
Just because I can, I would like to take this time to shamelessly celebrate the awesomeness that is my father. The poor guy raised 6 of the most obnoxious children known to walk the earth and yet still lives to talk about it. But aside from that, he is just one cool guy who has lead an amazing life. Descending from native royalty, pops grew up in an area of southern California known as “Lil’ Hollywood”. He spent much of his youth having orange wars in the orchards, rolling down hills in old tracker tires and most of all, playing baseball with his ‘cronies’. At age 12, it was rumored that he could hit the ball over 400 feet and thus he obtained his nickname, “Bino”* (as in THE great bambino, Babe Ruth). His teenage years were filled with the usual hijinks. Skipping school to surf, riding motorcycles, chasing girls. Like many of his generation, he joined the Army but spent much of his deployment in Germany (where he did a great deal of skiing and, um… drinking). Which he was, of course, fabulous at. Much like every and anything else he has ever done:
Hatchet Throwing/Logging
Carpentry
Trap Shooting
Motor Cross
etc. etc. etc.
I couldn’t think of a better example of skill, talent and determination. Never one to shy from a challenge, Dad coached each and everyone of his children in one sport or another. He expected twice as much from his kids then anyone else. He taught us the importance of dedication and leadership. Showed us the rewards of hard work.**
In his later years, he took on new hobbies: painting, the guitar, bass fishing and metal detecting. And as expected, everything he touched turned to gold***. It almost seems unfair that one person could possess so much talent. But, as we would find out, life isn’t fair.
After defeating both heart disease and diabetes, dad was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer. Of course, this superman would come down with super cancer. It has been a rough year and a half. Lots of ups and downs and high hopes only to later be shattered. Today, he seems to be beating it. Yet, as we’ve learned, we do not know what curve ball tomorrow will throw at us.
I reflect back to about a year ago. Sitting at the computer, struggling to write my ‘Fathers Day’ post, paralyzed by fear and uncertainty. Still in shock and coming to grips with the idea that maybe, the man of steel wasn’t so invincible after all. It’s incredible what a difference one year can make. How you can both achieve acceptance of ones mortality and discover a new found application for time.
With that, I advise you all to be sure to call your dad this fathers day. Or if you are so lucky, stop by. Give him an extra tight hug or handshake. Tell him you love him and that you couldn’t have asked for a better dad. Then be sure to do it the next day, and the next, and the next. If you feel so inclined, pick up a gift from one of our 4 stores: The Estate Sale East, The Garage Sale East, The Estate Store West or The Garage Sale West. As you know, we have lots of unique and/or affordable gift ideas, such as this awesome surfboard!). But remember what’s really important this Father’s Day: Making sure that he knows he is loved.
xoxo dode
8ft Surface Soft Surfboard. Available at the Estate Store West in Tualatin.
*Bino is still the name he uses to this day
**5 years straight he lead our small town pop-warner football team to northern California state championship victories. As well as countless regional baseball championships.
***Except cooking. His one pot wonders leave something to be desired.
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