theBoomeroom

Archive for June 19th, 2009

-32 degrees Fahrenhiet. Imagine your nostrils sticking together, your toes about to fall off and the snow making that familiar “I don’t know what temperature it is” crunch beneath your feet.

Lacing up my semi-frozen skates inside a shack, built I don’t know when, is my Dad. Up with the birds on a Saturday morning, he struggles to tighten them as tight as possible. I have weak ankles, and tight is good. I am frozen stiff and I imagine dad is too (although pulling and grunting can generate a bit of heat), I know his fingers are about to fall off. I look up to him and ask if he can make them just a bit tighter. He obliges. That’s my Dad!

Racing up and down the rink, I see my Dad doing the outdoor “hockey shuffle” (to keep warm) while rooting me on. The other parent, although there should be more) is already back in the shack. Today, I can’t stand outside in -32 degrees fahrenheit for 5 minutes let alone 1 hour. He did, every Saturday without fail. That’s my Dad!

My Dad and Mom now live in sunny and warm South Florida. I wonder why?

My Dad is a man of humility, compassion and respect…and I wish him a very happy Father’s Day.

love Jeff