The Novelty of Having A Wonderful Father

One of the most enjoyable moments in my week is when I have an opportunity to eat out with my Pop. Eating out in public with my father is always an adventure. You never know what he is going to do. Last week we all went to get our fill at the local fish camp. Pop scouted the place out and told the waitress were he wanted to sit. Pop chose a table that was close to a family (dressed in their Sunday best) with two children who were trying really hard to behave. He smiled at the parents and told them how wonderfully behaved their children were. While they are beaming with pride, Pop winked at the children. I knew he had something up his sleeve. Watching Pop antics with anticipation is like watching a silent movie for the first time.

At this fancy fish camp, the dinnerware was inserted in a paper sheath. He removed his utensils and rolled up the remaining paper real tight. He glanced at the children seated at the table close by and smiled. Their eyes were getting bigger with expectations. He proceeded to put the other end in his mouth and blew in it, unraveling it like a party blowout. The children squealed with laughter, clapping their hands. Their parents look around to see what is happening. My pop quickly disposed of his toy and all they could see was an older gentleman with his hands folded on the table, as if he was readying to ask the blessing of the food. He raises one hand with an innocent wave. The children continue to laugh. I could tell that Pop was just warming up. He had an audience.

We placed our order for our drinks and Pop asked for a straw (My Pop will be in the fanciest of restaurants and he will always demand a straw. He doesn't usually use it for drinking though, it's just another toy.) Pop continued smiling at the children as he tore the end off of one end of the straw. He pushed the wrapping up just a little and blew in the end. It was at the moment that he was almost found out. The wrapping sailed off the straw and across the room, under the nose of the father of the children. Pop took the face of innocence and acted as if there was nothing unusual. The father had felt like something had just happened but was unsure of what that could have been. By this time, the children were out of control. The father had no choice but to gather up his family and leave. Pop waved at the children and they waved back. The excitement in their eyes and the smile on their faces, expressed that they would never forget this meal, and that they had put my Pop in the same hall of honor as Santa Claus. These children discovered the joy of being in the presence of my Pop. I had learned this many years before. I adore this man for all of these reasons and many more. Happy Father's day, Pop!

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