Dear Dad

posted by Momo Fali on June 3, 2013

Dear Dad,

Last week, on Memorial Day, there was a war movie on TV that I had never seen. You know how cartoon characters see something unbelievable and their eyes pop out of their heads? That’s how I felt when I realized there was a WWII film that you and I hadn’t watched together.

Maybe the movie was on one Sunday back in 1979 and I wasn’t paying attention because I was reading the comics to you (or the “funny papers” as you used to say). And, by the way, now that I’m a parent I am fully aware that you weren’t listening to me read Hagar the Horrible as much as you were pretending to listen. I’m on to you. I learned  from the best how to do that appeasing nod that insinuates I hear you, but really you’re watching The Bridge on the River Kwai.

I learned a lot from you, Dad, like to start a joke with, “This is a true story…” I learned that you should always wear black pants for an evening on the town, how to spin a basketball on my index finger, how to treat people, and most of all…how to spoil a kid. Or, spoil myself. Same difference. Because, for real, you spoiled me rotten. My kids want me to thank you for setting the bar so high.

If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have owned a Grease album, a satin vest, or Jordache jeans. Aw, yeah. This kid was stylin’. I would have never known what it’s like to eat Moons Over My-Hammy at Denny’s at 3:00am, take a Ford Mustang for a joy ride, or yell, “Arm pit!” to a Pittsburgh fan. Not to mention that I wouldn’t know the amazingness of the Ohio State Synchronized Swim team.

I wouldn’t know how to number my jokes, smuggle beer into football stadiums, play Commando, or know that it’s possible to transform a green sofa into a Christmas tree. I wouldn’t know that a raw potato covered in salt is downright delicious, that it’s possible to read an entire set of World Book Encyclopedias, or that there are certain things you should never, ever do to a cat.

If it weren’t for you, I wouldn’t have the most amazing childhood memories a kid can have. I wouldn’t know the value of family, how important it is to laugh, or how significant a role a dad can play.

I also wouldn’t have giant earlobes, but that’s another post.

Thank you for everything you’ve given me. Happy birthday, Dad.

    Comments

  • Shannon


    Happy birthday to your Dad! I remember my one pair of jordache jeans and reading the “funnies” too!

  • Joni


    Perfect!!!!! Happy Birthday, too, my 2nd Dad!!!

  • Jenny from Mommin' It Up


    Loved it. And I am with you on the raw potato thing, all the way.

  • Liz


    True story, giant earlobes are cool…Happy Birthday, Dad 🙂

  • Chad B.


    This is great. I miss my dad greatly, not just on fathers day and birthdays, but grey days and happy days too. He was a great mentor and friend and always knew when to call and what to say. Great blog!

    Chad

  • Mama D


    Personal and beautiful. Happy birthday to your dad!

  • tara


    Awww so sweet! Happy birthday to your dad! I got giant earlobes from my dad too.

    A Christmas tree made out of a couch? This I need to see!

  • Zak


    Aww, happy day to your Dad!

  • Toni


    I was pretty spoiled too, the family car was a Lincoln, and it was MINE whenever I wanted it, he taught me how fish,how to count with bags of money, that you shouldn’t scrimp on shoes., and how to eat in the most elegant exclusive restaurants and how a hot dog from a cart could be just as good. Most of all he taught me to believe there is some good in all people. My birthday parties were events, and my birthday is today! I miss you Daddy, and Happy Birthday to your Daddy too Momo, XO

    • Momo Fali


      And, happy birthday to you Toni! I know for a fact that your dad did a great job raising a great girl!

  • Kablooey


    Looove this post, and your dad sounds like a major character and character-builder. Definitely sounds like you should elabroate on each one of those stories. Except the earlobes. I guess you got those covered. Happy birthday to your dad!

  • Kablooey


    Elabroate. Um… no. Elaborate? That’s better.

  • Melisa


    AWW! You were his birthday gift! Happy belated to your Dad and Happy birthday to you!

  • Veronica


    Dying! Moon’s over my hammy…classic…I’ll never forget that! Happy Birthday, Di!!

  • AlisonH


    I love it! (And my dad’s birthday is tomorrow–thank you for the pro tips!)

  • meleah rebeccah


    Awwwwwwwwwwww!!1 Happy Birthday Momo’s Dad!!!

  • Monica


    Lovely tribute to your dad! Thanks for sharing it. 🙂