Now it’s Daddy’s turn under the blog microscope. I’ve written so much about matrilineage and mothers and daughters … he hasn’t gotten enough airtime. I don’t have the same arsenal of quotes so I’m forced to rely on my own words and thoughts. That’s Poppy at Thanksgiving 2002 with a baby Grace. And he still looks the same. My father, in whose image I chose a husband!
Seriously: my Dad is one of four boys, and was raised in a very competitive, male-oriented family. It was all about intellectual rigor and proving yourself. He and his twin both have PhDs (Dad’s from MIT, no less), as did my grandfather (who designed aircraft for Grumman, including the famous Apollo). And yet somehow Dad adapted seamlessly to being the father of two girls. There was never, for a single second, any doubt we could do and be whatever we wanted. We were encouraged, coached, and loved unconditionally. Conversations with my Dad, while much rarer than I wish, are still one of my favorite ways to spend my time. He’s coming over for some wine and dinner tonight, and I can’t wait. His intellect is so broad that he ranges comfortably from historical commentary to discussion of the current state of the world to offering very insightful advice into particular life questions. I love you, Daddy!