Inspired by a great man.

Happy Birthday, Daddy!

 

 

I know you would have got  kick out of this pic… it is so YOU! I remember guys being so afraid to date me ‘cause of you, ha-ha!

 

 

It’s funny the memories that have been flooding back since you left. I thought I’d share some of them as maybe they’ll inspire others to do cool things with their kids and/or grandkids.

 

I remember your birthday was often celebrated on Thanksgiving, it being so close and all. It seemed wrong that you did all the cooking but hey, it’s your birthday and that’s what you wanted to do! Your gravy will always be my favourite and I’m so glad you taught me how to make it and how to cook so many other family foods. It occurs to me that most ‘treats’ we made together were fattening.

 

Dough Gods – Who knows why you named them that but mmmmm, mmmm good! I couldn’t eat them today with my wheat allergies but WOW, how I loved them as a kid. For those who’ve not heard of this delicacy… when we were little we often made bread together. Dad (and Mom) would save a loaf of bread size dough, cut it into a piece for each of us, then they went into the deep fryer – fresh oil of course – and in minutes they were ready. Rip open, spread butter and jam. Oh my! I gain a pound just thinking about it. BTW: The only place I’ve ever seen them since you made them was in Greece. 

 

Pork rinds – Well, low carb folk know about the packaged ones but you literally took pork rinds and deep fried them and as gross as it sounds it was so crispy and great! 

 

Pull toffee – I’m not sure we ever got this one correct but we sure had a sweet (pun intended) time trying. 

 

Saturday morning breakfast. I loved that my brothers and sister and mom loved sleeping in as you and I would have so much fun cooking and eating and one by one the sleepy heads would come out for a nibble. EXCEPT for that time when the night before was my first drinking escapade and you woke me up for our weekly ritual… not so nice.

 

There was the meat pie and boot soup and chef salad and tacos and you had a way with roasts, mmmm. You introduced me to asparagus and avocado and crumpets, thanks so much.

 

Halloween is coming up and that was a time of labour for you, year after year, creating winning costumes for your kids. Don’t want to focus on the negative but… rubbing green food colouring all over me and turning me into the Jolly Green Giant, not one of your finest moments, just saying!

 

You and I were the family landscapers and gardeners and you embraced my crazy ideas… like when renovating you let me use the toilet and sink as planters. I also appreciated when we had to cut down a rotten tree you took my advice and cut it the perfect height to put a top on it and make it a table, it really worked well didn’t it?

 

I’ll be forever grateful for all your training and teaching in the construction area, I did a little bit of everything with you… just enough to keep my trades on their toes.

 

Giving back to our community was always at the top of your list, I endeavour to always follow in your footsteps, dad.

 

 

There’s so much more like camping and swimming and all around fun but mostly you gave me the gift of time with you. Something that I cherished then and now I cherish the memories, so much!

 

It’s just plain wrong that you can’t write or phone and tell me how it is up there… I’d love to know!

 

 

 I love you for teaching me the gift of not taking myself too seriously!

 

 
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In honour of a great man, my dad, Ronald Walter Richard Nielson, who was taken far too soon. October 14, 1943 – November 16, 2010

 

I love you, Dad.

 

Thanks for the memories!!

 

PS: Thanks for sending me, Koko!

 

 

Inspire someone today!

 

Not feeling it? Be Kind, Be Generous… BE LOVE!