Dad

As I'm sitting here today, I realize how little I talk about my dad.  It's almost as if he doesn't exist, at least in my little online world.  That is so sad, because even though we all know what my mom meant to me... we know very little about him.

So it is only appropriate, on this Father's Day Weekend, to celebrate Popsie...

Popsie's Top Ten

1. Even though we don't always see it, Popsie is one of the most religious men on the planet.  He gets to the shop every morning around 5:30 am so he can say a rosary before the boys get in.  He has never not done this.
2. He had one true love in his life - my mom - and it never entered his mind (not once) that he should remarry.  They celebrated their 46th anniversary the year she died.
3. He is a staunch Republican and will dislike someone simply for being a Democrat (hence my first line in #1).  And I am not kidding.  If you want to get him riled up, ask him about Obama, but be prepared to hear some cursing.  It's not for the weak.
4. He is an avid watcher of all things horse racing.  Don't call him if a horse race is on... or even coming on.  He just wants to focus.
5. Popsie LOVES sports - especially his grandkids - but HATES refs.  There isn't a ref in Lansing that hasn't been yelled at by my dad.  It embarrasses the hell out of me, but most people seem to think it's funny.
6. Music is about the only thing he and I have in common.  Ever since I was little he and I have shared this love of the same kind of music.  
7. My dad is one who will never pass up a sale.  A $4.00 shirt at Kohls (size medium, no less)? Sure!  10 Pound can of coffee?  You betcha.  It doesn't matter what the sale is, really, he just wants to cash it in.
8. My dad loves, love, LOVES, going to the movies.  He even rates them like he's Gene Siskel himself.  Sadly his favorite movie remains Brokeback Mountain.  No lie.  It's been the family joke for years.
9. Up until they closed, Old Country Buffett was his favorite place to eat.  It's sad, really.
10. He is one of the most generous people I know and would give you the shirt off your back if you needed it.  

I really could go on and on with small tidbits about him that would make you smile or even giggle.  The truth is, he is an amazing man who has worked hard his whole life.  His business started our at Vic Garmyn and Son...  and he was the son back then.  I've always said I got my work ethic from my dad and spending habit from my mom.  If I didn't have one, I couldn't have the other.  

So, that's my Pops in a nutshell.  I hope you're lucky enough to have met him at some point, but if not just know he's a generous and stubborn old man who loves his family more than anything... and has taught me a great deal about life.

I hope you all have a wonderful dad to celebrate with this weekend!

Happy Father's Day!