Father of mine.

I guess like a lot of kids, I didn't really appreciate my dad when I was a kid. He worked very hard and I basically didn't see him until I was already in bed on weeknights and Saturdays. Sunday - his only day off - he was tired and my memory tells me that I didn't get to spend much time with him.

But I know that wasn't the case. I remember when he used to come to kiss me goodnight he did something that would be regarded as very un-PC these days. He'd have his cigarette with him and he'd move it in circles in my darkened room making lots of pretty patterns.

I remember he was a comedian. He always made everyone laugh. He reminded me a lot of a guy called Eric Morecombe - probably the funniest comedian of his generation.

I remember when we went for day trips down to the southern British coast - we couldn't afford a real vacation, but those day trips were special. I remember when he took me to work with him sometimes. I remember when we went out and bought lunch and ate it together in his office. The choice was a "mini" or a "maxi" - basically a 6" or 12" sub" - on french bread. They were very special moments for me.

He taught me how to love - by loving my mum till the very moment she died. He did things that looking back, no ordinary dad would have done for her. He was devoted.

He taught me what work meant. He worked incredibly hard and never complained about it. He taught me to be self-reliant - the birthplace of my hatred for all things "welfare". And he taught me to be a great parent. Always believing in me and my abilities and making sure everyone knew how proud he was of me.

I only hope that when my kids look back they will think similar things of me that I do of my dad.

In later life he married again and it was good to see him find some new happiness before he passed. My mum would have been extremely pleased with his choice.

So there you have it. To those of you with mums and dads, cherish every moment. You never know how long you have and you won't know what you had until it's gone.

Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there. Have a great day.

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(Copyright © 2008 By Simon L Conway All Rights Reserved.)

Please give me a call if you have questions about the Central Florida real estate market. You can reach me on 407 876 8200. Also visit my web site at www.simonconway.net or www.move2orlando.net

Tune in to Simon on The Home Team Radio Show at am1520 WHIM. The show airs in Central Florida at 3pm Eastern and is also available worldwide at www.1520whim.com