Most little girls fall in love with their dads first. I was no different. My dad, Charles Parrish was definitely my first love. I danced with my bare feet on his boots before he tucked me in and went to work at Reynolds every night. When I was barely talking, I cried for him to rock me to sleep, saying, Daddy does (doooos) it better! I fell in love with books--especially the ones with ironic Hitchcock endings--because Dad taught me to appreciate the irony of stories and life. The first Saturday morning of the TV season was a special occasion in our house. We got up early and watched the new cartoons like it was a holiday! Most Saturday nights were spent at our kitchen table, playing cards and listening to Wolfman Jack & the Oldies on the radio. We traveled miles and miles while singing those same oldies. Dad didnt just know the oldies, either. He knew the words to every song on the radio...no matter what station was on! One of my favorite memories was coming in from school and having Dad tell me The Rest of the Story he had heard on the radio on his way home from work that morning. He could do a pretty impressive Paul Harvey impersonation and could recite the mornings edition from memory! My brother, Freddie, and I would always try to figure out the twist but we almost never did. Dad is a hardworking man who loves and appreciates peace in his life. I learned well from him. When Gary Bentley and I went on our first date, it wasnt love at first sight. I came home, telling Dad that I was never going out with him again because he was crazy! The whole night was one one-liner after another! One year later, to the day, we were walking down the aisle. I learned to appreciate and love that quirky sense of humor Gary has. There were times in our lives when his humor was our only asset! :o) Without realizing it, though, I had chosen a husband who was much like Dad in the ways that matter. Like Dad, Gary is a storyteller. He can make the most simple things sound like a sitcom! Life with him has never been dull or predictable! I am determined he has to write his life story because no one has lived the life he has...and no one tells it like he does! Like Dad, Gary doesnt know how to relax. Its Fathers Day. Do you know where the father of your children is? I know where mine is. Most of the guys have today off, but Gary was up bright and very early, going to work on the farm...and hes supposed to be retired now. Im proud of his strength, his hard work and his accomplishments. I love listening to him relay the stories of his day, his life, his travels. I love that after 33+ years of marriage, he has a girlfriend...an 89+-year-old lady hes kind of adopted. He takes her dinner from a local restaurant and tells her he cooked it himself. I am so thankful that I learned from my Dad what a real man was--loving, hard-working, patient. I dont think I could have ever been happy with a man who wasnt a storyteller...and boy did I get one! I love you, Gary Bentley and I am thankful for you. You have been a great Dad to our children and you are THE BEST Pawpaw ever! I dont even mind that the girls love Pawpaw best! The day Claire Bear was born, I held her and cuddled her and told her that she was going to be a Pawpaws girl and she would love her Pawpaw best! Like I told little Rose the other day, You can snuggle with Gramma all you want, but soon you will be a Pawpaws girl. All the girls are Pawpaws girls...and that is just how it should be. She listened...and smiled...because she knew Gramma was telling her something very important and very true. I have been blessed with a patient, peace-loving, storytelling Dad who taught me to appreciate the same in my hubby! I have to admit that Rachel Bentley Bradford has found much of the same qualities in her Matthew Bradford. Hes a patient man who obviously enjoys time with his family. Hes good to Rachel and so sweet to our Pookie Doodles! I am blessed...far beyond my deservings! First my Dad and then my hubby have brought so many blessings into my life! I am beyond thankful!
Posted on: Sun, 15 Jun 2014 17:08:34 +0000