Happy Birthday Dad...

:::::EDITED TO SAY:::::
This is the Happy Birthday conversation I had with Dad...after all the happy birthday stuff...

Dad: I need to find a leather shop.
Me: Umm.. for what?
Dad: I need to get something custom made.
Me: Well I know a couple.. depending...umm.. err.. ahh...
Dad: :::sternly::: I need a handle for a piece of test equipment..
Me: Oh.. Mine was better..
Dad: I have no doubt...

Today is my Dad's birthday.. he is a very young.. let me count.. :::takin off my shoes::: .. :::using buckeyes toes:::.. umm.. 78 years

He is my hero to end all hero's... he has survived 3 children who became drug addicts.. and they survived too.. He survived a blended family that added another daughter.. He is surviving 6 grand kids.. and 2 great grand kids...

He has stared down colon cancer and survived it... He is the true Survivor who will never be voted off my island...

To hear from this man "I am proud of you." makes my heart swell with pride. To be able to carry his name once again with the dignity and respect it deserves in a wonderful thing.

When I get tired from working 7 days a week, I think back to how many times he did that for our family when I was young.. and the life he tied to make for us... yes.. He spoiled us.. Yes.. he disciplined us.. I will never forget that whippin with the weeping willow branch.. Did I deserve it? Absolutely! Did I ever do THAT particular thing again? Not just no.. but OH HELL NO!

I know that one of the things I am proud of most in my recovery is that I can look him in the eye.. and tell him anything in the world.. and he will give me the advantage of his years of life and give me the best advice possible.. Do I always take it? No.. Should I? Probably... But.. He not only loves me anyway.. he likes me too... that's a good thing.. to be able to hang out with him for the day.. and not get bored.. and not want to hurry up and go home.. Is a beautiful thing..

So.. here's to you Daddy.. Happy Birthday!!! I love you...

8 Days....

7 days.. plus one.. Im thinking it would be safe to clean the ashtrays outaa my room without it feeling like I am denying myself of something..

Oh Dad called today.. remember all the tools ha gave me the other day? lol.. he needed one.. We met halfway... I love him... he is the real life version of the Keebler Elf..

The Call...

Well.. I got the call from Home Chicken last night.. yeah.. I'm the source of all her troubles it seems.. :::shaking my head very slowly from side to side:::

The most important thing on her mind? Well.. could it be the possibility of being sent back to prison? Nope.. the possibility of getting new charges added to her and being sent back to prison? Nope again.. her burning desire.. "I need some money on my books for shampoo. I can't be indigent."

So anyway...today is my Dad's birthday.. Did I ever tell you what a wonderful man he is? I am a very lucky daughter to have a Dad that supports me in everything.. even though I know he doesn't quite agree with my lifestyle.. He loves me and supports me and is proud of me... He has had 3 kids that put him through the wringer more than once.. He has survived colon cancer.. has been married to my step-mom for .. shoot.. for about 100 years now.. :::chuckling::: I know cause he married her the year I graduated high school.. and it feels like its been that long ago..

I know that life is fragile and nobody is really promised another day.. and I thank my God every day that I still have my Dad... So.. Dad.. even though I just talked to you and yeah.. made you listen to my very sad rendition of Happy Birthday... I love you and I want you to know this..

I am proud to be YOUR daughter..