Happy Father's Day

You just never know when something amazing is going to happen. Here's a fine example. Keri and I went to Freddie's this weekend to do some shopping and we decided it was time to take our bottles in to the recycle center. I usually do the recycling while she starts the shopping and that is what we did this time too.

There was only one operational machine, which is not really a big deal to me. I mean there are 3 or 4 machines, but sometimes they have a glass jam, the bin needs to be emptied or any number of other thigs. Anyway, there was a guy there before me and I was waiting patiently. He glanced back at me and let me know that he pressed the button on the intercom thingy to request service. I thanked him and continued to wait. I had my coffee in hand and it was a beautiful day. As I waited I noticed the man recycling had on a vest that totally reminded me of my dad and that was before I had even realized the patch he attached to it.

The patch was about as big as a dinner plate and was sewn to the back of his vest. I told him I liked his vest. He thanked me and replied, 'It says alot". Yes, indeed sir. I asked him if he served and he said, "Yes. I'm a veitnam vet" and promptly thanked him for his service and asked what branch. Army. I followed up with the fact that my dad served in veitnam as well in the Marines. It was a brief encounter, but it really meant a great deal to me. He finished up his recycling before I did and as he was walking off he turned around and said, "God Bless you". I wanted to hug him, but I wasn't sure he was the get a hug from a stranger kinda guy, so I thanked him again and said have a good day sir.

When I finished my recycling I went in to look for Keri. I always check the produce section first, as the majority of our list comes from that area. The Veteran was there, but keri wasn't. I walked up to him and said, Excuse me sir,... I just wanted to thank you for your time out there. I really miss my dad and your willingness to chat with me really brought his closeness back to me. He said, "Not a problem. It didn't get too deep."

I think it's difficult for people who have served during war times to revisit that time in their lives. I know my dad never really talked about it much at all. When I found Keri I asked her to step down an isle that was empty. She said sure what's going on. I started to cry a bit as she was hugging me right there in the wine isle at Fred Meyer and I said, I miss my dad. She was very sweet as she hugged and comforted me.

Father's day is coming up this weekend and I just want to remember my dad for the amazing man that he was. He was not perfect and he had his flaws, but he was the best dad in the whole wide world to me. I loved his big wet kisses and his big'ol bear hugs. I loved his love of life attutude and the fact that he never met a person that didn't end up being his friend. I loved all the games we played, the songs we sang and all the tickle fights we had.

I love you Daddy.


I also want to take this opportunity to express my happiness and gratitude for the fatherly figures I currently have in my life. Mike Ashland and Dean Wallace, you guys may not know it, but you both mean the world to me and my eyes are welling up with tears as I type these words of appreciation. I am certain my dad would be happy to know his little girl had fine men such as yourselves in her life.

There is more to share about the man I met at the recycling center, but I'm going to save that amazing experience for another time. Thank you