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A Letter to My Dad on His Birthday

Happy birthday Dad!  Today would have been your 65th birthday.  I think of you often and wonder what you would have done with yourself in retirement.

A couple of years ago, Soccer Chick, your first grandchild and the only female one at that, saved her birthday money and adopted a dog from the animal shelter near our home.  You would have been proud of her.  I know how much you loved rescuing stray animals.  She named him Pele, in honor of the soccer great.

We tried to estimate when Pele would have been born, and true to AuburnChick tradition, we matched it to one of our loved one’s birthdays.  You got the honor this time.  What a perfect way to remember you.

Pele

Pele

Pele turns two today.  He’s a laid-back dog…very easy going and tender.  Although he’s the largest of the three dogs in my home, he quickly rolls over on his back when the other two want to play.  He loves to be the center of attention.  When he wants to play, he gets a mischievous look in his eyes, and his ears take on the floppy look.  He jerks his head backward while looking at Aubie, the oldest.

“Play,” he asks?

Aubie often needs a little encouragement.

“Go get Pele,” we’ll tell her.

Off they run…around and around the “circle” in my kitchen.

You would have loved him.

So, Dad, on your birthday, I toast you by hoisting an imaginary glass of the finest wine.  The glass is imaginary because 1) I can’t afford expensive wine right now, and 2) I’m subbing and drinking isn’t allowed on campus.

Always in my thoughts…

Love,

Nathalie

One Response

  1. I remember the story you told of your dad…..this is a very sweet letter…..

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