Father's Day and My Dad

I can't think about camping, boating and fishing without thinking about my dad.  It was at his knee and by his side that I learned to love each of these things.  From a very young age he had us in the boat, on skis or up at the family cabin.  My best memories are of my dad sitting on the back of the boat seat, glasses tipped forward so he could see ahead and driving the boat as he taught his young daughters the fine art of water skiing.  I have good memories of being together at Lake Tahoe, and its crystal clear waters, watching the trees whiz by under water as I rose to float along on my skis.  The smell of coffee and bacon take me to the fireside for breakfast, watching his mother, my grandmother Bernice, get it all going before we climbed out of our tents.  Or, gathering together with cousins and my Uncle Ray and Aunt Marge's trailer at our A frame cabin.  I learned to love the smell of pine and appreciate the feeling of Blistex on my chapped dirty lips right there at my dad's side.  I first saw the great red sequoia trees and Yosemite with my Dad.  He walked us on the beach and taught us to dig clams.  We fished off the pier and drove up the coast with my Dad, singing road songs together, and listening to Dodgers games on the car radio.  There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think of him and wish that I had had more time together.  He was my best cheerleader as I told him all about my trailer and sent him pictures of his progress.  When I started to refurbish My Sanctuary, I imagined Dad would get better and we could have a few camping trips together.  But it wasn't to be.  I know he's with me on every trip and his love for the big outdoors and all the joys it gave us together and those yet to come will love on in me.  I will look for moments to share them with my kids and grand kids.  This is his Legacy!  Thank you Daddy!