Happy Father's Day Papa Mullins!!!

Wow I can't believe how much I miss my dad. I think the last time I saw him was spring 2006. We have built a really good relationship over the phone the last few years. (I love the phone and technology. Too bad my dad won't venture into the computer world.) My time is spent telling him funny stories of Sean chasing girls, to sad stories of Mia going under anesthesia to get her extractions. He always knows when I just need to talk and vent. He'll stay quiet until I pause and then tell me something funny to break my flow. More recently he shared with me a story of his pony's new girlfriend. Poor horse needed a lesson on the birds & bees.

I think our relationship took off when I found out I was going to be a dad for the first time. I was scared and had no idea what to do. He comforted me and told me everything was going to be ok. From that point forward he made sure that my welfare was always taken care of. One story is when Ruth & I had a basement apartment and it flooded for the 2nd time. We were freakin out, he said, "Pack your crap, I'm coming over to get you." Talk about not letting someone stay stranded. Since then we have had some real life drama, and time after time, he was there for me.

Dad introduced me to coin collecting, motorcycle riding, gardening, creative cultivating (if you know what I mean), con-artistry, politics, flirting, professional wrestling, and some street traits. "Don't trust everyone!" "Don't put up with people's crap!" "If you want something bad enough, get off your lazy ass and get it!" And don't forget dad's special dish...his jambalaya! Talk about throwing everything in but the kitchen sink. My dad's secret ingredients...shrimp, Tabasco, and hot peppers! Quiet...its a secret!

My dad is the King of Phrases! For everyone of life's situations, he has a catch phrase. Michael and I graduated from my dad's school of hard knocks, and have heard most of them. I should make t-shirts. One of his most popular..."If the rabbit didn't stop to shit, the dog wouldn't have caught him!"

One thing I can confidently say about dad is that he loves his grandkids. He's always sending them little things in the mail. If dad goes to the store or sees something that reminds him of one of the kids, he'll get it and mail it to them. Sean went down to Texas a few times and hung out with Grandpa. He had a field day. Probably cause Grandpa would let him do whatever he wanted. You know Sean wants to drive, I should let dad teach him.

Thank you, I love you and Happy Father's Day Dad!!!!!!


-David