Quiet Life Homestead

February 23 Dale's Day

What does the date February 23, 1945 bring to mind for you?  Do you think of the men who raised the American flag at Iwo Jima?  I do as well but for a different reason.

You see, my Dad was born February 23, 1945.  Every year at Christmas my sister and I would receive new calendars.  The only thing added to them was my Dad's birthday (amazingly in his own handwriting).  It became something of a game in our home to see if this year he'd put his birthday on it. 

As you can maybe tell, my Dad had a great sense of humor.  In fact, in regards to his birthday, I grew up believing that the flag was raised in honor of his birth!  We'd ask my grandad who was a WW2 veteran and he'd just laugh.

I have so many memories of my Dad that it would fill up too many pages; such as watching NFL with him on a snowy day eating the deer chili he made, all the trips to the State Fair where he indulged my sister and I and spent who knows how much money on games and rides, the family vacations to places like Arizona, Washington, D.C., Hawaii, Cancun, Dodge City, Florida.  I even remember him trying to teach me how to skate backwards at the local skating rink. 

Dad was diagnosed with a brain tumor back in 2001.  My husband quit his management position with a pest control company so we could move in with my parents and take over their wallpaper hanging business and help take care of daddy.  I saw September 11 on my parents television and though I needed guidance and assurance, Dad was too far gone to offer much.  He didn't know what was going on.   The doctors said he would only live for 3-4 months, but he lived over a year after his diagnosis.  I miss him very much!

Please do me a favor.  If your Dad is still alive, please call him today and let him know how much you love him!

Vicki

Untitled Comment

{ 08:50, Friday, February 23, 2007 } { Posted by HandsNHearts }

My father passed away very unexpectedly this past March (http://www.homesteadblogger.com/HandsNHearts/9711/About+my+Dad....html). That anniversary is coming up the end of next month. I definitely agree...if your father is still alive, call him...today. Don't miss an opportunity that will stay in your heart forever.

I will keep you in my prayers today as those wonderful, bittersweet memories drift into your heart.
Deanna

memories

{ 08:55, Friday, February 23, 2007 } { Posted by gardengirl }

How wonderful that you have such dear memories of your dad. Sounds like he still lives on in your heart.

Have a wonderful day,
Susan

p.s. I think I'll go call my dad.