My Dad turned 59 today and got a kayak, some socks, a kayaking book, a cheap whistle for kayak safety, and a walkman. I would like to say that his favorite gift (besides the kayak) was the walkman, because as he sat transfixed listening to TV broadcasts while I muted the TV. He stared at us doe eyed saying things like, “That’s what I’m listening to! That’s what I’m listening to!” and “I like this much better than listening to the actual TV.” I would also like to be able to say that children like their gifts better than the cardboard boxes that they come in, but I can’t. The boxes always tie for first.

Even after warning my Dad that he was not to use the emergency whistle in the house, and going as far as having to forbid him from even opening the whistle before he got to his car, I knew that there would be no stopping the man. After a few controlled blasts in the house, it was getting late, and he had to go get home.

From the middle of the apartment, with all the doors and windows closed, I chuckled and shook my head, as I could hear him blowing the whistle full blast out of his car window as he was driving away.

Happy birthday, Dad.

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