h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

Here is a piece I wrote for a website called Ciao. It was just a quick note but I thought I would post it here to see if anyone has any comments on it. Feel free to pull it apart.

My Dad has to be one of the most perfect men in the world. Well maybe he isn't but that is how I think of him and how I will always think of him.

He was always there for me and my sister and I can honestly say that my Dad gives me even more support now that I am not living at home and have a family of my own.

There are so many things that he did that made him a great Dad. He would play games with me at every spare moment. From Monopoly to Yahtzee or Scrabble. I didn't realise it at the time but all of these games had an educational purpose as well as having fun. Yahtzee helped me to add up quickly and scrabble helped me to spell and learn new words. He would always amaze me with his knowledge and I knew he got a kick out of seeing me use a word he had taught me in a previous game. But it wasn't just the games.

My dad worked shift work so often when I got home from school he wasn't there and he wouldn't be in until 10pm so I wouldn't see him that week but boy did he make up for it when he was on nights or early shifts. I think about it now and realise that he must have been so tired when I came home from school and begged him to play and show me attention but he never moaned.

He used to make up stupid words with me that only we knew and sing stupid songs that no one else would find funny but to me there were special. So special I now realise because I am repeating history with my son and daughter.

He was never one for going down the pub with his mates but would be more relaxed at home with my mum and us girls. Or he would take us all out together.

Don't get me wrong though. My dad was no pushover. He could come down on us like a ton of bricks and make me cry just by shouting at me. To be honest he could probably still do it now. But one thing I will always remember about him was when he did tell us off and we got sent to our rooms, about ten minutes later he would come in and give us a cuddle and make up but still telling us why he was angry. I don't think I ever repeated anything bad because once I had been told that was enough. We never went to bed without making up - he wouldn't allow that.

I still seek his approval in things I do today although he never made me feel inadequate in anything I did. If I'd have said I wanted to be a bricklayer, hairdresser or actress he would have supported me no matter what. He always said as long as I was happy it didn't matter what I did. He also gave me the best advice ever about working. He said "You could get paid £40k for a job you hate and £15k for a job you love - go for the job you love everytime because you should always be happy no matter what."

He was excellent when I bought my first boyfriend home even though I am sure he was being all protective of me really. He just shook the guy's hand and made him feel welcome. I ended up marrying him too and now he is doing a great job as a dad too.

My father was never phased by sex conversations or period discussions. Which made our house a very open and happy house. I only hope that my husband and I will be able to match up.

He still is there now to advise me when I ask for it and always phoning me just to say hello and check that things are fine.

My mum was amazing but that is another opinion to write.

So in overview, to be a great dad takes understanding, firmness, support, trust, honesty, time, patience and most important of all a whole lot of love. Well it worked for my dad.

My one goal in life is to be a fraction the man your dad is.

You are an amazing dad and I wouldn't change a single thing you do...

I am more proud of you than you will ever know.

C
xx

... erm... *clears throat*

Clare, that was so beautiful, has your dad read it? I think he should. My mum's eyes water up every time I tell her how much I value her as a role model.

I have this idea we never tell people that we love how much we love them, not enough anyway. I have made a point of being honest about it, even though it's hard sometimes (and Simon knows what I'm on about ... I'll let him brief you about the situation!)

Good job you've joined Hootoo!

I agree with Greta about never telling people enough how much you love them!
As I'm sure you know, you've been blessed with a great Dad, brilliant husband & I'm sure the kids are smashing & will have the best of all situations to grow up in.
Yes, go & show it to your Dad. I never really got the chance to get to know mine, he died when I was 3, I'm in the process of trying to find out more about him.
Perhaps it might be best though to write something about your mum 1st as well?
All the best,
Terri.

I keep nagging Clare to write one about her mum and her sister, they are both such great people too.
I hope she does get around to it when she gets time. It would mean alot to all of them.

Good luck finding out more about your own dad Terri.

I wrote to my friend Anto yesterday. I'm sure I told her how precious she is to me many times over, but at this time in her life it makes sense to let her know once again.

Clare's thoughts on her dad have given me a good idea which I want to pass on to everybody: I will take some time to write to each of my loved ones (friends and family) to tell them how I feel about them, and then attach the letter to their gifts. Sounds easy? It isn't, especially when dealing with, say, my sister, who is very bad with affection; or with my dad, with whom I have unresolved issues.

I have long known the value of being told how and why you are being loved...

That's a nice idea.
Perhaps this gesture will be the first step in resolving the issues with your dad, and getting your sister to open upto you.

Good luck with it!

I just hope it'll make them happy

Best they'll ever have I bet!
Joyeux Noel to all!
Terri & Yoda

I've splurged on a supercool bag for my sister Let's hope she likes it!

thanks for allyour kind words. My dad has read this and he stopped and had to read it on his own ebcause I think it made him a bit weepy... bless him.

I will get around to doing one on my mum because she is a truly great person as well.

Clare
xx

me me me *jumps up and down to get attention* do one on me!!!!!
Just kidding! They already know what I'm like.

Let's all do a collaborative entry on Simon and put it in the guide

dads are for life not just for xmas presents.

and so is Simon

I hardly think I'm worth writing a guide entry about, but I'll take that as a compliment Greta.

And this dad is solely for xmas presents, I can't wait to open all my kids so I can play with all the toys

Why does xmas seem more fun as an adult, than it did when I was a kid myself?

I don't know why, but I dread Christmas this year.

My aunt will be attending the Christmas dinner, but her daughters and husband won't. There'll be some unpleasantness... I wish I could just... you know... not be here.

Too much compulsive shopping. Very bad sign.

For some reason, my message didn't get posted...
Anyway...
I really dread Christmas this year... I wish I could... disappear for a while... not be here.