Happy Father's Day

Today is Father’s Day. My Dad is the best. You may have heard that a few times today, but I’m certain. My Dad is the best because he’s somebody I would choose to be friends with if he wasn’t my Dad, and I value my own opinion especially highly. We talk about government and travel and TV shows and scandal. I call him to discuss famous deaths and inappropriate comments made by MPs.

I know I get my love for news and knowledge and adventure from him. When I was a kid I didn’t understand why the news was the default TV channel, the same stories on repeat. But as an adult I start most days with a news channel, with a browse of BBC News or the Guardian on my iPad. I put Sky News on in the background when I’m pottering about my house at the weekend.. To my Dad, it’s just comfortable and I get that now.

I’m certain my upbringing is to thank for my love of maps, trains, airports, and adventure. I’m a nerd for journeys I’ve never undertaken before. I love to walk alone so I can find my way with or without a map. Discovering a Manchester street, previously unknown, is a joy to me. My Dad is an explorer and adventurer at heart. He spends his coveted 2 or so weeks abroad each year finding new beaches and native foods, learning foreign words and phrases and trying his luck with waiters, reading road maps and exploring undiscovered routes. Then he returns and reviews his destination online, forever cementing the experiences he’s had, reliving and recounting the details for future anecdotes.

I suffer from the same ailments as my parents. I turned 25 last summer and everything turned to shit. My knees starting hurting, my neck aches in the morning, my ears can’t stand the cold, I eat copious amounts of Dairy Milk. You see, I’m my Father’s daughter. Even these negatives link me to my Dad and it’s reassuring to know I’m similar to him. My Mother always scorns ‘you’re just like your Dad’ when I’ve said something especially unhelpful or sarcastic.  

I’ll tell anyone who’ll listen that he’s hilarious, dry, witty and clever. I recount tales of my parents arguing, swearing and insults and all, because it’s always done with love and hilarity. Their arguments usually end with laughter, from spectators too. I want anyone that meets them to think they’re as hilarious as I do. It’s lovely to have such a high standard of family life to live up to. I feel lucky to know what family should be; loving and accepting.

My Dad is opinionated and sharp. He’s experienced life and draws from what he knows to be right in order to judge a situation. He needs a course in ‘political correctness 101’ but he’s liberal and fair and holds no grudge for those who differ from him in their lifestyle choices. I’m glad he’s my Dad.

Happy Father’s Day Dad.




My Dad posing for an imaginary European smoking campaign.

 




Mum and Dad at Manchester's Museum of Science & Industry.