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My dad was not like the cool, busy dads in the TV commercials who run from one important meeting to the next and drive shiny cars wearing tailored suits. He didn't pay for my wedding or college education. He didn't make enough money to give me dance classes, piano lessons or a canopy bed. I wasn't his princess; I was the third of his six princesses - and, to this day, I don't know who he loved most or even liked best.

My brother, the seventh child and only prince in our family, just came over to swim with his little girl, Sophie. I sat on the deck as they floated around in the pool doing the dad-and-daughter thing. I don't know about raising little girls, but I do know about being a girl who was raised by a loving dad.

I chatted with my brother for a while, but then it was Sophie's turn to have her dad's attention: "Dad, go under water and see if you can hear me crack my toe."

Sophie grabbed her foot and balanced. "Okay, Dad; I'm ready." My brother went underwater to listen intently as Sophie cracked her big toe. When he came up, he confidently reported, "Yes. I heard it."

Pleased with herself, Sophie continued, "Let's try the other foot." They did and he confirmed that he had, in fact, heard the crack again.

I have many similar memories of my own dad. Like my brother, he listened when I spoke to him. He was never too busy to fix something or give me a ride. He took the time to teach me how to drive, swim in the ocean and use his garage-sale tools. He bragged about whatever I did, regardless of how well I did it.

Best of all, my dad loved my mom through the good and the bad - and, believe me, with seven kids, there was plenty of both.

Recently, my dad underwent two surgeries which required three weeks in the hospital. He was visited and cared for around the clock by his children and grandchildren, who simply love and admire him for who he is.

Sitting in the hospital waiting room, my sister Emily (the sixth princess) and I laughed about how predictable our dad is and how, at 81, he continues to live the principles he raised us by. They are the ones that require time to impart: honesty, patience, faithfulness, love and forgiveness.

Next time I can't sleep, I hope to find a late-night infomercial that shares these secrets. I'll get out my credit card and call the number right away.

(Bernadette Bonanno lives in Albany and attends St. Mary's parish there.)

(06/17/10) [[In-content Ad]]

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