Happy 83rd Birthday, Daddy
Roland Mason Tillman Frederick (my Daddy)
September 9, 1924 - November 17, 2006
A different kind of birthday wish today. I wish I had one more chance to say Happy Birthday to my dad. Today he would have been 83.
I got out all my Daddy pix today, and for some reason it didn't seem enough to just look at pictures and think about him. So I am sharing my dad here, because I felt like I had to do something for him. It's the first September 9 that I haven't been with him, and I miss him. There was no biological link between us, but he was my father in every way that mattered.
I was his only child, the Kidalinas his only grandchildren. Spoiled much?
He was an avid golfer and made 3 holes-in-one in his lifetime. He had a beautiful, graceful golf swing. When I was little, I used to sit in the golf cart and watch him play. I can still hear the sound of his driver hitting the ball off the tee, and see the way it started off low and steadily climbed in the air.
Sorry these pictures are all so bad; pictures of old pictures that have been sitting in a safe for ages. This one was taken at Diablo Country Club, where my dad played for many years. When he was in his last weeks and losing his battle with cancer, I told him that we were going to go back to Diablo and I was going to drive him in the golf cart. (When I was little I was always begging him to let me drive).
Christmas 1995
My dad in a very silly chic beret.
I got married in 1996, and even though it has turned out to be disaster, it was a great day. I was glad that he was there for me, to walk me down the aisle, and he looked so proud of me.
In retrospect, I realize that I was just as proud of him that day.
Kidalina 1, Laura Grace, was born in 1998.
My dad was so happy.
My dad and the Kidalinas, 2002.
He did eventually teach me to drive by letting me drive a golf cart. I know he would have loved to do the same for his grandkids.
Daddy and Daddy's Girl, 1989
No one lives forever. In my head, I know that. I know he had a great life, and living to the age of 82 is awesome. Especially considering that he enjoyed excellent health for most of his life. His death came fast and it was difficult to watch, but I am grateful he didn't linger and suffer.
Selfishly, I miss him and wish I could talk to him every single day. I miss the sound of his gravelly voice, his Southern accent, and his blue eyes smiling at me.
But I was a lucky girl to have him for a dad.
Happy Birthday, Daddy.
I love you.