For those of you who didn't know my father, here's a few descriptors: prankster, jokester, wisecracker, life of the party, and a stranger to no one. And then there's these things even his best friends may not have known. He was a logical thinker, a giver of advice, a thrifty spender, and a great listener. Keep these traits in mind as I share with you one of my favorite memories.
It was December of 1976. Jer and I were both reveling in our first full year out of high school. I was living in Omaha, and Jer was living in Council Bluffs. We had been dating for a short ten months, but it was obvious, we were in love and it was time to start thinking about our forever future.
Also at that time, my father, Ike, was managing the hottest restaurant/bar in Avoca- the Sportsman's Club. He tended the bar, waited on customers, and worked many hours, day after day, oft-times working until the wee hours of the morning. My mom, Nadine, was his sidekick, working beside him, waiting tables, cooking, cleaning, and mixing a drink now and then. It was a busy life.
So here comes the week before Christmas, and after a night of wining and dining me, my Jer pops the
question. He put the ring on my finger and I was in seventh heaven! We were going to be man and wife! It was like a dream come true! We sealed it with a kiss, looked at each other, and immediately agreed to head back to Avoca, my hometown. I couldn't wait one more moment to share the exciting news with my parents!
Now, I probably should mention that Jer had not asked for permission to marry me, like so many young men do today. My dad had no idea this was going to happen. We were young, our dating time was short, and marriage was not even a thought. However; my parents loved Jer! They would be elated to have Jer as a son-in-law. Permission was not needed.
So even though it was very early- like around 1 a.m., we hopped in Jer's 64 red mustang and headed directly to the Sportsman's Club. We assumed both of my parents would be working, since they usually were. The plan was to make the announcement, show them my ring, and then make a toast to wedded bliss. It would be perfect! There couldn't be a better place or time to announce our engagement. What a way to start the holidays! It would be a memory of a lifetime!
Yep.... it was a memory alright. You know what they say about "best laid plans"? When you put an only daughter, a long haired boyfriend, a diamond, and unexpected news in the mix, and then add wise cracking Ike to that equation, let me tell ya - you've just concocted pandemonium! Oh yeah! That's just how we do things! Its gotta be anything but typical!
So, first of all, upon our arrival we were surprised to find my mom wasn't there. Bummer! It had been a slow evening so she had already went home. Second, the large crowd we expected to find, wasn't there either. Where was everybody? Wasn't this place supposed to be party central? Nope - no one there. Just Jer, me, and my dad. Lord have mercy!
So nervously I flashed out my left hand and said, "Hello Dad! We've got news for ya!" I smiled as my new diamond sparkled under the hanging bar lights. My father, half stunned, gently reached for my hand, gazed at my ring, looked directly at Jer (I don't think he noticed the sparkle) and then said the words I will never forget:
"WHAT WERE YOU THINKING? YOU SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A WASHER AND DRYER!"
Boom! Talk about a buzz kill! That wise guy father of mine, thought we should have bought a washer and dryer? OMG! The one time I wanted my dad to be serious! I should have known! We should have known!
So long story short, let's fast forward 42 1/2 years. Believe or not, Jer and I did get married and we still are married today (and we did get a washer and dryer). However, the memory of my engagement night forever remains.
It's been 25 years now since I've been without my dad, yet his memory is forever fresh in my mind, so it's no surprise that he still speaks to me today. Like just this week......
I purchased a bench in memory of my parents and placed it on the Buttermilk walking path. Its purpose is to not only offer a place for relaxation, but to also remind people of the fun, hard working couple who spread so much joy from their home on Frost Avenue to their workplace on Main Street. I smile each time I walk by it.
But get this----- the day before---just the day before-- the day before the bench arrived, one of my kitchen appliances bit the dust. Imagine that! Ok Dad! I hear ya! I hear ya loud and clear! You're not too happy with me right now. Instead of a diamond ring, this time it's a memory bench. And oh yeah-- I know-----
I SHOULD HAVE BOUGHT A DISHWASHER!!!!!!!!!
Happy Fathers Day Dad. Love ya bunches!
No comments:
Post a Comment