Happy Father's Day

The one downside to being in another country is the fact that you get lost from all the important dates: birthdays, father’s day, graduation dates, weddings, etc. In all my running around, adventures and even mundane chores I’m out of touch with my life at home. This morning MSN was kind enough to bring me back to reality: it’s Father’s Day!

The last (almost) eleven years, Charlie has become a part of the family. When people find out I have a step dad they always ask if I like him, expecting the worse. But how many stepchildren can say that they are being adopted by their step dads? My friends all know that Charlie, or Dr. Charles as I sometimes call him for kicks-and-giggles, is one of the people I value most in life. There have been many frantic phone calls about electronics, my computer, classes, work assignments or even personal situations made at all hours of the day. Though sometimes I’m sure he’d rather pass the phone to mom or finish what he’s working on first, Charlie always takes the time and care to handle every call as if it’s the life or death situation I act like it is. I have laughed so hard I’ve cried. I have learned how to make a proper salad. I have become a Jazz fanatic, and can now spot a Fats Waller song from just a few bars of music played. Charlie has given me more than I could ever ask for.

Two years ago, we went down to Florida for Thanksgiving. We stayed at a great place that happened to have a spa downstairs. Carrie & I decided we might want to check it out just for fun. It turned into an afternoon I will never forget. Carrie, Melanie (my sisters) and I were treated like princesses. We were given fluffy robes and slippers and led into a dimly lit room where the three of us were allowed to be together for all of our massages. I cannot tell you how hard the three of us laughed that afternoon. We even had the masseuse in stitches. Of course, she kept telling us we should be calm and take the opportunity to relax but anyone who knows the three of us knows that was a long shot. As we left we were given gifts (different scrubs and lotions) and told everything had been taken care of by our father. This is the kind of dad Charlie is. He would give anything for us to experience life, to be happy and to never worry. He does so without asking for much in return; maybe a hug or a diet, caffeine free coke every once in a while. So today, on Father’s Day, I just want everyone to know that I have one of the best. Thank you, Charlie.

I would also like to wish my Grandpa’s a happy father’s day. I am so fortune to have two grandpa’s that are so kind and loving. Happy Father’s Day, Grandpa Arthur & Grandpa Abe. I love you both very much.

The last shout out I have, even though it’s father’s day is for my mom. Everyone knows that I must talk to my mom at least once a day. I am always thinking of her and though it’s a little strange, I embrace the fact that I become more like her every day. Somehow between my travels and hers I never wished her a Happy Birthday on the actual day. So if we could pretend it was June 15th for just a moment: HAPPY BIRTHDAY, MOM. I wish we could both celebrate in Paris. I know how much you would love that. I can only wish you what you deserve: a great, happy, relaxing year.