I love my dad!

My dad is definitely my grandpa's son. (The grandpa that didn't "know me".) He is gentle, funny, engaging and caring. I honestly don't think he realizes that about himself.

What I know for sure is that my dad really wanted a son and finding out that twins were on the way, he anticipated at least one boy in the bunch. Instead, he got two little rambunctious girls. When we weren't climbing over chairs or up trees, we would sit still as he held us in his lap in his favorite reclining chair.

After being in California for over 40 years, he and my mom relocated to North Carolina. It was tough. My dad is one that loves routine and familiarity so the trip was a difficult one for him. Plus, that meant having to say goodbye to his twins.

Now that he's settled in, I talk to him regularly...in fact, every Sunday because he expects that I will call on Sunday and close to 11:00 my time. If not, then he will begin to wonder if I'm going to call or not.

He is a man of few words but when he speaks, he has much to say. Here is what I've learned from my comical dad:

1) Sports, any sports, is good for the soul. He knows sports and athletes like they are close relatives. If there's anything you need to know about Brett Favre, Kobe Bryant or any other athletes and their families, he will let you know.

2) Toothpicks are the cheapest stress relievers around.

3) Everything tastes better with mustard.

4) Sometimes experiencing something means living it vicariously through someone else.

5) He's slow to judge and quick to love. He may not exactly say, "I love you" but he shows it without having to say it.

6) You can discuss dryer lint with my dad and he'd be sure to get a kick out of it. There are no topics that he doesn't find interesting.

7) Dadgummit is better than saying the F word any day.

8) My dad taught me all I know about American picking. If it's in the trash, it's up for grabs.

9) Hot dogs are weenies and not the other way around.

10) My dad has no enemies. He is loved by all.

My dad may be as down to earth as they come. He doesn't care much for bougie stuff. He is content eating out of paper plates and watching a game while visiting with people. He may not care much about the latest fashions either but if it's comfortable, it's good enough for him.

The truth is, that's me! Well, most of it. So when someone says, "You're just like your father" I take it as a complete compliment and reply, "I sure am."