My Dad is the best.
He is.
Even if today wasn't his 79th birthday I would proclaim him the best.
*The man and his bike, in the cow barn converted into a motorcycle shop. Here he is with his Harley. One of the many bikes that stand in the stalls.
Pretty cool huh? He is.
He is the Dad you dream about...When I was in the third grade and the teachers questioned if I was ever going to be a real student, my Father told me I had beautiful handwriting, more beautiful than his. I still cry when I think of this. Dad always believed in me.
When I was sweet 16 and rudely, blatantly, devastatingly, fired from my first job at Candy's Ice-cream Parlor, My Father went down to the shop and told the owner where he could stick his vulgar remarks. My broken, tender ego, found salvation in my Father's "No-man-is-going-to-talk-to-my-daughter-like-that," pride.
More than anything I have known love; have never doubted the power of that gift, which he has freely given to me.
*My Brother Mathew has added onto this post
The Man and His Bike!
Dad is cool. Motorcycling is my Dads passion not a passing fad he got into "one day". The barn you see in the picture is a regular gathering spot on Friday nights for anyone who wants to talk motorcycles, farming, politics, joke, drink beer and hang out with Uncle George among all the motorcycles. The motorcycle (just one of many he owns and has owned)in the picture has over a hundred thousand miles on it and they are all quality miles. Miles where my dad goes to think. Miles where he goes to be alone. Miles where he goes to dream. Miles where he goes to see. Miles where he goes to visit. Miles where he just goes like a bat outa hell. Dad can work on motorcyles too but he doesn't consider it work. I've watched him take a motorcyle completely apart and fix it on miles from home because "we just can't leave it here". I've seen him race motorcycles and win even when he would come in last. I've seen him ride a tiny 90cc motorcycle 400 miles in a weekend on remote dirt roads just to say it could be done. Many seek to ride with this man just to feel, taste and live his passion. Happy Birthday !
Awe what a wonderful Dad you have and yes he is indeed very cool!
Happy Birthday Corey's Dad, you did a very good job by bringing up such a gorgeous daughter!
Posted by: Carol | 11 April 2006 at 10:38 AM
What a lovely tribute. I'm going to see mine at the nursing home (87). He's frail and has the beginnings of Alzheimer's but is still giving me GREAT ADVICE for living. Hail to wonderful fathers!!!!
Posted by: Eileen | 11 April 2006 at 10:42 AM
what a cool picture and bike! yes we should remember the love of people around us and give thanks always. Corey you're so blessed!
Posted by: cruststation | 11 April 2006 at 10:47 AM
Every girl needs a good Dad!I only had mine for 15 years but he's always with me in the love he shared:)Happy Birthday you cool dude!
Posted by: Kristy | 11 April 2006 at 10:53 AM
what a powerfully kind man and how deserving are you to be his daughter!
cool bike!
happy birthday corey's dad!
xo
Posted by: susan | 11 April 2006 at 12:37 PM
You are truly blessed. I never knew my Dad my parents split up when I was very young I never knew him at all.
Give your Dad a big birthday hello from me and may he always bless your lives as you do his!
Love Jeanne
It all begins and ends with family!
Posted by: Jeanne | 11 April 2006 at 01:25 PM
Happy Birthday to your dad :)
He sounds like a great dad.
Posted by: Shannon Lewis | 11 April 2006 at 01:37 PM
Lucky daughter. Lucky father.
Posted by: Lee | 11 April 2006 at 01:47 PM
Hurrah for daddy's who show their little girls how they deserve to be treated;)your daddy taught you things no one else could have. I love what you've written here corey and I think I love your daddy too;o)& yahooo for harleys;o) something about a man and his harley that does a thing or two to me:O) xox!
Posted by: berrie | 11 April 2006 at 01:53 PM
I think you should see the movie The Worlds Fastest Indian, if you haven't already... I saw it last night in the sneak preview here in the Netherlands... I really think you'll like it, without giving any spoilers, sorry :)
Nancy
NL
Posted by: Nancy | 11 April 2006 at 02:09 PM
Happy B-day to your dad...you are blessed to have been a daughter to such a loving dad....
Posted by: Mary Jane Rossi | 11 April 2006 at 02:43 PM
There is something special about a father/daughter relationship. No matter how old we get, we will always be Daddys little girl! And he will always be...My Daddy!!
Posted by: Cookie | 11 April 2006 at 03:26 PM
I had beautiful handwriting, more beautiful than his. I still cry when I think of this. Dad always believed in me.
When I was sweet 16 and rudely, blatantly, devastatingly, fired from my first job at Candy's Ice-cream Parlor, My Father went down to the shop and told the owner where he could stick his vulgar remarks. My broken, tender ego, found salvation in my Father's "No-man-is-going-to-talk-to-my-daughter-like-that," pride.
everytime I read this I get shivers and tears;) just had to say again this is beautiful love;o)
Posted by: berrie | 11 April 2006 at 03:39 PM
How lucky you are to have a father like that.
But then he is also fortunate.
Patty
Posted by: patty van dorin | 11 April 2006 at 04:12 PM
...sniff. What a tribute to an amazing father. I am so happy he helped mold such a remarkable woman!
a.
Posted by: andrea | 11 April 2006 at 04:31 PM
beautiful - there is no question as to where your love of life comes from. that man, and that bike say it all...
Posted by: stephanie s | 11 April 2006 at 04:45 PM
Ah how nice and touching... He's lucky to have you!
Posted by: expatraveler | 11 April 2006 at 05:02 PM
Such an amazing gift! Where would we be without our Fathers??? :) Happy Birthday to your Father. The world is a better place because of men like him.
Posted by: Sandi | 11 April 2006 at 05:13 PM
happy birthday to your dad. his kindness makes me think: "like father like daughter"so did he teach you to ride a harley too?
Posted by: snowsparkle | 11 April 2006 at 05:16 PM
Corey, how totally wonderful and a very 'Happy Birthday' to your dear Father!!! I too have a Father I adore. Sometimes as parents we don't always know how much influence we have on our children, and only later do we get the gift of realization... Thank you for reminding us of these gifts...
Posted by: ULLA | 11 April 2006 at 06:04 PM
Dad is cool. Motorcycling is my Dads passion not a passing fad he got into "one day". The barn you see in the picture is a regular gathering spot on Friday nights for anyone who wants to talk motorcycles, farming, politics, joke, drink beer and hang out with Uncle George among all the motorcycles. The motorcycle (just one of many he owns and has owned)in the picture has over a hundred thousand miles on it and they are all quality miles. Miles where my dad goes to think. Miles where he goes to be alone. Miles where he goes to dream. Miles where he goes to see. Miles where he goes to visit. Miles where he just goes like a bat outa hell. Dad can work on motorcyles too but he doesn't consider it work. I've watched him take a motorcyle completely apart and fix it on miles from home because "we just can't leave it here". I've seen him race motorcycles and win even when he would come in last. I've seen him ride a tiny 90cc motorcycle 400 miles in a weekend on remote dirt roads just to say it could be done. Many seek to ride with this man just to feel, taste and live his passion. Happy Birthday Dad! Mathew.
Posted by: Brother Mathew | 11 April 2006 at 06:13 PM
This is such a touching story...I was so moved by this one! Every "girl" should have a "Daddy" like that.
Posted by: C. Delia | 11 April 2006 at 06:14 PM
A great Dad is such a blessing. So glad he's your hero!
Posted by: jennifer | 11 April 2006 at 06:20 PM
Lucky you! I want to be a free spirit like that...so inspiring.
Posted by: frida | 11 April 2006 at 06:42 PM
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO COREY'S FATHER!!! Heroic fathers are simply the best!!!!!!
Posted by: julie | 11 April 2006 at 06:49 PM
Happy Birthday Corey´s dad!!!!
Your dad sounds so lovely and your words are truely touching :)
Posted by: maditi | 11 April 2006 at 07:05 PM
This is such a touching post! I am also very fond of my dad, and in fact moved back to LA in part to be closer to him.
Our fathers are irreplaceable, no one will ever have the connection with us. It just isn't possible!
A very Happy Birthday to your dear Father! And a thank you to him for raising such an breath of fresh air! My cyber pal Corey has words like no other! She inspires my daily! (Does he read your blog?)
Posted by: MCaplan | 11 April 2006 at 07:45 PM
Happy birthday to a great dad. What a lovely tribute.
Posted by: Alicia P. | 11 April 2006 at 08:19 PM
Whatta cool guy! My husband is into motorcycles also and has built and re-built several, as well as performed major repairs on the side of the road. Makes for some fond memories and a swell of pride.
How well I know the smell of a garage that houses bikes and bikers....exhaust fumes and oil and a sweet dusty scent, and the smell of a hundred stories floating in the air. Aren't we the lucky ones? :)
Posted by: Nancy aka Coco | 11 April 2006 at 08:21 PM
I see where you get your zest for life from ~your father the man who would feel, taste and live his passion (like father like daughter indeed). Happy Birthday to Corey's Dad!
Posted by: cruststation | 11 April 2006 at 08:51 PM
Corey...Check out my blog ! You can get an idea of how much rain we have had here in Northern California! Happy Birthday to your Dad! Dad's are so special...I take care of my Dad who will be 90 in June...I wouldn't have it any other way! It is still raining here...don't know how much more the rivers etc. can take!
Posted by: vicci | 11 April 2006 at 08:55 PM
I love it that your brother
joined in to add such an eloquent tribute to the man you both love. I think that says alot about the man you both call Dad.
Posted by: diana | 11 April 2006 at 09:02 PM
happy birthday to your dad--who truly does sound like a man who knows how to live!
Posted by: la vie en rose | 11 April 2006 at 09:17 PM
...such a sweet tribute...from both of you..
Posted by: Dawn | 11 April 2006 at 09:17 PM
Gotta' love a great dad! Happy Birthday to him. :)
Posted by: Amber | 12 April 2006 at 12:03 AM
Corey, I knew today you would write about your dad and couldn't wait to see if I was right. Your dad is a very special person and I am blessed to have him as my Godfather. Happy Birthday Uncle George.
Posted by: Lala Mendes Edwards | 12 April 2006 at 12:05 AM
LOVE is the Magic Word!!!! you knew you were loved and that is really the only important thing in this world of ours.....to love and BE LOVED is what makes it all worthwhile:)
Posted by: linda harre | 12 April 2006 at 12:43 AM
What a wonderful place that shed sounds like... and so to is the motorbike. A private place to drink beer & share good times. Cheers, Louise
Posted by: louise | 12 April 2006 at 12:48 AM
Hi...What an honor to read your beautiful words describe the perfect relationship...two souls who mutually love, support, and empower each other. My daddy's gone 10 years now and your words ECHO the deep, pure love I felt for him. I wish your father many more birthdays and many more tributes!
~michelle~
Posted by: ~michelle~ | 12 April 2006 at 01:03 AM
Corey and Matthew,
You have honoured your Father today with the most beautiful tribute to him!
What pride and love went into each word and testimony of your Father!
Happy Birthday indeed to a 'cool' and loving Dad!
Posted by: Joanne | 12 April 2006 at 01:11 AM
Dad's the best. One of a kind. Great job Corey.
Posted by: orama | 12 April 2006 at 02:07 AM
corey,,,you are so lucky to have such a caring,loving,and special father.i lost mine so many years ago.i would hope my relationship with my dad would of been the same!!happy birthday GEORGE AMARO!!!!
Posted by: shelley | 12 April 2006 at 02:08 AM
Happy Birthday to your pappa! Thank him for bestowing the gift of Corey upon our world!
May he be blessed with health, happiness, and humor!!!
Love ~ Josephine
Posted by: josephine | 12 April 2006 at 04:47 AM
Mr. Staggs is the love of my life, but now I am in love with your papa too! You knew this would happen...didn't you Corey? LOL!
Happy Birthday Dear Sir!
Posted by: Mrs.Staggs | 12 April 2006 at 06:44 AM
What a beautiful and personal post by your both! That is so sweet and thank you for sharing!
Posted by: Shannon (Sentimental) | 12 April 2006 at 03:47 PM
Uncle Nickateen, what a surprise to see that photo! You hit the nail on the head with your kind words, I can remember how we all loved going to your parents' home as we were growing up, they were cool. And they still are. Don't let your dad read that. I did send him a card and he forgot to call me on my birthday this year, it must be old age. The Old Fart. You both brought tears to my eyes.
Posted by: Julie Holvick | 12 April 2006 at 06:28 PM
What a wonderful thing to post on your Dad's birthday, he sounds amazing.
I remember my Dad threatening some boy who was MUCH bigger than me and had winded me, I was so pleased to be worth defending (and I try not to imagine what he may have actually said the the kid who NEVER bothered me again).
Posted by: cally | 12 April 2006 at 08:31 PM
I loved your letter about your Father. I have always loved his free spirit and it was wonderful to read in your posting and Matt’s. Fathers are a special gift to girls I truly believe. Like you Father, my Dad had all boys and one girl. Sometimes I could tell I perplexed my Father by my reactions. Like, he was thinking ‘I said the same thing to the boys and they were fine, but Mary reacted completely differently’. But the love was always so special. I also enjoyed all your photos outside your door. Thanks for the mini vacation. Seeing the blue in your ski felt good with our daily rain the pass couple months. Not to rattle on but, I forgot to mention last time how capturing the photo of Chelsea and your Father is. Good job.
Enjoy Lent and all it brings us. Love, Mary Hall
Posted by: Mary Hall | 12 April 2006 at 11:37 PM
Happy Birthday George. Corey you are a very lucky young lady to have a loving father like George. I know his passion for motorcyles, as I remember many years ago when he came roaring into Willows on his bike. Your mother was the envy of all the young girls...very handsome your father. Keep going George. love, Carolyn
Posted by: Carolyn Davis | 13 April 2006 at 06:14 PM
very cool!
Posted by: mikaelah | 14 April 2006 at 03:56 AM
Your words are a glorious tribute! What a beautiful picture, as well!
Posted by: Cate | 18 April 2006 at 03:57 PM
This absolutely tugs at my heart. What a wonderful man, precious memories, and a blessing for life.
Not only is he a very special man and father, but you recognize and honor the gift that he is...and that makes you a very special woman. You are truly his daughter!
e
Posted by: Ellen | 19 April 2006 at 03:05 PM
happy birthday george...i used to ride when i was a teenager...would love to jump on the back of his bike and go for a ride...very real man...don't you just love that...hell, i'd just like to sit and have a tall one with him in his barn and shoot the breeze for hours...hugs to the birthday boy!!!! you are very lucky...and so is he...no wonder you have such a free spirit corey...very cool...glad i started my day with this bit of
sharing...thx...xo...annie
ps...nice to hear from your brother too...hello
Posted by: annie lockhart | 21 September 2006 at 03:18 PM