Being the immensely happy childless cat lady that I am, I often find myself being tremendously grateful that I don't have children (or a partner) when I listen to trials and tribulations of my friends everywhere.
I am a realist. I know that I would not have the life I've had, or have been able to do what I've done, if I'd had one or the other or both.
As fiercely independent as I am; I confess to still being a "Daddy's Girl" at 70. I am proud to be a Daddy's girl by choice. I've often said that my Dad set a very high bar for men in my life. When I watched him write "I love you, guess who?" in the snow to my Mom with his cane, or saw him leave little love notes in the kitchen cabinets for Mom to find; I think you can see that would be a hard act to follow.
Even so, Dad always encouraged me. He was the "yes" in my life. All I had to do was hear his voice and I knew I'd be okay.
Back in 2009, I had an opportunity to buy the barn, "our girl," behind the Chatette. I'd been loving her a long time. I'd divined her to come, et voila. Only thing was, I was dipping into what little was left of my retirement post Katrina to do it. I wanted to check it out with Mom and Dad.
We sat around together on one of my stateside visits and talked about the barn. Of course, it wasn't the first time they'd heard about our girl. I didn't have to do a lot of persuading, especially for the great price of 8000 euros.
I knew the deal was sealed when Dad said: (semi-teasing-semi-serious) "And once you have the barn, everything will be perfect!"
And, you know the rest of the story.
The Barn joins us in wishing Dad the happiest of birthdays in heaven today. There's not a doubt in my mind, that he and Mom are proudly looking down on our girl and all the changes and improvements for us and the village we are a part of.
Happy Birthday, Daddy
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