The Smell of Tomatoes

The smallest things remind me of you. I was grocery shopping the other day, and the smell of the fresh tomatoes on the vine took me back. It took me back to when I was younger, and you grew those massive tomato plants. I thought back on how you would wait until it was dark to water them. You use to put miracle grow in the water, and you would let me come out at night with you and help water them.

That made me think about how you use to take me fishing at night. I thought about how I would always fall asleep on the rocks there by the river. I didn't care how tired I was, I just wanted to be with you. Although it was dark there by the river, I was never scared, because you were near.

That made me think about how we would drive home and when we got there, we would cuddle on the couch together and watch the old black and white Frankenstein movies. I always fell asleep, but it didn't matter. I just wanted to be close to you.

All of this from the smell of tomatoes.

Independence Day

My family use to spend July 4th with my grandparents at the fireworks festival in New Castle, PA. Zambezi's would put on a huge fireworks display every year; it was amazing. We would gather a few hours before the show was to start and spread a blanket on the grass and spend time together as a family. The DJ would be there playing all sorts of different songs. Two that he would always play were "The YMCA" and "The Chicken Dance." My father would always jump up when those songs started and dance with my sisters and brother and me. He never cared if he looked silly or who was looking. He was only concerned with having fun with his kids. We would laugh and dance like nobody was looking. He loved to have fun with us. Then we would lay on our backs side by side and watch the show.

Last night, I was sitting on the tailgate of Sarah's father's truck watching fireworks with them, and I was thinking about my Dad. I was remembering doing the YMCA and the Chicken dance with my dad. I could see us laying in the grass watching the fireworks exploding over the trees. I could see the smile and the content look on his face as he spent time and had fun with his family.

He was such a fantastic father. I miss him so much everyday. I love you Daddy.