DAD

So, it's my lunch hour again - blog time. Family has been a hot topic the past few days. A few co-workers have been dealing with seriously ill children and one of my co-workers (Miss Leigh) is dealing with her own health scare and is still waiting to find out what's wrong. Thankfully, as I write this my family members are all in good health and good spirits. This Sunday marks another Father's Day... so, today's blog is going to be a bit about my Dad.

Paul (or Buzz as he's affectionately known by friends and family alike) was born and raised in Massachusetts - the youngest of three. After a career in the insurance industry and raising 4 pretty incredible kids - Dad retired and is presently enjoying life in Vermont [although I'm pleased to report that 4 years of "recruiting" has finally paid off and he and my Mom may be relocating to sunny Arizona.] I grabbed the shot above of the 'rents at the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, which has been a routine stop on their annual visits. This year, we enjoyed "Chilhuly: The Nature of Glass" exhibit while there and took lots of beautiful pictures. The parents look pretty happy here and that's why I love the photo. Imagine, 53 years together and they still smile at each other like newlyweds...


My folks have made their annual visit to see me a kind of retiree Spring Break, usually arriving in late march and staying to mid-April. I love having them here, since it's usually the only time I see them, even though we chat on the phone pretty often. We've been on them to consider moving closer to one of their kids, since they're presently a good 4-5 hour drive from my brother and while he's closest in proximity, he's also least likely to be available on short notice. Thanks to very mild winters and resort lifestyle Arizona has to offer (not to mention supportive siblings, who all pointed out Scottsdale was destination they'd enjoy visiting), it would appear that my folks are seriously considering making Arizona their home. We'll see what the future holds for Paul & Lucy. Will they relocate to Scottsdale? Will they remain in Vermont? Will I remember to update this blog with the answers? Stay tuned.


Anyway, here's to the my Dad - once the tallest guy I knew who would let me play "skin the cat" while he was still in his suit - the guy who made a point of taking each of his girls out every year for a special 'Day with Dad' - the guy who gave up smoking because I asked him to - the guy who found a way to help me afford the out-of-state private college of my choice - the guy who packed me up and drove me through 3 states in a u-haul rental truck with a broken radio to first my first apartment in New York - the guy who managed to survive my volatile childhood years and still love me... I couldn't ask for a better Dad.

Happy Fathers Day, with Love.