Memories with Gordon Lightfoot

This morning as I was getting ready for church, I was listening to the local radio station when a Gordon Lightfoot song came on. As soon as the song began, I immediately thought of my dad. Pretty perfect right? Since it's Father's Day today and all. When I was little my dad would play the guitar for us and one of the artists he played the most of was Gordon Lightfoot. I could have sat all day long on the computer room floor and listened to him play "Susan's Floor" or "Circle of Steel". He also played some other songs that quickly became favorites when we were young like "Super skier" and "Grandma's Featherbed".


So, for Mother's Day I listed the things I love most about my mom and I'm sorry to all of you who read this and don't want to have to read another list of me bragging about one of my family members but I've just got to do it.


1. Ok, so you saw my number one. He plays the guitar and I have so many great memories of camping and listening to him playing the guitar around the campfire. Oh and I did I mention he can play a few songs on the banjo, accordion, harmonica and piano as well? He's a musical guy...

2. He's a total handyman. If there was or is anything that needs fixing, even if my dad doesn't have the parts on hand, he'll figure out a way to rig it up so it works. Over the past ten or twelve years as each of his kids have purchased homes, my dad is right there to help us fix up whatever needs fixing. Thanks to him, we were able to get everything fixed on the condo in order to sell it. While Tyler and I sat here on the beach in Florida, Dad was over at our house in Taylorsville making sure everything was in order. On top of that, he never complained once, at least not to me.

3. He's one of the most patient people I've ever met. When we were younger we would go boating. Mom and Dad would let us bring friends and on several occasions, those friends had never skied. My dad would set them up and spend all day trying to get them up on skis. He never cared how long it took or how many times they'd fall, he would always encourage them to get up and try again. I love that.

4. He loves my mom and he's not afraid to show it. My mom and dad are always holding hands, hugging and kissing. Some people get grossed out at the thought of their parents kissing but I love that my dad is not shy about how much he loves my mom. He wants to make sure everyone knows it. I think it's so cute that they still act like they are teenagers. Because he respects her and loves her so much, he also taught my brothers to respect women. I think it shows with how they treat their wives. I'm sure my sister-in-laws appreciate that quality.

5. He's the most genuine, real guy you'll ever meet. Do you know what I mean by that? He is the same around everyone. He never has to put on a show or feel like he has to act differently around certain people just so they'll like him. He's always Dan and everyone loves him immediately because of it. Everyone feels comfortable around him and feels an immediate connection with him.

6. He can totally make me laugh. He does little things like if he sees a camera sitting around, no matter whose it is, he'll pick it up and start taking pictures of spoons, tables, someone’s foot, whatever random things are around at the moment that nobody would probably ever want a picture of. It drives my mom nuts and I think it's hilarious.

7. I mentioned earlier that my dad is a handy man. While I was growing up, if my dad was every fixing something around the house, or on the car, and you were around, he would explain what he was doing and let you help with it. Instead of just doing things for you, he would teach you how to do that. When I moved out on my own, I realized how important that was to know how to be self reliant. (Thanks Dad!)

8. He's the hardest worker ever. I'm not exaggerating. He's always taught us that if you are doing a job, you should always give your all, no matter what. For as long as I can remember, Dad would go into work about 5:30 or 6:00 in the morning and put in a 12 hour work day.

9. He's one of my best friends. I know I said this about my mom as well but it's true. My parents are some of my best friends. I talk to my dad at least once a day if not more and he is one of the first people I want to talk if something good or bad happens in my life.

And last but not least...

10. Although he doesn't have it anymore, he's one of two men in the world that look really handsome with a moustache. Him and Tom Selleck.

Happy Father's Day Dad! I love you!