A Life on Venus: My dad, my hero

mum and dad, back in the day

I have always been a daddy's girl. I am not ashamed to admit it. My dad is my hero.

He was born with a cleft lip and palate and minus an ear drum. He was teased relentlessly. He taught me to accept people for who they are, not what they look or sound like. For that I thank him.

He has worn the same watch for over 45 years. His best friend bought it in Vietnam when he was there fighting the war at the age of 19. A lot of years ago, I made him a friendship pin for his watch - it is still there to this day. He taught me to treasure the special things that loved ones give you, no matter how small or inexpensive. For that I thank him.

When Brother B and I were born, he shared the feeding, bathing and nappy changing with Mum. Over the years he has worked, gardened, renovated, cleaned, cooked and grocery shopped teaching me that there is no such thing as gender roles. For this I thank him.

Ever since I came into his life, he shared with me his passion for the Souths Sydney Rabbitohs. For over ten years he took Brother B and I to every Souths home game - these are some of my favourite memories. For this I thank him.

brother b and me with our first rabbitoh beanies

When I lived at home, he taught me how to mow the lawn and wash a car properly, during our renovations he taught me to mix cement, lay a brick, paint a wall, blue glue pipe, lay tiles, and grout a bathroom. For this I thank him.

He plays dolls. reads books, has his nails painted, watches Play School and sings along to Annie with Little Miss 4. She adores him. For this I thank him.

He has always been there for me, no matter what and no matter when. I thank him for so many things.

My wonderful dad has just turned 65. Yesterday we celebrated that fact. We headed over to Brother B and SIL B's place for lunch. Of course, SIL B outdid herself. In fact, every time she outdoes herself. She is seriously amazing in the kitchen.

sil b and brother b

We were treated to pork with caramelised pears, beef with salsa verde, an amazing sweet potato and potato bake and a gorgeous avocado salad. Dessert was home made chocolate mousse with strawberries, one word - DELICIOUS.

We were also joined by dads brother and sister-in-law, unc and aunty d. We have such a great time getting together as a family. Everyone yells to be heard. We laugh, reminisce and make new memories with new generations.