Category Archives: memories

memories, NaBloPoMo

Remembering a happy surprise

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When I saw what this month’s NaBloPoMo (National Blog Posting Month) theme is, I knew I had to participate.

joy_nablopomo

Dec 2: Talk about a surprise that made you happy.

I’m going to reach way back for this one. All the way back to 7th grade.

It was my birthday, and I don’t recall what was planned for it with my parents. But I do clearly remember it was a school day, and I got called to the office.

The school secretary told me my parents had called and were on their way with some questions. I was so confused and admittedly worried. I remember quizzing her periodically as to what it could be about. I just could not figure out what on earth my parents could need.

After what felt like an hour (but what was actually probably less than 10 minutes), one of my classmates came and told me that they needed me back in class. I recall arguing with her a little that I couldn’t go, my parents were on the way! The school secretary told me to go ahead, she would come get me when they got there. Don’t worry.

I walked into the classroom to, “SURPRISE!!!!!!”

The room had been decorated and there was a cake and presents for my birthday. To this day I am still stunned by this… it still touches my heart deeply. That happened 21 years ago. (I would have been turning 13, I believe.) I don’t recall how I reacted now. I don’t recall what kind of cake it was or what kind of gifts I received. I don’t recall those little details…

But I do recall the joy and love I felt that day. I’ll remember it forever.

001: Happy Birthday

family, memories

What Dad taught me…

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Mattox_1000The other day, my husband and I were going over some questions that might appear on a motorcycle endorsement written test. One of the questions, I answered without hesitation. My husband stared at me and went, “How did you know that?” I laughed and went, “Dad taught me that long before I even started driving.”

Two days later, as I made myself some breakfast, I found myself smiling at how Dad taught me some tricks to making eggs. And I can’t crack almonds, walnuts and pecans without thinking about how that was kind of a tradition as a kid in the winter… we’d sit on the floor and he’d crack nut after nut for us to snack on in the evening.

He taught me to check my tires (even though I admit I don’t do it as often as I should). He taught me to never let my gas get below a quarter of a tank. (Which reminds me, I need to get gas later.) He dragged me through my Accounting class in college. He taught me business sense and showed me how to treat clients.

He showed me love and respect, and he taught me what to expect from men and how I should be treated. He gave my husband permission to ask me to marry him, but not until after a lecture my husband still remembers today clearly.

He taught me that its okay to ask for help, but to also try my best to stand on my own two feet. He gave me courage to try new things, but also the sense to know when to keep my feet on solid, steady ground.

I still turn to him for advice and guidance. I still go to him for some of the best hugs EVER. I am forever and ever a Daddy’s Girl, and I wish with all my heart I could be with him on this Father’s Day. To thank him for everything he’s done for me through the years, and to give him a big hug myself. I WILL be there in my heart and in spirit, and I’ll make sure to call and talk for awhile on the phone. We’ll make up for it the next time we are all together.

I love you, Daddy!! Happy Father’s Day.

meanddaddy