These are the truths about my father
He never was notified of a need that he didn’t immediately embrace.
He never missed the opportunity to dance if a band was playing.
He never met a body of water that didn’t need to be swum in.
He never turned down a homemade pie slice, preferably ala mode with cheddar cheese.
He never found a path that didn’t need to be hiked. Especially with a small child.
He never avoided telling political nay sayers that they were “damned dumb”, especially at early Reston RCA board meetings.
He never went to a play he didn’t like, unless he slept through it.
He never protested going out for a “bite to eat”, especially at Lake Anne Plaza.
He never objected to trying new restaurants no matter their cuisine.
He never met a baby that didn’t need to be picked up.
He never greeted an unexpected visitor without trying to ply them with coffee and pastries.
He never did push-ups on the first or second floor of apartments, while delivering the Washington Post, but only on the third floor, also adding in sit-ups.
He never passed up the right to Vote, feeling that his voice carried its weight in causes he believed in.
He never hesitated to outline, in detail, his exercise regime to all who would listen.
He never was embarrassed about walking across Lake Anne Plaza in a skimpy speedo after swimming to work, changing into a three piece suit at the office.
He never remembered to bill a client if it would cause a hardship.
He never had a day to be lived through but rather to be lived for.
