Published: June 22, 2009 10:41 am      

Out of the mouths of babes

Bobbie Poynter

Dear Dad,

I know I'm not much of a writer. Never have been. Never will be. But since it's Dad's Day, and we can't afford a card, I thought I'd give it a try.

We're supposed to say thanks to you for all the wonderful things you do for us all year. I've been too busy to remember all the things I should say thank you for, so you'll have to make due with those that I can remember. After all, it's the thought that counts, right?

I know what a pain it is getting us all decked out in our ball clothes and hauling us off to the ball field, but it really paid off the other day when I finally made it all the way to second base. I looked over and there you were on your feet screaming like a little girl. Boy, were the other kids jealous. A lot of them get hauled to the game in a big van with a bunch of other kids, so their parents aren't usually there to scream for them.

Before I forget, thanks for yellin' your support for the rest of the team too. The other kids don't feel quite so left out when someone else's dad yells for them too.

So we lost, no big deal, at least you didn't make a big deal of it. And the ice cream sundaes after the game more than made up for it.

You know, you're actually becoming a pretty good cook. The spaghetti the other night was really good. It didn't have all the spices Mom puts in hers, but I liked it. The other kids must have thought so too, since we all had seconds. But, being the smart kids that we are, we'll be sure to tell mom that hers is the best.

We just love the new house. Mom says it's too expensive, but it sure beats the heck out of Nanna's cramped townhouse. Our big bedroom is so beautiful, and what kid wouldn't give his right arm for a separate kid's playroom like we got now.

Don't tell Mom, but the new babysitter is really nice. Mom says she costs too much, but hey, we're worth it, don't you think? By the way, how much do you pay her? I've never seen you ever give her any money. Guess it's none of my business, though. I guess it's one of those adult things.

All in all, I gotta figure we're pretty lucky kids to have a dad like you. After all, how many kids' dads would take them shopping, buy everything you need, and then go home and make a bunch of different colors of homemade Play Doh for school. By the way, sorry for the short notice. We were so busy checking out our new house this weekend that I almost forgot about it.

Oh, and I almost forgot, thanks so much for the Game Boy for my birthday. It's really a lot of fun. But, if you don't mind - and I really don't mean to sound greedy - the next time, could you buy me a Wii? It'd be so much more fun if we had something we could all play together, including you.

I know you have to work a lot, and you're really tired with you come home, but I promise if I start seeing you yawning, I'll call it quits and let you go to bed. I'll even keep the rest of the kids quiet for you.

Did I tell you, the best part of our new house is having you right across the hall from us, so that if we get scared during a bad storm, we can run across the hall and jump in your bed? That really is very important.

I know I left a bunch of stuff out, Dad, but like the saying goes, it's the thought that counts. And I have a lot of good thoughts about you every day.

Well, it's almost time to go home. I need to hide this letter under your pillow before Mom gets here and catches me writing it. I'll see you again next weekend. Until then, remember I love you, and think about you, and worry about you every day. Lots of hugs and kisses!

Happy Father's Day

Your loving daughter