Pappy
My dad was always a hard-ass while I was growing up. He was the same way with my little brothers as well. He was never mean, but he was always gruff, stern, and commanding. It was just his nature to be that way. If I had a skinned knee, he would tend the wound, but if I wanted to cry about it, I had to go to the nearest female to get sympathy.
That’s all changed with the arrival of my niece. She has totally changed my dad’s outlook on life, and it has amazed me. My niece is almost 2 years old, and she is the cutest little thing. She’s very smart, very outgoing, and a happy little child. She also has a bit of a mean streak, but I don’t think it’ll be bad enough to get her into trouble.
While watching her with my dad while I was in Texas, it almost brought me to tears. My dad has finally mellowed out, and has become the loving individual that I had always wished for while I was growing up. He is spoiling my niece rotten, and he seems to be loving every moment of it. My dad is totally wrapped around that little girl’s finger, and it seems to have made him a better person.
I only hope that he’s around for many years to come to help raise her and give her the love that she needs. I’m not saying that my little brother and his wife can’t do that. They certainly can (and are!), but I’m a firm believer in the saying that “it takes a village to raise a child.” Every child needs their own village to grow up in, and my dad is an important part of that.
For the first time in a long time, I’m happy to say that I’m related to my dad.
Live long, Pappy.
