I know. The hair, the dress. Shaddup. It was the eighties.
I’m usually all “Bring me the FUNNAY!” but recent life events have sobered me up just a tad.
Sometimes, life throws you curve balls. Or hands you lemons or something. And you are supposed to make lemonade or do something with the lemons. Rub them on your elbows? Put them on apples so they don’t turn brown? I know! Squeeze them and clean the curve balls! AMIRIGHT?
Anyways, I’ve learned a few things recently. Because my plate isn’t full enough with a severely disabled child, karma has decided that I also need two terminally ill parents. Technically, we’re all terminal, unless you have magic fairy dust to live forever, and I’ve seen a movie about that and it didn’t end well. But right now, well, my dad is sleeping soundly. I’m not sure when or if he’ll wake back up.
At the risk of being all mushy and stuff? Here’s the top ten things I’ve learned from my Dad:
- Don’t sweat the small stuff. When you’re sitting in the waiting room of an oncology office you kinda feel silly bitching about the toilet sitting on your neighbor’s front yard for three weeks.
- Locks are there to keep honest people honest. Because if the lock WASN’T there, the honest person would then be dishonest. Go lock something up and help a total stranger not become dishonest. You’ll thank me later.
- You aren’t a window/ we can’t see through you. This one was especially useful when I was standing in front of the television and The Price is Right was on. Try it the next time someone stands in front of your tv. It works! They move!
- I know you found that twenty dollar bill, but you’re putting it back because someone else is looking for it. Dammit, he ruined all the fun. I always had to put the money back.
- No, we’re not sitting in the wrong seats at the baseball game just because they’re empty. To this day I can’t move up to the empty seats. You know, just in case that person magically wanders in during the eighth inning and wants his seat.
- Me and My Shadow, Me and my Pal. My dog’s name was Shadow. He sang this EVERY. SINGLE. TIME. she walked into the room. Off key. Totally tone deaf. Yeah.
- Treat others the way you want to be treated. People, this isn’t rocket science. Do you like being mistreated? No. You don’t. SO STOP IT.
- Everything tastes better with peppers and onions. Well, except maybe ice cream Ew.
- Slow the hell down. This one because I move at lightning speed and am a total klutz. Heh.
- Never pass up a chance to tell someone you love them. This one especially resonates with me today. There may not be “later” or “tomorrow.” Do it now. Just sayin’.
It’s a hell of an education at the University of Life.
About Marj Hatzell
So sorry you are dealing with such a difficult situation. I lost my dad when I was 16..I’m 39 now, I still miss him. My prayers are with you and your family. BTW…as to #3…I always got, “your momma wasn’t a glass maker.” ;-)
Thank you. I have nothing but smiles and good memories to take away from this. But I was glad it was overwith so quickly.
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
Praying for you and your family.
Twitter Name: ladyjess78
Thank you!
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
Oh, oh, oh. I just loved this. Seriously.
Thanks. I loved writing it.
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
Lost my dad in the 1985, but you brought back a lot of memories of him.
He always said “You make a better door than you do a window” when I got between him and the TV.
His song of choice was “You are my Sunshine” but he changed the lyrics to “You make me happy when skies are crappy”
Wise man, your dad.
Love and prayers to you and your family. I’m glad you have good things to hold on to.
Twitter Name: msmegan
Many, many happy memories. We weren’t all tea and cakes but I have a great childhood.
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
December 18th will be ten years ago that my dad was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died three months later. What he taught me? “Every ole dog has his day.” I repeat that one a lot when someone ticks me off.
HA! I heard that one, too.
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
This was a great tribute, my dad taught me a lot of the same things. He’s been gone 6 years.
Twitter Name: cannibal_nerd
:) Thanks.
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
I’m really trying to treat people the way I want to be treated. There is a lady at work retiring. She isn’t always the nicest person but I”m organizing the party & gift. I don’t know that anybody else would do it & I know she will love all of it.
Twitter Name: grandemocha
Now THAT is a nice thing to do.
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
Hugs and much love to you.
Twitter Name: Unknown Mami
Thanks, Mami. :)
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
I want you to know I’ve been there…specifically in August of 2010. I watched cancer take over the strongest man I ever knew. It’s Hell. Reach out to your online friends–they got me through and I’m sure they’ll be there for you, too. My dad’s best phrases…
me: What’s up?
him: the sky. (he said it every time)
me: (picking my underpants out of my rear)
him: you going to the movies?
me: no, why?
him: then why are you picking your seat?
(yes, it always made me laugh!)
Twitter Name: DesMiller
That’s so damn awesome. And it’s what I miss the most. Thanks for your kind words.
Twitter Name: thedgoddess
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. I love this list. They are lessons we can all live by.
Twitter Name: laliquin