And the same to everyone here.
My daddy left this world three weeks ago, this Friday. I spent the last few days at his bedside, doing my best to give any kind of comfort I could. It never felt like enough, but I hope that in some way, it was a blessing for him.
My dad was one of the best ever. He gave me a love early on for good music----Nat King Cole, Bobby Vinton, Rod McKuen, Johnny Mathis, Roger Miller and many others. I also remember many hours spent listening to those old Justin Wilson albums that daddy loved, and which made us all laugh. My dad's people were Cajun from south Louisiana, and he had cousins who could tell tales which could rival ole Mr. Wilson's!
My dad was the best dad on my block, growing up. He instilled in me a love for camping, water skiing, sailing and in general a love of nature. He had more patience than anyone I know. He loved to invite other families on our camping trips. His motto was, the more the merrier---and it was merrier. I remember good times spent around the campfire playing the Prince of Paris (Who sir, me sir?), What Did Delaware, boys?, and also lots of games of spoons. We took turns turning the crank on the ice cream churn, and everyone waited in suspense for that first peek at the yummy cream.
My dad loved so much to be outside in nature and with good friends to share it. I've seen him spend many hours teaching others to water ski, looping the boat back around after a failed attempt of the skier. He never ran out of patience, but rejoiced in seeing someone discover the excitement in being up on skis. So many people know how to water ski, thanks to my dad.
He was the dad who never said "no" when the neighborhood kids and I wanted to go to the in-n-out store for some penny candy. He would wait patiently outside in the car as all of us kids hemmed and hawed over the variety of candy in the store. Never once did he hurry us along, but he let us finish spending our fistful of change, then drove us back home.
I must edit, as I would be remiss not to mention my first trip to WDW. Daddy took mom and I camping in our pop-up to Fort Wilderness, the first summer it was open. I immediately fell in love with the Fort, though it would be many years before I was able to return. But I will never forget that first time, and the simplicity and beauty of the Fort, thanks to my dad.
Later on, as I grew older, daddy discovered a new-found love of sailing. He included me in that new affection for the open water, with the sails full of wind. I remember many sailboat races, and also many days just spent anchored out so that everyone could swim. Daddy loved to make other people happy and show them a good time.
So here's to you, dad. I love you and will always miss you. I hope you're sailing away on that cool breeze from the ocean, just as you always wanted....