father's day

Me and my Dad.


The photo above was taken when I was almost two years old, when we lived with my grandparents on O'Connor Street in Toronto. We lived in the basement while my father worked on his Master's degree; I remember being taken to his graduation ceremony, seeing him walk across the stage in a black gown to accept his diploma.

My father is one of the most active "retired" people that I know: always looking for new experiences, learning new skills, asking questions. As I have mentioned earlier, I have a very cool Dad.

My father was the one who introduced me to one of my very first fantasy novels, a book called The Ship That Flew by Hilda Lewis. He was also a major influence when it came to my passion for reading. He used to take Jim, Ruth and me to the public library once a week; I remember looking forward to these visits as a special treat, and coming home with my arms loaded up with books.

Dad used to rent children's movies from the library as well as a film projector and portable screen. The neighborhood kids came by and sat on our living room floor to watch these movies; I remember feeling so proud that my dad had arranged these movie showings, that they were at my house.

Sara and Annie adore their grandpa. Sara gently teases my father about home movies she has been shown where my father is lying on the living room floor of my sister's house, baby Sara nestled in the crook of one arm, both of them fast asleep. Annie was delighted when Grandpa played a duet arrangement of "Puff the Magic Dragon" with her on the piano. Last time my father returned from his trip to Japan, half of his suitcase seemed to be stuffed with treats for his granddaughters.

Dad and I talk on the phone several times a week, sharing news and encouragement, and we exchange e-mail and digital photos. I also call him up for help with some Japanese food recipes (he's a better cook than I am by far!). I feel very lucky to have a father with whom I can have this kind of relationship.

To all you fathers out there, especially my own: HAPPY FATHER'S DAY!



Annie and Dad.


(This entry was written with ViaVoice, a voice recognition program, which sometimes has its own sense of humor. Please forgive any spelling or grammar quirks which Debbie has missed while editing. Thank you. )

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