There are many things I associate with my dad: coconut, unsweet iced tea, blue choir robes, snow coming down in March and car washes.
I don't necessarily remember this, but apparently when I was very small I used to be afraid of going through the car wash. Perhaps it was the noise or the impossibly large brushes that descended upon the car like a monster's claws -- whatever the reason I was terrified. I would cry and squirm in my little car seat. I've been told that sometimes one of my parents would get out of the car with me while the other one went through the car wash alone.
Eventually, my dad made up a song that helped make it easier for me to handle. This is what I remember:
Swish swish
(His hands would move along with the words, a pair of pointer fingers turned windshield wiper blades.)
Swash Swash
(Now his hands would go the other direction.)
Now we're at the car wash
(Clapping hands.)
Car wash! Car Wash! CAR WASH! YEAH!
(And now jazz hands, with each cheer bringing his arms higher or wider until the end).
Actually, calling that a song seems a bit generous -- but it still helped and it's stuck with me all these years. If there's more to the song, I don't remember it now. But that little ditty and apparently the classic "Great Balls of Fire" were enough to calm me down when I was upset at the thought of the car wash. I guess music really does soothe the soul...
I love this! I love how your dad took the time to make a song up (with hand motions) to calm you and all your associations seem very happy and loving. So glad for the memories.
ReplyDeleteLove this.
ReplyDeleteLove the association list lead. Love the car wash scene. One of our daughters is also scared of the car wash and we basically just laugh- so that goes to show you how very sweet this was of your father.
I’m nostalgic by nature and really appreciate tributes. TY for sharing these heart-warming memories.
Your slice shows what a loving, creative, problem-solveing, fun dad you have! Thanks for sharing this ditty. Happy Birthday to your dad!
ReplyDeleteHe was amused that so many people were wishing him Happy Birthday. I don't always see eye to eye with my dad, but it's things like this that remind me that he's a good person and loves me a lot.
DeleteIsn't it fun to consider the memories that stick with us! Sounds like he knew the way to your heart early on. Happy birthday to him.
ReplyDeleteI love this memory. Dad daughter relationships can be so important. You have captured just one part of that here. I want to know more about blue choir robes.
ReplyDeleteI didn’t meant to put it twice — so I went back to remove one mention of it. Maybe I will slice about the robes on another day! Thanks for the suggestion:)
DeleteYour writing is a pleasure to read. It just flows. I love the memory of your dad at the car wash. My dad was also one to make up songs to fit the moment. I hope his birthday cookies hit the spot!
ReplyDeleteI might get my baking from my mom, but my dad is the one that I got my skill with song and some of my love for history/story telling from. He did indeed enjoy the cookies :)
DeleteYour Slice brings back memories of going through the carwash with my daughter, as well as the times we sang along to kid's songs and the radio (not so kidsy). Music does sooth the soul.
ReplyDeleteHe did, in fact, enjoy the cookies.
ReplyDelete