Unicorns in the Deep (A Crazy Annie Odyssey…)

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Of Dogs and Dads…

I learned a lot from my Daddy.

He taught me to ride a bicycle.

He taught me to fish, to camp, and to follow the established trails.

He taught me to do unto others as I would have them do unto me.

He taught me to be like a dog: loyal, hard-working, and obedient.

He taught me that you have to work hard for everything, and that if you’re not working hard, you don’t deserve anything.

He taught me that man must sacrifice for his family; therefore, family members must sacrifice for man.

He taught me that “taking in strays” and “wearing my heart on my sleeve” were not good traits to have.

He taught me that men are always more important than women.

He taught me that we have to lie in the beds of our own making.

He taught me that it is our choices which lead us to the lives we have– good, bad, or indifferent.

He taught me that God is an angry, judgmental, vengeful old man in the sky, and that duty is more important than love.

He taught me that life goes on, regardless of the mistakes we make.

But the most important lesson I learned from my Daddy is that

no matter how good our intentions

we are damaged souls

raised by damaged souls

doing the best we can

with the hand we’re dealt

and that the only gift

worth passing down to our children

and our children’s children

is that we love them

unconditionally.

I miss you, Daddy.

I hope they have golf courses in Heaven.

The Truth is Out There… (and so is Crazy Annie…)