Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom. ~Marcel Proust
This is my Dad…a charming gardener who takes care of his trees and makes all those he comes in contact with, smile.
Isn’t he the cutest little boy? I think he looks a lot like my son in this picture.
Something my Dad always says is to “SMILE! You’ll feel better! Just let the corner of your mouth move upward ever so slightly and you have a start on it that won’t stop!”
My parents recently got together with some of their old friends. My Dad and his friend Quentin have been friends since they were kids. They were talking about old injuries, knee surgeries…when Quentin asked Dad if he wanted to race. My Dad couldn’t get his running shoes on fast enough!
He has the same excitement with my daughter when they’re swimming together in the pool and she’ll say, “just one more race Coach?!” He will NEVER say no to the words, “just one more!”
My Aunt Ann (the one trying to give my Dad gum in the picture below) remembers my Dad saying that his birthday was on “August fust!” You can see, even as a baby, my Dad was having a happy effect on his sisters (Ann and Pat).
My Dad is many things: he’s a coach (on and off the court), a proud Tar Heel, a teacher, a fellow in the American College of Trial Lawyers, most importantly…he’s a good man!
Many happy returns Dad! I’m grateful to you, my charming gardener!
A little more about my Dad:
Ten things I’ve learned from my Dad
The unwavering courage and parenting philosophy courtesy of Midland 64
Love Grows Where My Rosemary Goes