(me and my dad, 1971)
When I was a little girl, I thought everyone went canoeing and cooked their dinner over a campfire at least once a week, because that's what my family did.
I thought everyone spent the whole summer - all three months - together, camping, fishing, canoeing, sitting around the campfire, telling stories, and laughing, because that's what my family did.
When I was older, I thought everyone had great debates about politics and religion and the meaning of life and the legalization of drugs over fettucine and red wine, because that's what my family did.
Of course, I know now that everyone's family is different, and my family was shaped most forcefully by my Dad, Eric Richard Larson.
My dad was probably a rebel in his youth, probably not much good at following rules. As a father, his spirit and intellectual curiousity encouraged me to grow, to keep an open mind, to learn all that I could about, well, everything.
I love him more than words can ever express.
It's been two years since I've seen my dad. He lives in Montana, with my stepmom, Trish, in a log cabin in a dusty little town near a good trout stream. He hasn't been out to PA since just after Ella was born.
And today is his birthday. And next Friday night, I'm going to see him in Seattle.
I'm flying to Seattle this week to vendor at the CK Convention there.
My brother, Keith, lives in Portland, OR, so he and his girlfriend, Sarah (another Sarah Larson, perhaps????) are taking the train up. And my Dad is driving over from Montana. And my mom, who will be out visiting my aunt who lives in WA, will be coming into the city.
Team Larson, reunited for the first time since my wedding in 2004. It's almost more than I can stand. My eyes are welling up just thinking about it.
So here's to you dad (I don't think he reads my blog - I think he keeps forgetting I have it. I don't blame him, given my updating track record!). Happy Birthday! I can't wait to see you.
In 1999, at our favorite campground in Yellowstone, with my brother and me:
In 2006, when Declan and I went home to Ill. for a visit:
Happy Birthday, Sarah's dad!
How sweet that you get to see everyone again this weekend!!!
(Oh, and your dad's birthday is exactly one week after my dad's birthday!)
Posted by: Marlene | November 10, 2008 at 10:18 PM
Hope you have a great trip! Enjoy every minute. Family is special, so matter how far away they might be!
Posted by: Donna B | November 11, 2008 at 05:59 AM