Note: This post is best read while listening to this song.
(All the poppies I saw while in the Loire, none as lovely as my poppy)
A couple weeks ago I was talking with my parents and mentioned that it was Mother’s Day (La fête des Mères) in France. This caused a little reminiscing over my mother’s day post which then segwayed into my dad saying that come father’s day, it would quickly become evident who was my favorite parent depending on what I wrote or even if I wrote something for my father.
Snarky comments like this are very common from my dad, but let it be known that I was always planning on writing a post for him as well (this is not out of obligation) and I do not have a favorite parent, I love them both so so much and they balance each other perfectly. So, Joyeuse Fête des Pères! It is in fact Father’s day in France as well.
Where to begin, my poppy (a title I bestowed upon him as a little one, and which he claims was my first word) is the most capable and inspirational person I know. Growing up, I was amazed by all the skills he possed; he could fix anything, draw anything, cook anything, do anything and his presence I felt and still always feel very reassured, he’s the parent I chose to sit next to on airplanes, it seems as if just being next to him there’s less of a chance the plane will fall out of the sky. My desire to travel was also inspired by mon papa. Over the years I’ve heard many tales of eurail passes, travels through South America, and island living on Trinidad. I think he’s still got about 20 countries on me, but watch out, I’m catching up!
I’m a much stronger, braver, more capable person thanks to my father. He had a whole host of ridiculously annoying techniques he used to help me develop these qualities as I was growing up, but I’m so thankful he pushed me. For example, when I was younger and said I was “trying” to do something (lift something heavy, solve a math problem, nail a golf shot), he would reply “don’t’ try, just do!” This infuriated me when I was trying so hard, but it was a reminder that you can always try (or do) harder. As a shyer and quieter kid, my dad would drive me to school, turn to me, and say “confidence” just before I got out of the car, he would also make me order my own food at restaurants even when I wanted my parents to order for me. Again, two things that drove me crazy at one point, but I certainly don’t have any trouble ordering dinner anymore (in fact I’ve been doing it in French for the last month!). One last thing I remember is when I was about five and a novice bike rider, my dad decided I should ride down a very steep hill in our neighborhood. Though a little nervous, I gamely hopped aboard my bike (sans training wheels of course) and started whizzing down the hill. Unfortunately about a quarter of the way down my feet slipped off the pedals and I had no way to break. I panicked and somehow the bike flew out from under me and I landed right on my bum! Once he had made certain my limbs were all still attached, my dad started laughing, picked my bike up, and sent me down the hill again. Maybe a tough lesson at the time, but one that taught me to pick yourself up and try again and not to be afraid to take risks.
My poppy is a mix of goofy sarcasm and quiet contemplation. He can tell a joke as well as he can help you get a handle on a big problem. He’s quite stoic and I’ve never once heard him complain about anything (other than the inepititudes of waiters, but that’s a whole other story…). When I think of him, I think of golf and wine and art and enchiladas and playing guitar and cycling and sitting outside and chatting during warm summer nights. Writing this I realize I have so many fond memories of time we’ve spent together, golfing, canoeing, going to baseball games, and going to sushi, I think there’s some truth in the idea that “all daughters are daddy’s girls,” there really is something so special about spending time with your father.
As I was getting ready for the day after writing this post, I looked in the mirror and remembered something else I needed to include, my favorite Christmas gift! This year for Christmas my dad designed this necklace for me. He drew out the design and then brought it to the jeweler to be made. It’s a little hiker since I absolutely love to hike and has a sapphire in it which is my birthstone. It’s amazingly unique and special and I love it and love that it’s just for me.
It’s impossible to fit everything I want to say about my dad into one post, but I’ll conclude by saying that he’s absolutely amazing, I love him so much, and everyday I aspire to be like him and am inspired by him.
So pops, have a great day, go for a bike ride, order up some fish tacos and a margarita, and enjoy the view from the back patio. Wish so much I could be there with you, but it’s also all thanks to you that I’m not there, you’ve made me brave enough to take off and see the world!
Soleil et Café 