The 3rd toe on my left foot. See how it's kind of deformed? That's what my dad's toes looked like. Even Emily noticed when she was trimming my talons, I mean, my toes.
My thick hair. Dad was bald for most of his adult life, but as a young boy, he had a head full of thick hair and I got it. Baby and Brother weren't so lucky.
A quick temper which tends to kill the messenger. I didn't like this in my dad, and I don't like it in me. But, it's in me whether I like it or not.
A love of books. I read all the time. All. The. Time. I have a book in my car so I can read if I'm waiting on a train or for an appointment. Books surround my chair, my bed, the guest room bed, everywhere in my house. A good book is like a good meal; I'll revisit it over and over again. On the night Dad died I was reading to him, from a book I checked out at the library on his library card.
A curiosity about life and people. Being naturally curious about things is so great! It makes even the most mundane activities an adventure. Dad never met a stranger and he was the smartest person I ever knew (although Brother is a very close second). Dad's knowledge came about because he was, above all else, curious.
A heart for the underdog and a sense of right and wrong. Dad was a true champion for the downtrodden. He not only talked the talk, but he walked the walk. During his life in Dodge City, he was involved in many activities that impacted the lives of many people in western Kansas. The same could be said about his years in the legislature.
A commitment to National Public Radio. Dad had NPR set on every radio he owned. No one was allowed to change the station. Heaven help you if you did. No really. Heaven help you. Even if Dad was asleep and you were driving him to, say, Utah for a vacation, and all you could hear was static. Even if you changed the station to another station that was still talk radio and not that crazy rock and roll shit. Even then, heaven help me, I mean, you.
Confidence, laughter, joy. The list could go on and on.
My dad gave me life and love.
And a kind of crazy toe.
