It's a little over a week away from Fathers Day. I can't help but think of my Old Man. While my memories seem so limited they are monumental. 25 years was not enough time with my Dad. Gone too soon is an understatement at this point but I'm learning to live with it daily. Y'all know about my infamous disposable camera stories of my Dad but there is so much more. One story comes to mind and just thinking about it I am busting at the seams laughing and crying. Whew!
So it went a little like this...My Dad was a jack of all trades. (Using "was" breaks me down …) This particular day he was finishing up a Auto Body clients car. He had been outside all day hammering out dents, priming and sanding areas of the car that needed it most. Those chemicals were so strong but my Dad knew what he was doing with it. He even taught me how to mix primer a few times. I rolled my eyes and begged to go play more than I can count. I appreciate that bonding moment now although I'd never need that skill. Based on what he taught me though I can buff, prime and paint any car dent. Throughout the day my Dad had several beverages to stay hydrated. One in particular was a cartoon of Minute Maid juice. I think it was the fruit punch or tropical punch flavor. Y'all know Minute Maid be Bussin' Bussin', especially in the carton.
Fast forward, the day concluded. The Auto Body is done and the car is ready for painting. My Dad made sure he cleaned up his area. He was doing this work in front of the house or in the driveway so it was only right. This included snacks or drinks he had laying around. This particular day the garbage can wasn't by the white picket fence like it normally would be so he proceeded in the house with the "Trash". While disposing of the snacks and drinks he had to run to the bathroom so he left a carton of the Minute Maid juice on the kitchen table. This carton was crushed and ready to be tossed. While my Dad was in the bathroom my Grandma got a hold of "The juice...".
My Grandma managed to un-crush the carton and pour out the drop or two LITERALLY to add to her cup of juice. When my Dad returned to the kitchen and saw what she was doing he got Mad. He often told her stop acting like she is severely poor. We wasn't rich but we could afford more than what we needed on the daily. My Grandma responded unbothered until she asked what was in the cartoon of juice. She assumed it was something other than juice for him to be fussing like he was doing. My Dad proceeded to ignore her. Room to room she kept asking and we got weak every time. Especially when she asked if it was "Pee" and my Dad busted out laughing. My Grandma became pissed and her face could kill. We still was laughing. I was so tickled I fell out all over the couch. My darn side was hurting and all. That good gut wrenching laugh! I miss those days. Family time, Quality time, and genuine laughter.
Daddy eventually told her "...it was just juice Ma. I bet you wont go pouring nothing else crushed and ready for trash".
I'll miss my Daddy forever, thanks for reading. Somehow keeping his memory alive makes him feel closer.
Love always,
Alicia G.
Comments