I am so happy that you have an amazing relationship with my Dad. He loves you to pieces and you are already getting away with so much more than I ever did. I'm sure there will be many different stories and things you will hear about Papa but I just wanted to put down in words how he has made me the person I am.
The very first thing I remember bonding over with my dad was music. On trips upstate to visit family or to go on vacation, I would have to have my cassette tape player and some of his tapes. He was born in 1951, so he was a really big fan of the music of the late 50's, 60's and 70's. I developed an almost obsession with that era of music at a very young age. My first favorite songs on his tapes were: "The Leader of the Pack" by The Shangri-Las, "Little Red Riding Hood" - by Sam the Sham, "Turn, Turn, Turn" by The Byrds, and "With a Little Help from My Friends" by Joe Cocker. He had the music of Woodstock on cassette tapes and I would fast-fast forward and rewind that tape so many times to listen to that Joe Cocker song. I'm surprised any of his cassette tapes survived my childhood. And I'm realizing right now, you won't even know what a cassette tape is when you get older. Oh wow, way to age myself.
Papa started my love for history and politics. Since I was already in love with music from a very intense political era, I became interested in John F. Kennedy and the Vietnam War . Later I developed a strong interest in World War II and the Holocaust. Papa and I love historical war movies. In fact, I remember going to see 'We Were Soldiers' in the movie theater with him. Just me and Papa. I can't remember when I became so into politics, but I have been as long as I can remember. At the dinner table during my college years, our conversations would mainly be about politics or current events happening in the world. I couldn't wait to have discussions with Papa about different things my professors would say or just get his opinion on news topics. The dinner talks were definitely the highlight of my day.
He taught me how to be modest when it came to dressing myself. When all the other girls at church or school would wear short skirts/shorts, tight jeans, and low cut shirts, my Dad would not let me leave the house in anything he thought was immodest. Which I am really thankful for now. You don't have to show anything but your personality to be attractive.
He taught me to be respectful. I remember one time my mom was sewing an Easter dress for me. I think I was in 3rd grade. My dad over heard me saying something to my mom that sounded rude. It was along the lines of, "No, I don't want to try it on again." She made me go show my Dad to see what he thought of the dress, he said, "You do not talk to your Mom that way." Talk about putting the fear of God into someone... Sometimes, most times, all Papa would have to do was give me a look and I knew to straighten up. Again, I'm thankful he was a true disciplinarian. When you respect others, you respect yourself.
Papa taught me that no one is perfect; we all make mistakes. But he also taught me you can be perfect in your imperfections. He doesn't hold grudges and you will never hear him judging anyone, unless it's a politician. He absolutely hates gossip and you will never hear him get involved in it. He taught me that I am no better than anyone else. He is non-confrontational usually. In his line of work I think some people think they can back him into a corner and he can't/won't do anything. He taught me sometimes it's better to just hold your tongue. It takes a strong person to let things go, and Papa is just that.
I hope to pass on to you all the values and interests Papa and I share. You are Papa's little angel.
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