I remember the most about him is that he would take me and my sisters outside and play catch with us in the backyard. As I got older, he also liked to stand in the driveway with me and rebound so I could practice free-throw shots for basketball. Growing up it didn't dawn on me for a long time that my dad was the age of most of my friends' grandparents. Dad has always looked young, and it wasn't until I was in middle school that his hair stopped being black and started being more "salt and pepper." (Yeah, now it's mostly "salt." ha ha!)

Maybe if my sister Sheri (aka "Pink Stuff") drops by again she can comment more about dad -- sometimes I'm honestly jealous of her for the sole fact that she has known my dad for 20 more years than I have and that doesn't seem fair to me. My dad is such an interesting person -- seems quiet and mellow, but if you get him really talking, he will talk for hours. He's so smart, about so many things. He reads constantly. He has an opinion about everything and loves to to say "Well wait now . . ."and look at the other side of an issue. He's grown more patient over the years -- he used to have kind of a short temper and walk through the house, cussing at the walls when he got mad. He never cussed AT me, but did cuss while I was in the room. It was just his way of venting frustration, and I learned quickly to tune it out. He doesn't do it anymore, though -- he's really mellowed out. He loves to play with Jake -- and he's so sweet with Zoe and Elauna. He loves to hold them and rock in his rocking chair with them. I guess after raising 5 girls you're still drawn to taking care of them.

(don't you love our big glasses? It was 1993, what can I say.) I think I get a lot of my randomness from dad. He'll say something and we just look around at each other like "where did THAT come from?" But he's such a nice guy, always very supportive of me, even when I don't necessarily make sense. Here's an example of this: in high school I desperately wanted to go to music camp with a friend. I tried and tried to talk to my mom about it, but she just wouldn't listen to me. Finally I wrote her a letter, explaining in detail all the reasons she should let me go (and in the end, she didn't.) I gave it to her, and she read it, then handed it to dad. Dad read it, looked at me, and said "You express yourself very well in writing. I think you should be a writer." Umm, thanks, dad.

P.S. 9-29-04 thanks, Sheri, for contributing your thoughts about dad in the comments section!!! You are the coolest sister ever!!!

Comments

[Pink Stuff!!!!]

Jen,
I do cherish growing up with Dad. He was always the voice of reason, as well as my encouragement to always do my very best at everything.

I remember writing a poem for him when I was in high school and somewhere, somehow it was misplaced. It was basically saying how he had come from a very poor childhood, but managed to rise above it all. I felt my childhood was very ordinary in many ways. We never wanted for anything, but wanted much. Looking back, we had more than was necessary to have a comfortable life, and much much more than Dad ever dreamed of having. Or was that his dream and did he make it come true for us?

He is wiser than many and much more sensitive than most will ever know. Our relationship now is almost that of sister / brother rather than Father / Daughter, in fact he calls me 'Sis.' He is my friend, always encouraging me, challenging me and loving me. Upon reflection, I see him in me.... as I strive to be a friend to my boys, Angela and Nathan. Unconditional love, encouraging and challenging. He is a teacher and mentor to many, including you. Listen well, for he has many life lessons to pass on.

Love Ya Dahlin',
Pink Stuff!!! (aka Sheri)

[Jen_Jake'smom]

ok, Sheri, you made me cry. Thanks so much for taking time to write that! It was great to talk to you on the phone last night -- I'm so lucky to have such a great big sister!!! Love you.

jen

[Leslie]

Okay so I haven't met dad yet. When we met mom your dad hadn't moved here yet. Maybe if Ella and I come over on Monday??

Love,
Me

[Sue]

Oh yes, it is quite clear where yours and Jake's big brown eyes came from! Your dad looks great for 71, Jen. My dad is the same, heaps of energy to chase after Ryan, loves playing with him and just being 'mates' together. Dad is 69 in Dec but looks and acts a LOT younger.

That was a lovely post :)

[Ninotchka]

What a beautiful and special tribute, Jen. Thanks for sharing it with us!

[Tanya]

*sniff* What a Beautiful post about your father. I am in tears wishing I had that with my dad. :(

[Kelly]

beautiful jen! miss ya