I remember it like it was yesterday, the instructions I got from Bampa as I stood at the top of the "towering" bunny hill at Park West. It was actually the same instruction Bampa offered for any number of adventures. We stood at the top of the chair lift looking down on what I was sure was certain death and with a tender push on my 10 year old back Bampa said, "Point your skis that way, if something gets in your way, turn." And off I went. I don't know what I was expecting. It was the same with everything. Point your "X... (insert motorcycle, water skis, bike, car etc.) in that direction, if something gets in your way, turn." And he sent you on your way, usually citing corollary 1, "It is better to die than to look bad." As you know, Bampa has a twisted sense of humor. I am sure he thought sending his cherished children off into the world, propelled by the laws of physics and some sort of machinery with such common sense instructions as fodder for good comedy. Especially if he had Uncle D there to share a good chuckle. Well, the truth of the matter, and I am sure Bampa's master plan, is that it made for some tough and adventurous little phrogs. It is actually pretty good advice. Start moving. Keep moving. When something gets in your way, change directions, but keep moving (and if you are going to die, look good going).
I remember one occasion when Bampa and I were doing a fly-by on what would become the Davi domicile. At the time, the house was still under construction and the driveway was not yet paved. Those of you who have ever tackled this driveway know where this is about to go. This driveway is a force to be reckoned with. It is formidable paved on a bright sunny day. The good news is that this event pre-dates the careful placement of Glama's boulders to keep strays off her grass at the peril of their cars. The bad news is it was an inclement day and the driveway was snowy and muddy. After checking the joint out, Bampa had me (his first mistake) back (his second mistake) his treasured jeep (his third mistake) down the treacherous driveway (his fourth mistake). Is anyone shocked that I slid off the driveway and the jeep was dangling at a precarious angle above the ditch by the road? Ya, me neither. And shockingly, neither was Bampa. He didn't even loose his cool (like I did!). He calmly instructed me to, "Point the Jeep that way, if something gets in your way, turn." Well, not really. He said something about pulling slowly straight forward and slowly steering back onto the driveway. I was STRESSED! I was playing out the scenario in my head over and over of me rolling the Jeep down the mountain. But Bampa told me to get moving and I did. Somehow I got out of the mess and the Jeep wasn't totaled. And even more amazing, I got out of the mess and Bampa trusted me.
What Bampa did gave me confidence to take on the adventure called life. Just like every time he sent me over the edge of some death defying challenge. Not a bad lesson. Start moving and just keep on moving (and LOOK GOOD!). I am glad that none of us turned out to be wusses. Now that is legacy! Thanks Dad! I love you!
2 comments:
Ahhh...that is very sweet and touching. I am sure he appreciated you noticing the lesson to be learned. You have been blessed with an OUTSTANDING Dad. He loves you all very much
That is the reason that "after all you are the Missy" ---you always went. I Love You. There is a danger to being the Dad in the scenerio you describe though. You will discover it yourself with the Tadpoles, but let me warn you.
After your little ones take the challenge, you have to follow them down the hill. With their youth, agility and quickly developing skill you find yourself in a dilema. Do I risk pushing myself to new levels or do I risk
"looking bad". Well you have led the "old man" down some trails he saw as certain death. Thanks, but it is you that "kept me moving and looking good". I only hope that I can be there when Superkid, Abizella and Tadpole drag you over the precipice. Thanks for the memory of the sweet days! Andelle, Ariba, Aariba, Bampa
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