Memories of Dad

My dad passed away on this day. I miss him but wanted to share some thoughts.

Overcoming fear- My dad made us confront our fear. After the movie, Jaws, swimming in the ocean was scary. My dad would bring us into the ocean on a raft and then let me go and swim away. Forcing me to swim to him. He kept doing it until we were fairly far out. Nothing would happen thus proving his point.

Fighting- Its hard to believe but my brother and I used to fight a lot. My dad often would stop us and say if you want to fight go ahead, I'll get boxing gloves and you can fight. I always envisioned a Family Boxing Ring where we would settle our differences in the square circle.

Respect- My dad was so kind and gentle. He just wanted everyone to be happy. One day I mouthed off to a neighbor kid. I called him a shit head or a mother fucker. Obviously his dad came over to have a word. In response, my dad whipped me with his belt. Not a lot twice maybe three times and I never mouthed off again. More importantly, I knew if i messed up that the spectrum of punishment was not fun to think about.

Its OK to Play- We had these extra fake wood paneling at my old house. One day, my dad took these panels laid them down on the hill in front of my house and made a huge slide. We spent the day sliding down it.