Happy Birthday, Daddy

Jackie Smith 38 Marcella St Roxbury MA meets Henry Cabot Lodge, Jr Photo by Joe Runci (My Dad's Brother)
Dorchester Citizen Thursday, October 30, 1952
Tristan and Daddy Art Unraveled Phoenix, AZ Summer 2004
Tristan and Daddy Colorado Summer 2011
Erin's Wedding 2006 with Uncle Warren Quinlan, Uncle Oogs John Massa, Erin, Tristan, Daddy and Me Quincy, MA
Daddy and Jack Christmas 2010
Daddy and Jack 2012
Daddy Growing Up in 40's-60's Marcella St. Roxbury, MA
Dudley Street Baptist Church Basketball Team early 1960's Roxbury, MA Dad is on the bottom row, right
Daddy, Erin and me (Grandpa John Runci in the background) at Aunt Sis and Uncle Frank's in Foxboro
Daddy, Erin and me at The House of the Seven Gables in Salem, MA
Daddy and Emily Quinlan, his GodDaughter, at My Parents' 25th Anniversary in Dorchester
Cousin Charlie McLean, Uncle Joe Runci, Cousin George McLean and my Dad on 60 Franklin St in Braintree, MA Christmas 2000
Erin, Daddy and Me 19 Colonial Rd Weymouth, MA Late 70's
Daddy and Mom 25th Anniversary '98
Daddy, Tristan, Me and Joe Cotter in the background 25th Anniversary McKeon Dorchester, MA
Ferry Ride with Mom, Daddy and me (Erin took the picture) from Bristol, CT to Jackson, NY early 90's
A life very well lived but oh how very much we miss him. 

My Dad would have been 68 today. Not a day goes by where we don't think of him or I don't think the phone is going to be him asking me, "What are you doing?" (his way of checking in to see how I was.) Everyone has a favorite Dad story. Like the time he was pulled over by a cop and he was on his way to a Halloween party dressed as a ballerina. Or the infamous penguin escape at the New England Aquarium. Or the party that he had for Otis Redding in Okinawa when he found out that Otis had died. Or how he never wanted to smell or eat hard boiled eggs again after his own Dad had died. Or his stories involving Uncle Ken and Bathtub Gin. Or the double rainbow at my parents' wedding. My regret is that I didn't write them down and that I didn't ask him more.

I miss his laugh, his quick wit, his stories, advice and knowing that he was always there for me whenever I needed him. 

Happy birthday, Daddy. We're all thinking of you today (and every day.) We love and miss you so much. 

Comments

ellen said…
This is wonderful, Kelly. So much love...
Tricia said…
What a beautiful photo collage of your dad and your time shared together.I know this is only a fraction of the time you all shared together. I wish he could see how radiant your face becomes when you speak of him.He sounds like the dad every girl deserves. He will forever be in your heart. I am holding your hand from over here.
XO
Sandy said…
Such a beautiful tribute. I see you in your Dads pictures. You look so much like him. I know you miss him terribly. Thinking about you today. Sending great big hugs.
trish quilty said…
thank you for sharing your Dad and his love with us all. Such a tribute. Write down what you know of those fabulous stories...ask others what they remember. It will be well worth it.
Remember, he will always be with you.
Hugs....
He certainly radiates love for his family, Kelly. Thinking of you and sending a big hug. Your photos are wonderful, thank you for sharing them!
Unknown said…
What a beautiful post...
Debbie said…
What a lovely birthday tribute to your Dad. Thanks for sharing a bit of him with us. Hugs to you & your family.
xo
Debbie
===^..^===
laurie said…
you have so many wonderfully interesting and fun stories about your dad - it is easy to see he was someone special.
Anonymous said…
Kelly, a really lovely post about your Dad. He looks very Irish in some of them, but not only that, just a nice person that would have been nice to meet. Much Love to You
Karenxx

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