I have so many fond memories of my Daddy, this man that helped mold and shape the person that I am today. The example that he set for us, the life that he led, was a shining light in which we patterned our lives after.

This December is the 2nd anniversary of his passing. His absence is always more pronounced this time of year. The holidays have a way of conjuring up memories and reliving moments in time.  I want to share a story about my Daddy that always makes me smile and always makes me feel special.

When Terri and I were 8 – 10 years old or so, we saw a grocery list lying on the kitchen counter waiting for Daddy. On the list there were the usual items; milk, bread, and so on, written in my mother’s distinctive cursive handwriting. While no one was looking, (the sneaky snakes that we were), Terri and I added to the list (in our own distinct script),

• cookies
• candy
• ice cream

Cautiously, and undetected, we placed the list back on the counter where we found it. Much to our surprise, when Daddy returned home from the grocery, he had bought ALL of the items on the list, including the goodies that Terri and I had added. When we told Daddy it was us that added the “good stuff” on the list, he grinned and acted surprised.

Now, as an adult, I think back about when Daddy saw that list for the first time. He knew he had a choice; Do I do the practical thing and ignore this obvious addendum, perhaps scold them for their attempted deception,  or do I indulge my girls and make them feel special? He did the right thing, because this memory is an indelible part of my being. The cookies , the candy, the ice cream (although a big deal at the time), took a back seat to the way my Daddy made me feel at the time.

Now I ask, how many parents would do that for their children?

Every day I miss this man.

Cat