Sunday, September 4, 2011

Dada's Day

My Dad was 40 when I was born. It came as a shock to my parents who believed after six sons, their baby making days were well and truly over. I adored my Dad growing up. I had a notion that he was the strongest man in the world, that while ever he was there, nothing bad could happen. I distinctly remember following him around like a puppy whenever he was home. But he wasn't home all that much. Running his own business as a skydiving instructor, working tirelessly 7 days per week. Some of my fondest memories are of watching him pack the parachutes with intricate detail, for the coming weekend, when he would perform the actual jumps. He would often work long and hard, all day and into the night, in our purpose built garage. Looking back, it was a rather bizarre profession for a Dad. Though I thought he was the bee's knees. 


During my teens and into my early twenties, our relationship became decidedly strained. Typical teenage angst, coupled with the realisation that my Dad was not the perfect man I always believed him to be. I never stopped loving him, but we struggled at times to understand each other and it reached a point where I wondered if we would ever resurrect the bond that we once had. We did. Gradually, my appreciation of Dad returned. The acceptance that he is only human and along with my Mama, raised seven children to be good, happy, well adjusted adults. Comprehending the pain he suffered throughout his own childhood and teen years. Knowing that he is tougher and more resilient than I even gave him credit for. He is a pretty remarkable man, my Dad and although he can still drive me insane with his views and conservative approach to life, I love him. SO much.


Another fantastic Dada in my life, is my hubby. Fatherhood marched up to Scott, knocked on his door and changed his world. Whilst he may not be the most 'hands on' Dada when it comes to nappy changing, bathing and feeding the boys, he is one of the most proud, loving, dedicated ones I know. The little guys can't get enough of him. Much like my own Dad, he works long hours, so every single minute of time they spend together is precious. And they never waste a second. Reading, writing, drawing, building, throwing, catching, long walks and park play. Definitely the fun stuff. Though I wouldn't want it any other way. The look on each of their faces when they're playing together, is pure love. And it melts my heart.







9 comments:

  1. Such a beautiful post. You got me tearing up!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Just beautiful!

    P.S. How cool is a skydiving instructor for a Dad!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Ah ha! No wonder you're an athletic type with a Dad like that! Great to read about your men and to see their pics. Have a wonderful week!

    ReplyDelete
  4. What a beautiful Dad's day post. Just beautiful. alison x

    ReplyDelete
  5. Such a beautiful bride! You can see the nervousness and the beaming excitement all in one in that shot! Your Dad sounds cool - do you skydive? Such a lovely tribute to your two favourite Dads x

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh what a wonderful post!!
    Love the photos.
    And love that you were the 7th after SIX BOYS!! What an angel you must have been for your parents.

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a gorgeous post and such lovely photos!!

    ReplyDelete
  8. What a beautiful bride! Dads are special people to their daughters. it's hard going through teenage years more so for us girls, just don't think Dads ever really get that. Lovely post sweetie.

    Always Wendy

    ReplyDelete
  9. We aall go through that at some point in our lives. Sometime it takes becoming a parent to see what our parents really mean to us.

    Beautiful picture of you and your dad. Also it is nice to see the man who helped you make your cutie pies : )

    ReplyDelete

Thank you for stopping by my blog, reading this post and for leaving a comment. Seeing a comment on my posts always makes my day :o)