Dear Old Dad.

Okay, so I have a confession. Most people who have known me for a long time will already know this, it's nothing new.

My dad and I used to not so much like each other. Okay, I guess we liked each other cause we had to. But I don't think we were each other's favorite people in the world. I never understood why we got under each other's skin so much.

But these days, we get along pretty darn well. I think the old man is softening up a lot as the years go by. And as he gets older, I find myself wanting to help him out more. Like when he had to fly to Ohio to visit Annie... I found myself stressing more than he was, I think, because he was going to fly for the first time in 30 years. I packed some stuff in his carry-on bag for him so he'd be more comfortable. Actually, I convinced him he needed to take one in the first place.
I guess I kind of mothered him. But sometimes, I feel like he needs it, cause he's getting older and is slightly... naive? Innocent? I don't know what the word I'm looking for is, but I think it boils down to, he still thinks in the era he grew up in, and times have changed. I'm not claiming to be all 21st century savvy, but I know how more things work now, having a few less years than he.

Anyway, I digress. I frankly find the old man quite endearing these days. He's outgoing, and quite pleasant almost 100% of the time. I mean, who knew he'd end up babysitting Ellie all day, for crying out loud? At first I wasn't sure how that arrangement was going to work out. But Ellie adores him, and that puts me at ease. Although the old man spoils her rotten--but that just means he loves her. And oh man, Ellie loves her Grandpa!

And I love him too. I regret all the years spent fighting and considering him to be the enemy. Maybe if I'd given him a chance a long time ago I would have seen what I see now?

A kind-hearted, good-natured old man, who has a big space between his first 2 toes, just like me. We also have athletes foot-- on one foot only. And we have one ear (Dad, it's my left, how about for you??) that sometimes turns red and burns for no reason at all.

And we both are starting over together, and actually liking each other like we're supposed to! I'm proud to have a good relationship with him, and I'm proud to call him my Dad.