Wonder Full

I've been trying for weeks to find a way to explain what I loved most about Dad.  Then, I watched Mr. Magoriums' Wonder Emporium. I didn't expect to cry all the way through a G-rated feel-good movie, and I certainly didn't expect for a movie to help me see Dad's life in a new way. But it did, and I'm glad. 

Let me explain. Mr. Magorium is the eccentric owner of a magical toy store. Despite appearing to be completely healthy, Mr. Magorium dies. Without its patriarch, the toy store is no longer the bright, sparkly, magical place it has always been. 

We are in a similar situation. Though Dad's way may have been unusual, we knew it by heart, and we loved it. He could make anything more fun. His smile was nearly ever-present (as so many of you have mentioned), but completely sincere. He was honestly that happy. He enjoyed life that much. Even his pictures and letters from Vietnam are full of fun and humor.  

Mr. Magorium instructs the store to face his departure with "determination, joy, and bravery." I think Dad would agree. 

The movie reminds us that all stories, even the ones we love the most, come to an end. And then, we are told to, "Turn the page. Continue reading. And let the next story begin." Certainly a voracious reader like Dad would want us to keep reading. Certainly someone so full of wonder would want us to seek the wonderful in the ordinary.  

Life without Dad seems dull right now, but we will find our sparkle again. 

Property _____?

The last time that Dad was at my house, we saw an ad for a new show on HGTV, Property Virgins, which follows first-time home buyers. 

Dad then turned to me, smiled, and said, "I'd hate to see what they would call me..."

I can't help but smile myself every time I see anything about that show.

Surprising

Dad had a lot of talents, but writing poetry was not on the list. When I found this, I knew I had to share it. Only Dad would use "lard" in a poem - you have to know how ingrained pigs were in his life to really appreciate that. 

I learned the story behind the poem from one of Dad's sisters. She was his accomplice in finding the lamp, and she believes this took place when Dad was a college freshman in 1963. 

He wrote this poem and wrapped it as a present for Grandmother instead of putting the lamp under the tree. It was a large wooden floor lamp with a built-in table. 

Pictures from Vietnam

Fathers of the Brides

As with most of the roles he filled,

Daddy was perfect as the Father of the Bride.

Perhaps it was the great example set by his own bride's father.

Or, perhaps it was the advice he received...