A picture of my father from many years ago now- before the Parkinson's took its toll on him. He loved feeding the birds (yes, that's where I get it from!) so we bought him one of those bird feeders that looks like a log cabin one Christmas. My brother-in-law Steve jokingly said "It's too bad it doesn't make chirping noises" and proceeded to make a whistling noise like birds chirping just as my other brother-in-law walked into the room. "Wow- that's cool" he said, "It makes noises like the birds". "No, Dad, it's Uncle Steve!" my niece said. A minor argument ensued much to Sara's frustration. All the while my Dad and Steve perpetuated the lie, opening the lid and chirping away. Bob even picked up the bird feeder at one point and opened the lid but Steve didn't chirp that time. "It's not working!" exclaimed Bob. "It's UNCLE STEVE!" Sara repeated, to which I took the bird feeder from Bob and said, "Oh, sometimes you just have to give them a little whack!" I opened the lid and Steve made the noises again. By this time my Dad was doing all he could not to laugh and Bob was completely convinced. When we did fess up to the charade he would not believe us! But finally the truth (and guilty consciences) prevailed. The best part was the next day as Dad told the story to Bob's father Nick, Nick fell for the same ruse!
I truly miss this man. He was the best father I could ever have asked for. Happy Father's Day to all my 365 friends who are dads, or are celebrating with yours.
Thank you Lynda, Chris, Katy, Denise, Kerri, Ferry, Wendy, Henri, Alta and Vikki!