Sunday, March 1, 2009

in like a lion

the old saying about march's weather has always held a special meaning in our family. my father's birthday is the first of march... mine is the 31st. i remember how predictably my father would chase me and my brother through the house on his birthday roaring "in like a lion!" - no matter what the weather.

when we were little, every weekend at the beach, my father dug huge holes in the sand complete with places to sit and a level surface on which to eat our lunch. my father wasn't a big man, but he was a strong man. i remember clinging to him in the deep surf, buffeted by waves, or floating like a starfish, arms and legs stretched out to the sun, my head supported on his shoulder, when the water was calm.

if my mother encouraged me to write my stories down - because she was the one who loved all things literary - it was my father who taught me to tell them. every saturday, when my mother headed off to the hairdresser's, my father cooked us pancakes and told us stories he made up. the old lion may be slowing down, but his stories still hold the rapt attention of another generation of little girls.

so happy birthday, daddy - i may have found Prince Charming, but you'll always be king of my heart.

and furthermore, the war WILL end. blessed be.

11 comments:

Midlife, menopause, mistakes and random stuff... said...

What a nice tribute. The March of Ides is a special day for me as well and because of my Dad (and Mom) but in a different way.
Happy Birthday to your Dad. I loved your memorie's. I have many of the same of my own.....all good. I remember my Dad to be the most handsome and strongest and most gently man alive. Ever.....

Steady On
Reggie Girl

lynette355 said...

what a lovely tribute
dads have that bluster that lil girls love
i am glad he was there to support you, teach you to imagine and show you that the sky (well even above) is the limit!

Laura Rose said...

awwh...happy birthday dad!!!

Crazee Juls said...

That was a really sweet tribute.

Divaeva said...

Awwww! *misty eyed* Wonderful!
Happy birthday Annie's daddy!

Kathy said...

happy birthday to your dad.

Thank you for reorganizing the Johnny Depp story.

Unknown said...

thank you, everyone, for leaving such wonderful birthday wishes for my daddy! i know he will appreciate them!!!

Elisabeth said...

Happy birthday to your dad!

Mindy said...

I love that "In Like a Lion"! He sounds like a truly wonderful man.

imbeingheldhostage said...

That is really beautiful... makes me miss my dad. I just scrolled down to where I left off last (one of your JD installments) and how the heck did I fall so far behind? Have you posted twice a day or something?

Kim said...

Happy Birthday to your Dad.