That's *my* dad!

Dave gave a talk last Sunday, and in his opening, started off with a couple of witty remarks which made the audience laugh. Mabes really had no clue why what he was saying was funny, but looked around, saw everyone laughing, and threw her head back laughing as hard as she could saying, "Oh, Daddy..." I instantly recognized the look on her face. It was a look of complete pride that that was her daddy making everyone laugh, and I could tell she wanted to shout, "See! That's my dad! Isn't he awesome?" I recognized that look, that feeling, because I had that every time my dad spoke in front of a group. That was my dad!

In high school, I would often have friends over for barbeques (or cookouts, as they are called here), trampoline jumping, and Nintendo (specifically Mario Kart--and I wonder where Mabes gets it). It was only a few years ago that I found out that my dad was secretly honored that not only was I not embarrassed to have friends over, I didn't push him and my mom out or roll my eyes when my dad would greet the guys with "what it is, man." The truth is, I thought my parents were cool. They didn't try to be, and they certainly knew their limits as parents. But my friends always left saying, "You're dad is so funny!" Yeah, I know. That's my dad--he's awesome.

The only thing we didn't do in California last month was have a long talk with my dad. He's great at advice, and just a good person to talk things through with. Even though these talks usually end with me in tears, they are uplifting and motivating, and end with him telling me that everything always works out and that I'm great and he's proud I'm his daughter. I want to turn to my imaginary audience--that's my dad! Hilarious, but also smart, loving, gives great advice, and gives the best hugs on the planet.

So happy Father's Day to my dad, and happy Father's Day to Dave. We stayed out too late last night with Mabes and we paid the price today, and she wasn't able to fully show Dave her love and appreciation (unless destroying things, talking back, and being generally unruly are how she shows love and appreciation, in which case, great job, Mabes!) But despite days like today, I can see how much she loves him just by how she looks at him. He is her world, and though she'll grow up, she'll always be his little girl and will always be able to turn to him to be cheered on, comforted, encouraged, and loved. I know this because that's how I look at my dad--that's my dad.