~Following My Dad ~

My dad is a true character. Out of anybody I've ever met, he has got to have the most distinct personality I have ever known. He is many things: strong, hard-working, emotional, determined, stubborn (ask my Mom), frugal (or as Mom would say, cheap), sensitive, generous and if you ever gain the experience of speaking with him, he has a conversational style you will most likely not forget. He has seen so many things ~ born in rural Italy, lived the old world, yet immigrated to Canada in his early twenties and seen life evolve before him. As we were growing up, he was always open about life and how difficult it can be..he wanted to spare us heartache and hardships. He built a life for myself, my two younger brothers and Mom..a good one and a comfortable one. We were spared nothing. He worked so hard and the only thing we may have lacked was his presence. He was busy, not out with the guys or fishing or golfing, but working..saving for his children, his future grandchildren.

My dad retires this year ~ 40 + years at Midway Plating LTD. in London, Ontario. I remember as a kid walking over to see him (Mom didn't drive then). He worked at the back of the shop and my brothers and I would peek in and see him in his work outfit. He was sweaty and dirty, but a kiss he got! He always showed us what he was doing and I saw for myself how hard he worked. I appreciated my dad, and I appreciate him still. As he winds down and closes this chapter of his life, I am looking forward to seeing my dad and catching up ~ 're-listening' to his stories, watching the expressions on my children's faces as he tells those classic tales of his life ~ funny, sad and always always with a life lesson to learn.

My dad is a natural poser for the camera. As kids he knew how to line us up and make us sit this way or that for a picture. So, of course, he knew just what to do. All I had to do was 'follow my dad'. :)


~Life Lessons~


You may have thought I didn't see,
Or that I hadn't heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.


Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we'd grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It's written on my heart.


Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be
The woman I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.


I've grown up with your values,
And I'm very glad I did;
So here's to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid.


R..