It’s my Dad’s birthday today so to show what a legend he is, I thought I’d share 5 randomly selected Top 5 Dad Moments From My Youth.
Aged 3 — Playing wrestling after he got in from work, still wearing his prison officer’s uniform. Despite taking on cat A prisoners all day, he’d still let me pin him for the count. (I can still remember how much I utterly giggled with joy when we did this.)
Aged 4 — On a holiday to Blackpool, Dad wearing a mask of Rowlf from The Muppets and telling me he was the same one as on TV. I believed him for the remainder of my childhood. (He still hasn’t told me he’s not.)
Aged 10 — Us walking past my then hero Gary Parkinson at my first ever Middlesbrough FC game and Dad telling me, “He’s only a footballer. Don’t have an orgasm!” (I didn’t have a clue what that meant then back then.)
Aged 16 — Dad taking me for my first drink(s) in the pub on a Sunday night. When I was sitting down, wondering why my brain had a delay in focussing where my eyes were looking, Dad proudly told me to “stand up, son, people’ll think you’re p***ed!” (I missed 6th Form next day with a hangover.)
Aged 18 — The bouncer not letting me into my own 18th party as I didn’t have a ticket. When I told him it was my party and that was my Dad at the bar, Dad denied it and made me stand outside for 10 minutes as he bought my friends drinks inside.
I have many, many more brilliant memories of moments with my Dad: both big life memories, and small things he probably can’t remember. They’re all special. Happy Birthday, Dad. I flippin’ love you, you legend!
