28/365 - Penance

Yesterday was my dad's birthday. As usual I was delinquent in sending a card, so I had to make sure I remembered to call him. It was a crazy day at work, but he was on my mind all day - he had been all week, in fact. I said to several of my co-workers, "I can't forget to call my dad today to wish him Happy Birthday!"

I still forgot. Just as I was wrapping up last night's post I gasped in horror at the realization I hadn't yet acknowledged my dad's birthday!!! {sigh} The wayward child, yet again...

I picked up the phone and was relieved to reach my dad on his cell - mind you, this was 10:30pm, well past his bedtime. He was at the lake with my mom and a couple of my siblings and their families, celebrating very well. This contributed greatly to his forgiveness, which flows freely most of the time anyway. Forgiveness probably wasn't even necessary, come to think about. I imagine he was just happy to hear from me. The best part is that he said he'd read my post about my brother earlier in the day, and that, along with my brother's comment, was the best birthday gift I could've given him. As I said before, the Clif Perrymans of the world are some of the best men I know.

I still feel like I deserve some penance for not giving my pops the credit due him on the day I should be celebrating his life and how much he's done for me over the years. Publicizing this photo, should do it. Yep, that's me with the little orphan Annie look.

Both of our hairstyles have changed drastically since then, though I'm guessing I'm much more thankful about that than he is.

Happy belated birthday to you, Dad! I love you always.