My Dad
is 80 today. He spent the day having a walk round the village where he was born, and tomorrow is meeting up with his (surviving) brothers and sisters, as well as some of his kids (I can't make it because of work) for a good old meal. He's cracking for his age. Still mentally completely there, and apart from bionic knees is in good health.

My Dad has been in the RAF and the army. He was in Korea when things were not very pretty as a new recruit. He's been to Ireland during the troubles and stood stag on the day after Bloody Sunday. He's gone to several houses and had to deliver the worst news in the world - that their husband/partner/son will never walk through that front door again.

My Dad is a clever man. He never went to university, but could read and write aged 4. He has always been employed, except in the late 80's, when he was made redundant for 2 weeks. After he retired, he still did consultancy work for little/no money in order to help people out.

My Dad is a fucking superb gardener. Anything he plants will grow. He can't cook very well - but can survive if Mum is away or ill - he eats what he's given and does it gratefully.

My Dad taught me:
How to read and write
How to look after my money
The meaning of humility, but not by humiliating me.
The meaning of respect.
How to change the oil on a 1982 Lada
How to paint a wall
How to make dovetail joints
How to write a CV
How to do algebra (when I was so frustrated with it that I was in tears - he never raised his voice and had eternal patience with me.)
How to do a cryptic crossword
To be proud and accept what I am.

I am aware that my Dad might not be around much longer - he's in good shape, but who knows what might happen? So when I see him on Tuesday, I'm going to give him a huge hug and tell him that I love him, to which he'll probably blush hugely and grin. Then buy me a pint.

You see, if I turn into even half the man my Dad is, then I will be extremely happy indeed.
( Undercovercarrot got done for gross misconduct on..., Fri 1 May 2009, 21:11, 9 replies)

Is your dad single?
He sounds like my kind of man : )
( girlinthehole, Fri 1 May 2009, 21:14, closed)

I wish that I could
have been a Dad like that. He sounds like a person I would be happy to meet and buy a pint.
(MichaelS wasn't picked again, Sat 2 May 2009, 1:49, closed)

My Dad
would happily adopt you, especially if alcohol, the procurement and consumption thereof, is involved.
( Undercovercarrot got done for gross misconduct on..., Sat 2 May 2009, 2:44, closed)

Honestly lovely.
:o)

Have a click.
( sir_spicious2000 Crap I've watched: www.filmplop.blogspot.com/, Fri 1 May 2009, 22:40, closed)

Happy birthday to your Dad!
( enoughblueskyforsailorstrousers, Sat 2 May 2009, 4:45, closed)

That bought a tear to my eye
....have a click. I am a bit hormonal though :)
(SpongyMonkey is an honorary East Anglian on, Sat 2 May 2009, 9:35, closed)

Awww
Nice
( Occulus Swallowed, instead of spat, on, Sat 2 May 2009, 10:33, closed)

Happy brirthday to your dad...
He sounds like a great man.

And this tribute acknowledging his achievement, is is also a testament to his ability to raise a humble and appreciative son.

You should be proud of each other.
( Pooflake braces for an onslaught..., Sat 2 May 2009, 12:45, closed)

cheers

love is grand
(goorf, Mon 4 May 2009, 7:54, closed)