Thayer Road

Recalling memories of our parents who have since passed on can make us go misty eyed or bust out in bouts of laughter. My dad, AKA Ralph was one of the most charismatic, funny and loving people I've ever known.

As a kid, I remember being able to schmooze my dad and get just about anything I wanted. A pouty lip and an outstretched hand often resulted in a crisp bill being aimed in my direction. No matter what I had done that day, Daddy was always there to make it better.

My dad was a Chief Petty Officer in the Navy and a fond follower of the drink. Twenty years of moving resulted in an adventurous childhood and well liked parents who spent weekends at pig roasts and CPO clubs all over the United States. As a matter of fact, I am the owner of many pictures depicting Mom and Dad dancing, drinking or just cutting up with their Navy friends.

Mom was the keeper of order, organizer, healer and practical domestic diva. Mom labored in the kitchen trying out new recipes in between laundry loads. Mom fixed scraped knees and tucked tired eyes into bed.

After Dads retirement from Navy life, we settled into a small New England town, into a small ranch and began work on making magical family memories. The first order of business Ralph said; "fire pit!"

At the end of a warm summer day, after the vegetable garden had been tended and the BBQ cooled, it was time to enjoy the crackling birch and pine logs of the fire. When Dad had filled his belly with liquid gold, the comedy would commence. The first order of business was Dads rendition of "Too-Ra-Loo-Ra-Loo-Ral." Neither singer, nor Irishman Dad would belt out every word, loud enough for the katydids to hear. Katydids couldn't compete with that and so fell silent in submission. Nothing quite like Ralph's singing and nothing quite like it since.

In addition to his musical stylings, he enjoyed the punch of an old fashioned limerick. I recall one that started with "There once was a girl from Nantucket" or "The wild seagull the bold seagull", but I never would I be entitled to their witty endings, for I was Dad's little girl and thus denied...

Now, my brothers on the other hand, having been possessors of the male genitalia, were never denied the joy of the limerick ending. Sure, I resented this aspect of their relationship, but soon got over it when Dad would proudly proclaim me his "little girl."

Dads all over the world wonder how they should act around their girls and the answer is quite simple. Be yourself and love you daughters well while you're alive. You never know when death will take you away, or where it will take you to, so behave, love well and worship God while you can. Your daughters are counting on it!