I decided to write a tribute to my Daddy in honor of Father’s Day. I know that everyone thinks they have the best Daddy, but since you are here, you should at least learn a little bit more about mine, Zeb. In all my life, I can’t think of a single person that dislikes my Daddy. There might be one, but you would be hard pressed to find them. I am proud to say that he raised my brother, sister and I to treat everyone we meet with respect.
Work
Growing up my Daddy worked hard at Duke Energy, and he still does. He pulled call so many times on holidays or worked storms out of town. And then he would usually come home and work in the garden or be doing something outside with my uncle with the cows or mowing grass. He is a hard working man and taught us all that we should have a strong work ethic.
Fun
In elementary school, I was a bit of a tomboy and I LOVED baseball, especially the Atlanta Braves. I remember going to see them with Daddy and loving every minute. We parked outside of the city and rode MARTA right to the stadium. Those memories will stay with me forever. I have watched more baseball games with my Daddy than I can count. And he would practice softball with me in the yard after working all day, because he knew how much I loved it.
All of my friends that ever visited my house have all loved my Daddy. He is a big cut up and loves to have fun. He has one joke about a cat that I have begged him to let me video, but he has yet to relent. I told him that if he would just let me record it, that it would go viral and he’d be famous. Haha!
He is notorious for giving most everyone a nickname. My brother’s is Bocephus, my sister is Droopy and I am Tolleywhat. I have no clue where mine came from but it what he always called me growing up. When he talks about work, I know everyone by their nicknames instead of their actual names LOL!
Random Things
If you ever see my Daddy out on the town or going to church, you can bet he has on his hat. He always says it is “suave and debonair.” He loves to make molasses, if the cane turns out each year. And his love of corn, is the cutest. You can read more about that and watch his tricks here. Sunday afternoons he takes naps, but he says he is ” just resting his eyes”. And he can tell the best stories. You honestly, never know what he is going to say and it makes me laugh.
Our Traditions
As most everyone knows, I was always very close to my Mama. And I always felt close to my Daddy too. But since my Mama passed, I have some new traditions with my Daddy that I cherish. I have spent a lot of time eating breakfast with him. He can make the best gravy for biscuits. As he would say-“it will make your tongue slap your eyes out”! He makes homemade biscuits too so breakfast with him is always a treat.
He comes to my house for dinner some during the week usually. But most every Friday night, you will find us together eating dinner after I get off work. Sometimes we end up at places like Carolina Fine Foods in Travelers Rest and sometimes we end up at places like Red Lobster. He never wants to choose the place, of course. This past week we went to Farmhouse Tacos but I am not sure he was impressed. 😉 During the summer, a lot of Sunday afternoons we go to Brewster’s and get ice cream together. I love our outings together and am so glad that I get to do those things with him.
I hope all the Dad’s have a great day today. And be sure to tell your Daddy how much you appreciate them. I could write a book on all the things that I have learned from my Daddy. But suffice it to say, he is one of a kind. He has told me for years that he doesn’t need or want anything for Father’s Day, just a hug and a kiss on the cheek. But maybe a blog post added to that will make it extra special today. Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! You are the best and I love you!
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