Sunday, March 26, 2023

My Dad

 


 It's March 26th.....and in the Calloway family, this means only one thing: It's Pappo's Birthday, aka Dad. He's a whopping 95 today!


Wanted to give you a few snippets about who the Man of Steel has been as we three bratty kids grew into senior citizens ourselves: 
 

My Dad - Jim JC Calloway Calloway
LizCallowaySekerke

Growing up, my dad loved Tennessee Ernie Ford, watching Saturday night wrestling and listening to Paul Harvey on the radio.

He loves old people and breakfast for dinner.

He believes in being early and always keeping your gas tank half full.

My Pappo is a thinker...an entrepreneur....always thinking about what business to start next or how to learn to sew or make rubber stamps.

His hair is always cut in a bur and anything sweet is always a treat to him.

He was a Ham Radio operator in his early years and his call name was W5FWK (and why do I still remember that??)

His favorite place in our house was in his recliner in the living room; newspaper in his hands spread open wide. His favorite place is still with a Dallas Morning News in his hands.... fortunately, in a different recliner.

Pappo always prays before meals and did the dishes on Saturday mornings before the family loaded into the Buick and went to church.

He taught me how to ride a bike, learn to drive a stick shift car at the cemetery (He always said "You can't kill anyone there, Softie") and dared me to get my first job. The next day I showed him and got a job at Wendy's! His reverse psychology always worked like a charm!

He carried blank computer cards, a pen and a pocket-protector in his front pocket at all times in case he needed to “take notes”. But now, he carries 3x5 cards and an Amazing Grace track in that front shirt pocket.

He told us kids that Coke had bat-doopy in it to keep us from drinking it, yet now, Diet Coke is his favorite drink.

He gave great big bear hugs and knew intimately how to use his belt.

Dad always woke us three kids up every Saturday morning with the annoying "Let me hear the pitter patter of those feet getting up" and brought me thick Dairy Queen malts when I was sick.

He has a truly genuine smile and has learned to cry now that he's older. As long as I can remember, he has always carried a handkerchief in his pants pocket ready to wipe our tears or nose. Dad never fails to tell me he loves me and he's happiest when he wins a controversial discussion.

We three kids are so very blessed to have Jim (JC) Calloway as our Dad and wanted to share him with you today, his 95th trip around the sun.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY PAPPO,
Love, Your Softie