My Daddy and me |
My Dad
and I had a trick.
Something
that only Daddy and I could do.
It was
my favourite thing in the world.
Let me
tell you about it . . .
My Dad
was strong.
And
tall.
Certainly
stronger and taller than me.
He could
take my hands and hold me steady while I walked up his body.
I know
this sounds like something out of Cirque Du Soleil,
but it’s true.
I would lift
my feet and plant them on his legs, then walk up till I reached his chest.
Then -
and this is the exciting part - I would flip over and start again.
It was
immensely fun.
For a four-year-old, hugely entertaining.
And didn’t happen nearly enough.
Dad would come in the door and be greeted by, “Daddy! Daddy!
Pick me up!”
Obligingly, he would take my hands and let me use him as an
acrobatic frame for my . . . acrobatics.
Again and again.
Then smile and set me down and go on with his duties.
I would happily return to mine.
This went on for years.
Years.
Then one day, I think I must have been about nine, Dad uttered
the fateful words, “Sorry, honey, you’re just too heavy for me!”
I stared at him, aghast.
How could this be?
He was still taller than me.
Stronger than me.
Broader than . . . you get the picture.
How could I possibly be too heavy for him?
But, sadly, it was true.
And, just like that, my daddy’s frame climbing days were
over.
Sigh.
Last night, I was watching one of our youngest granddaughters
climb up her daddy.
Giggling happily as she did so.
And suddenly, I was remembering.
Being four-years-old again.
Holding my Daddy’s hands.
Using his help and his frame to do my acrobatics.
A sweet, sweet memory.
And for some reason you've left me all teary eyed.
ReplyDeleteAs I was last night, watching that tiny girl!
DeleteGee, all Dad for me was to pick me up by the hands and toss me in the air, grab my feet and toss me again, then repeat the process. If I tried that with one of my grandkids today I would be arrested and charged with child abuse.
ReplyDeleteHmmm . . . that explains a lot about you . . .
DeleteStill teaching our girls that fine art...
ReplyDeleteAnd it is a fine art!
DeletePictures and images in my mind just like yours. My eyes are misty.
ReplyDeleteYou've made my day, Susan! If I can bring a fond memory to someone, my day is complete!
DeleteThis was beautiful Diane, what a sweet and wonderful memory... thank you for sharing:)
ReplyDeleteI'm so glad you could share it, Launna!
DeleteNo need for gyms back then, was there? Everyone got a workout just living!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet memory, indeed.
I had to snort at George's comment :)
Yep. George. He definitely rates a snort!
DeleteI remember my kids climbing up their dad and then flipping back down to the floor. Thanks for the memory.
ReplyDeleteIt was definitely a universal activity! So glad it brought back sweet memories for you as well!
DeleteHi, I found your blog through Make My Saturday Sweet on Amanda's Books and More. I am your newest follower. A follow back to Carole's Chatter would be fantastic. Hope you are having a good week.
ReplyDelete