My Dad

My dad was a very special person in my life. He and I were a lot a like. We had pretty much the same interests. I am not sure if I liked the same stuff to be like him or if it was just who I am. He and I both have mechanical skills. We like to take things apart to see how they work, then put the back together again. If it is broken..we would try to fix it if at all possible.

When I was in my teens, my dad would take me on trips with him, Saturdays during the school year and anytime in the summer. My parents owned a laundry and dry cleaning business from 1962 until 1972. I thought my life was all worked out, that I would be working in the laundry and dry cleaning business...but that was not to be. Permanent press clothing came out in the late 60's and a lot of business like my parents closed, as did theirs.

Anyway Dad serviced, repaired and installed laundry and dry cleaning equipment and he would take me along with him on jobs..At first I think it was just for us to spend time together. Later I helped in the work. He showed me how to do stuff and I picked up and worked right along with him. We had great times together because we both liked working with our hands. Afterwards he and I would go out to dinner if it was a job where we worked late. If it was a short job, that didn't take to long..we would eat lunch at a family type cafeteria.

Several times, we would be driving back home and my dad would take a detour, down some back road somewhere.....we would end up at a dirt track. We both enjoyed racing and dirt racing to me is the best there is. A driver has to be talented to drive on dirt. So I got to see several dirt tracks in NC growing up....most are gone now..but I still have my memories. And we we finally got home..Mom would have a big smile on her face as she had known all along were dad and I had been. I titled this MY DAD..but my mother was a great lady as well.....I will talk about her later.....Just My Thoughts