Happy Birthday Dickie

August 15, 2008 @ 10:03

Today is one of those days along the way.

My dad would have been 83 years old today and it brings back a lot of memories, and nothing but good ones.

As I've stated many times on this blog, Dickie was a great guy and a fabulous father and we all miss him dearly.

It's amazing how the years go by. It just seems like yesterday that we gathered for Dickie's 50th birthday in the backyard of our house on Chopin Ave. in Scarborough.

We bought him a football T-shirt with the number 50 on it, and the words BIG DICK across the shoulders.

At the time I couldn't believe my dad was actually 50 years old - two years younger than I am now.

And its funny how times change. I remember when I was just a little kid, on my dads birthday due to lack of funds I would often scrape together 48 cents and buy him a pack of cigarettes. Buckingham, large, non-filter.

I don't think there are too many kids buying their father cigarettes for their birthday in 2008.

Once I got a part time job I elevated my gift giving by buying him a case of beer, but not his usual Molson Golden, I'd go the extra couple of bucks and get him a case of Brador with the gold foil around the neck.

In the most recent years, there's was nothing Dickie liked better than a gift card. It gave him a good excuse to go and spend a few hours in the aisles of Canadian Tire or Home Depot.

I wondered how I'd feel today and to be honest, I don' feel sad. I really don't.

I miss my dad but I hold onto the fact that we had him for a long time and when his body had finally had enough, he didn't suffer long.

A great guy, a great life and great memories. How can you feel sad about that?