Daddy’s Little Girl

Dad has been having a bit of an extended Father’s Day celebration this year, starting on Friday, when Blackie spearheaded a scheme to treat him to a special meal “out” that night.

$14 may not sound like a lot to work with, but it might have worked out OK, had they not allowed Charlotte to choose the restaurant—which she also insisted on keeping “a surprise.”

Alas, when they first arrived at Cafe Beaucoup, it looked like their lovely evening was likely to go the way of Jo March’s dreadful, doomed dinner party in Little Women (i.e., ending in “bread and butter, olives and fun”—minus the “fun,” that is). Charlotte certainly has champagne tastes, for a cat!

But then Dad graciously stepped in and saved the day—without even realizing it, probably—as dads are often wont to do. (No wonder they’re our heroes!)

Back at the ranch, I’ve been enjoying looking through old family photos this weekend, and think I’ve hit on just one of the (many) reasons that my dad is such a great one (aside from his enormous heart & tender love for his family, that is): He’s had well over 50 years of experience!

Here’s some early photographic evidence of Dad being a dad: lending my sister Carol some support, giving me his full attention, and showing our little sister Julia how things are done. (Though neither she nor I ever picked up on that touch-typing thing—Sorry, Dad!)

And even though my mom is no longer with us (and therefore can’t weigh in), these drawings she made for Dad’s very first Father’s Day speak volumes in her absence.

Dad is a very new dad here—his first daughter, Carol, having been born the preceding month—but it looks like Mom’s decided that he’s already earned his fatherly crown.

And here Dad is typing again! (Dad was chief copywriter, among other things, for the small package design firm he co-founded, in the early days of my parents’ marriage.)

I love how Mom’s affection for her spouse comes through these doodles of hers, along with her wry sense of humor. —Especially below, where she teases “the dreamiest Daddy” about what a good sleeper he is—better than both her and their infant daughter, it seems! (Notice the little “X” and the dotted line suggesting who was absent from bed—and why.)

(But heck, it’s Father’s Day, so why not sleep in a little extra?)

Wishing all my friends a very Happy Father’s Day today—whether you’re being celebrated as a dad yourself, are celebrating your own dad, or are just holding him in your heart, and thinking back on sweet memories.

And sending love and thanks to my dad, James: world-class father, debonair gent, jolly good fellow, patron of the arts (and cats and mice and daughters, too). —All of whom agree: You’re the absolute best!