My father was a simple country farmer but he was not a simpleton.
He was also a big man weighing in at 250 pounds and he stood six foot seven inches tall.
Of course he could arm wrestle with his brothers with one hand and carry his grand babies with the other.
He and my mother raised two girls and five boys.
I was the youngest and when growing up I would follow my brothers to the fishing hole.
My father wanted me to learn how to take care of myself and always told me since I was a woman I would have to have an
equalizer.
He found an old Louisville slugger and drove an huge nail through it.
That was my equalizer when I traveled to an area that was fairly dangerous.
He also told me that if I could not dazzle someone with brilliance to baffle them with bullshit.
He knew a little about bs, he had an dairy farm until he retired.
But on occasion I had to use both the equalizer and the baffler.
I remember once when a drunk decided to paint my apartment red at three in the morning that I got out my equalizer.
They called the police who came into the parking lot to see what was going on.
The drunk was running around screaming for help with the paint bucket in one hand and there I was in shorts with Nike shoes on and a Pipper Longstocking pair of multicolored socks on.
And that Louisville slugger with the nail bent at an angle that I must have looked like Wilma Flintstone after Fred.
The cops laughed and took the drunk home with the admonishment that he stay there or else they would let me have him.
Just recently I started my campaign for Town council and so I leave it to your imagination which mode I am in. The brilliance or the baffle. Sometimes both work.
Thanks daddy and you are right a gun works much better at a knife fight.
Author notes
Growing up with five older brothers made a girl cautious but then I never started dating until after highschool. However my memories of my father are still here.
What I am thinking when my patient reaches for my hand.
Comments
1 - 7 of 7
-
What wonderful memories and the wisdom of the sages and lessons learned that make our life complete. Thank you for sharing your father with us.
-
THis brought a grin to my face. What an amazing recollection of your father; an interesting yet comical story about him.
It sounds like he both gave you good counsel and a handfull of his own b.s. to deal with. What a story.
How funny, that he was drunk and insisted on painting your room red. What was that all about? He must have been a handfull.
I thought my stepfather was difficult. One time, I painted my room pink and white, furniture and all. Well, that big oaf comes into my room and trips and makes a huge mess of things. lol's. I was 13.
It's nice to remember the times that were hilarious. Well, maybe I wansn't so amused at the time, but I didn't get mad at him. -
Great Story
Very interesting and captivation write of your beginnings Judy. Thanks for letting us into some of your special times.
Jim
-
This was immensely enjoyable. Love it love it love it. Your dad must have been a pip, but then you seem like you're not doing so bad in that department yourself! This is beautifully written. I have no criticism. Oh, I love that story about the drunk.
~ Joyce
-
wow, I really enjoyed this write! Such a great story to tell of a wonderful memeory from your father. The strength he instilled in you. I'm sure will carry you through life! Thank you for sharing this with us! Hugs~Nikki
-
Wow what a wonderful write. I so enjoyed reading. Good luck on your campaign for Town Council
What a wonderful write 
Theresa
-
BRAVO! BRAVO!
I remember that saying...dazzle them with your brillance or baffle them with your bullshit...
probably my own poetic description lately huh!
lol......I really enjoyed your poem...: ))))
Cleverly written, thanking your sharing it with us!
ears/Seattle
Adding your comment:
1 - 7 of 7
