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But my heart belongs to Daddy!--Southwest Airlines Salutes Father's Day

cadams
Adventurer B

The words from the song are oh so true.  How can a girl not compare other men to the first man who picked her up and dried her tears.  My dad died January 1, 1996, and in his Diary for the new year he had written, "The first day of my new life."  And, it was. 

These are the first things that come to mind when I think of my dad:

Cigar smoke--when I smell it I expect to look up and see him.  It was a big deal to ride to Harold's Drug Store with him to buy El Verso cigars.  Of course he bought me a chocolate soda from the fountain.

While playing professional baseball, he became the blister expert.  That meant the needle sterilized in alcohol, ointment, and a bandaid.  Today, popping blisters is not recommended.  He carried me into the doctor's office with my broken toe. 

Laughter--he was a great comic.  My sister and I would lie in our beds at night listening to the laughter as he told my mother funny stories about his day.  Every day was funny to him.  I was in the stands when the umpire threw my dad out of the game for arguing.  I can still see him stalk to the gate, slamming it, causing the gate to pop open.  So, he did it again.  Now the fans started laughing.  This went on for at least five slams before the umpire put a stop to it. 

During the winter months we always knew when dad came home from officiating football games because we heard the sound of his shoes hitting the side of the house--knocking the mud from his cleats.  I've never known anyone who could sit in the front seat of a car with his arm out the window, hit his hand on the side of the door, and make a sound like a flat tire.  His favorite trick was to act like he had run into the door or wall with a thud.  He would rub his head.  It was years before I figured out the sound came from his kicking the wall with his foot. 

He could whistle like a bird, touch his nose with his tongue, and wiggle his ears.  Forgotten arts!  When I had my first child my dad cried while leaving Lubbock because he wasn't sure we could take care of the baby by ourselves!  I appreciated most being able to call him or ask him for help any time during his life and his saying, "Sure I will, honey." 

My visiting grandson looked at my husband sleeping on the sofa and said, "Nana, is John your father?"  No, Noah.  He's not my father - but he reminds me of him.          

10 Comments
blusk
Aviator C
Beautiful post Carole. Many people may not know that your dad, Bob Finley, played a key role in SMU winning its only national championship in football. He threw the winning pass out of punt formation to defeat TCU and Sammy Baugh in 1935, which sent the Mustangs to the Rose Bowl. Coach Finley was the coach of SMU's baseball team when I went to school there. Brian
Lynnie_Gustafso
Explorer C
Carole, this is just such a sweet tribute to your Dad and made me smile. You have a beautiful way with words that touch the heart. I'm with my Dad (and Mom) a week early to celebrate Fathers Day. Love your blogs and thanks again for doing the blog in my parents "The Amazing Flying McPhee's" on their celebration of their 85th birthdays and 64th wedding anniversary SKYDIVE LUV you, Lynnie Gustafson OAK FA
Sharon_Guthrie
Explorer C
Carole - What a great article. I have fond memories of your Dad as well. Hard to believe he has been gone for so long. Just reminds us how fast time flies by. Sharon
Another_DAL_FA
Explorer C
I never knew your father...but John really makes me laugh and he would do anything for you. You are a lucky woman to have and have had such men in your life.
luvtoflyswa
Explorer A
What a very nice post, Carole! Thank you so much for sharing this.
J__Kellokoski
Explorer C
Brought a tear to my eye!
Linda_Thompson1
Explorer C
Loved your post and I think I know where you got your delightful, quirky sense of humor. It was a great tribute to your dad and I know he would be just as proud of you as you are of him. Linda T.
Ginger_B_
Explorer C
Carole, That was a wonderful story of your father. It is such a blessing when we can look back on fond memories of our parents. You were blessed to have great parents. I know you will always cherish your memories. Sounds like you have some of your dad's talents - kindness, humor & compassion for others. Love ya - Mickey & Ginger
Project_Managem
Explorer C
Loved your post and I think I know where you got your delightful, quirky sense of humor. It was a great tribute to your dad and I know he would be just as proud of you as you are of him.
Betty_Wilson_Gu
Explorer C
Your tribute to your "Daddy" made me cry. I remember that he was the sportscaster at the baseball games and brought many of your friends along. You were very lucky in the parent department, and I was lucky to know them. I just read that Father's Day was instigated by a daughter ,and June was picked because it was the month of his birth. How appropriate that you honored your "Daddy" with such a moving tribute..