My Dad

He gave me my bright blue eyes.
And my dark hair.

Once we went to a Father/Daughter dance.
I was upset when everyone said "You would look just like your dad if you grew a mustache."

He taught me to love music.
And books.

When I was in third grade, he showed me how to do algebra.
He made me feel smart.

He talked more than anyone I know.
Even more than me.

He made the worst hamburgers, but the best Chinese food.
I still love Chinese.

He let me get that cat.
But he chose the name. The dumbest name ever - TC for The Cat.

He surprised me and came to my fifth grade talent show.
I felt special.

I made fun of him when he said "I'm fixin' to..." or "I'll give you a holler..."
He laughed.

He made a lot of mistakes.
But he owned up to them later on.

And after I had my own children, he told great stories of when I was a child.
And he gave great advice - "Don't forget these days. They're the best."

He visited a few weeks ago to meet Ethan and see Evie.
He read to Evie and carried her. He tickled her and sang silly songs.
She loved the attention from her Poppa.

When he left to go home, he promised to read her books on the webcam.
But we ran out of time.

Last night, my dad passed away.
And I'm in disbelief. I'm numb.

But trying to remember.
My dad.