Yesterday I was at a swimming gala.
looking after 42 young swimmers,
when a wonderful memory of my dad just rose to the surface.
I was an undersized 9 year old,
swimming in my first gala.
I had been entered to swim in the 100 metres butterfly.
I can clearly remember the fear I felt.
For those who do not know,
butterfly is physically a very challenging stroke.
Being young, undersized and in my first meet it was a lot to ask.
Too much as far as I was concerned!
We lined up.
I was distraught.
No way out.
The whistle blew and I put on my goggles.
I can remember them misting up quickly because I was crying.
“Take your marks”
As I “took my marks” I felt a tap on my shoulder.
I looked around and my dad was there.
He said, “Do you not want to swim?”.
I sobbed, “No”.
He held out his arms and I jumped in.
I can remember him carrying me away.
It was the most wonderful feeling.
Away from that pool.
Away from that awful experience.
I kept my head buried so I did not have to look at anyone.
It was just me and my dad!
I have never, ever forgotten that moment.
My dad died in his early fifties.
Leaving us all way too soon.
He never got to see me married,
or to see my children.
He did however leave me many wonderful memories.
So to other dads I would say,
You don’t have to be the greatest sports man,
Or the best at DIY.
You do not have to be a macho man,
nor must you buy your children all they ask for.
To be a real dad,
you just need to be there when you are needed,
and show your children they are loved.
Just as my dad did,
and I will never forget him for it.
Other posts on my Dad.
More than words can say.
Miracle or coincidence?
Fathers Day, a day to forget
My thoughts on a page. 
I love this! I have similar memories of my dad being my knight in shining armour. They say a dad is a girl’s first love – stories like this make you realise why 🙂
I loved writing it too! Miss him every day still. thanks for commenting.
An absolutely beautiful tribute to your Dad. And, wise advice from his son! Great Job!
Thanks just a minor clarification.. I’m his daughter. My kids did say my gravatar was brutal!
Mea Culpa..I know better too! Just watched Nascar and have gone blind watching cars go round and round. I have no idea what I’m writing. But, there is nothing wrong with your gravatar!
Ha ha I enjoyed the mistake.!
Simple yet beautiful post 🙂
thank you.
Wonderful tribute to your dad – and beautifully written, too !
thanks a mil. He was great.
Lovely post, tric, though I’d have kicked you in the ass right into that pool were I your dad. You’d have been disqualified I assume, but the fun we’d have laughing about it years later at a pub would be worth it.
Ye? Funny reading your posts I think if your little lady was in the same situation I have a feeling you might just wade in there and “rescue” her! Just like a real Dad.
What a tribute to an amazing dad, love this posy tric x
Thanks a million. Lovely to see this very old post getting a view. My Dad may have checked out early but he was amazing while we had him. Miss him still every day really. He is still my measure of a man.
It’s difficult to find educated people in this particular subject,
however, you seem like you know what you’re talking about!
Thanks