My Dad...

Growing up, like most little girls, my father was my hero. I thought that my Daddy could do anything. Even later in life, my Dad – although not perfect – was (and is) my image of what a man should be. He was caring, strong and smart. He was brave. And he had a wicked sense of humor!

He loved adventure and laughter and life. His friends and family were of the utmost importance to him. He was an incredible craftsman who worked for MGM during its heyday, and later for Walt Disney. He helped build Disneyland, and worked on so many of the movies that we all know and love. He was proud of his work, but knew what was truly important in life; our little family.

Some of my special times and memories of just my Dad and me; going to Disneyland, Friday nights at the movie theater – double features, spilling a coke and popcorn all over him because I got startled at a scene in “Jaws”, (and he didn’t even get mad at me!) going out to dinner together when my Mom was in her art and pottery classes. Later in life, after my Mom passed, I travelled with my Dad to Florida. We went to Disney World and had an AWESOME time together. Dad even came on vacation with Richard and me one time. We all experienced New Orleans for the first time together. And all of our visits and holidays together… these are the memories that I hold dear to my heart. Even though he’s been gone for 15 years now – I can close my eyes and remember those times; I can see his adorable smile and almost hear his voice.

He weathered a lot of hard knocks in life and had to be the strong head of our family, even when his heart was breaking. Sadly, I was the cause of his heart breaking on more than occasion. But, I always knew that he loved me and would be there for me at any time. He was incredibly proud of me (for the most part) and wasn’t one to shy away from giving compliments – or criticism when needed.

One of my final conversations with him before he died surrounded Richards and my desire to adopt a child. I asked my Dad if he loved me, his adopted daughter, differently than he had loved Sharon Lee his birth daughter who had died when she was only 14. I remember his words exactly, “Cindy Lynn! Blood means absolutely nothing. I wasn’t blood related to your Mother and I would have laid down my life for her. I love you exactly the same – possibly more”. They always told me that because I was adopted I was special – I was chosen. I feel so blessed that God saw the three of us would be a perfect family. I am only sorry that we were together for a relatively short period of time, compared to many families. Having that close of a bond, while so beautiful and cherished, almost makes it harder to say goodbye. But, I wouldn’t have changed it for ANYTHING!

Tomorrow, September 25th, would have been my Dad’s 89th birthday. I am so proud to say that he was MY DADDY, but I miss him more than my words could ever express. I hope that he and Mom are looking down on my little family and that they are still proud of me!

Happy Birthday Dad!

Ahoy Matey!!

Well, "Shiver Me Timbers"... It's National "Talk Like A Pirate" Day.

ARRRRR!

May ye find some buried treasure and have a good time!

It's ABC Wednesday

This week is brought to us by the letter "I". I have chosen "Infamy". December 7th, 1941 "a day that shall live in Infamy".

These pictures were taken last August at Pearl Harbor. This was my second visit to the USS Arizona Memorial. I was just as moved this time as I was the first. A very solemn occasion.

My father lost friends at Pearl Harbor, one of them on the USS Arizona. I think of him, and all the men that served in WWII when I look at these photos.

If you would like to join ABC Wednesday, click here to see others participating and add your name to the list once your post is up.

A Red Parrot...

... for Ruby Tuesday! This parrot lives at the Audubon Aquarium of the Americas in New Orleans. I think he contains JUST ENOUGH red for a fabulous Ruby Tuesday!!

Want to join in the fun? Post a picture containing the color RED, a little or a lot, and make sure to add your name to the Ruby Tuesday list. Click here to see others participating.

Sept 13th, 1941

A young sailor got a two day leave. He drove to Los Angeles from San Diego to ask his special girl to marry him. Their song was "Begin the Beguine".

They drove to Las Vegas NV in the middle of the night to get married. It was a Friday - Friday the 13th! There was a terrible fire in the desert and they were stopped at a road block and told they couldn't go through to Vegas. The young soldier explained the situation and how short a time they had before he had to report back to duty. The men at the road block escorted the young couple through so that they could be on their way.

They were young and innocent and in love. They had only known each other for six months, and most of that time the sailor had been at sea. But life was different in those days. People got married faster - and stayed married longer.

Their lives after that night were not all that easy. The United States involvement in WWII was only a few months off. They endured months of separation until the young soldier was medically discharged after coming close to losing his life. He spent 8 months in the hospital, but was finally able to return home to the wife that he loved more than anything and their new daughter.

Life continued for them - along with the ups and downs. They lost their daughter when she was only 14 years old, they both suffered immensely... but ultimately decided that they needed to find a way to still be parents. They adopted a baby girl in 1959 and loved her with all their might. They were a family that loved each other - no matter what. And they stayed together through thick and thin. No matter what life brought to them, they were able to get through it as long as they had each other.

I have no doubt that if they were still alive they would still be together today celebrating their 67th Wedding Anniversary. And they would love each other today - just as much as they did all those years ago.

I love you Mom and Dad!

9/11

September 11th 2001 is a day that none of us in the U.S. will forget. Just like December 7th 1941 - it offended us and brought us together as a nation.

Just felt that I needed to remember and reflect on all those who lost their lives on both of those days - and all of those who have served and protected our country (both of our fathers during WWII in the Navy & the Army) - and continue to serve and protect.

God Bless the U.S.A.

H is for...

Harley Davidson! My Dad was a Harley owner - and lover! It was his pride and joy. He was planning a big road trip to Sturgis to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Harley... but unfortunately he passed away before he could make the trip he was so excited about. Here are a few photo's of him on his Harley, and an article about him from his HOG newsletter.

If you would like to join in ABC Wednesday, click here to see the other participants and join in the fun. Enjoy!

Have You Heard...

... of Adele? She is a new pop star from England. She was only nineteen when she recorded this album. She's really FANTASTIC. Her voice is smooth and sultry and reminds me very much of the British pop stars from the late 60's - very bluesy/jazzy.

Check out her myspace page here. "Chasing Pavements" & "Melt My Heart to Stone" are two of my favorite songs.

YaYa's Rule...

First Wednesday of each month is Ya Ya night. If you have read my blog before you may have heard about the YaYa's already. These are my "Sistahs".... my best buds! The girls that keep me sane!

Here's Adrienne... my favorite Virgo girl! This was our official LAST birthday celebration of 2008. We have been celebrating for WEEKS, capping it all with our Ya Ya birthday. All of our girls certainly celebrated and spoiled us last night. Here are Laura and Brenda.
And Kathy
And a group photo of Kathy, Jamie and Adrienne
As usual, I left YaYa's with a full belly from all the wonderful food (thanks for that ice cream cake Laura! It's A's and my favorite!) and sore sides from all the laughter.

Life just wouldn't be complete without my wonderful YaYa's!

(and Yes, we know that YaYa is Greek for Grandma. We chose the name because of the book "The Divine Secrets of the YaYa Sisterhood".)

Back to School

John began the Eighth grade today.

Back to school.... frowny face! He would much rather stay home and enjoy "freedom". But, it's back to the old "grind stone".

This is his last year of Junior High. Seems like only yesterday we took him to his first day of Kindergarten. (Mom makes sniffle noises)

He's growing up too quickly!

Celebration Day

My niece, Erin, and I share August 31st birthdays. We also share a middle name, Lynn. Erin turned 18 yesterday, and I turned.... Well, we'll just say a few years older than that! My sister in law, Kelly, invited us over for a birthday lunch. It was fun to start the day celebrating with family. Here are a few photos -

Erin and Cindy

John and Me The party continued back home in the afternoon. My good friend, Dodi, didn't want me to have to do ANYTHING on my birthday - so she brought dinner over to our house and we BBQ'd. We were joined by Dodi's husband Kerry and their daughter Alyssa. Frank, Julie, Noah, Emily and Claire also joined in the birthday fun. I am surrounded by such wonderful friends - friends who we consider our family! Here are more photo's of everyone clowning around and having a GOOD time!

And one final photo of the birthday girl with one of her presents... "I Love Lucy" chocolate bars! Thanks Kerry & Dodi... YUM!