Katie Thompson

A 4 year old hand shake . . .

3/7/2012

Strange title for a blog . . . yes well I thought that way you might actually read it! :)

4 years ago on my 21st birthday my father gave a speech. For those who were there it was very memorable for what was said (many things were said) but one topic that was a rather big joke at the time was me not having my full drivers license. I have been given grief for this for about 10 years now. So as the night went on more and more drinks were consumed and dad was still going on about my license so I said "if you stop smoking I will get my full license." I thought I was safe as he's been smoking for a good 35 years of his life and he thought he was safe because quite frankly I don't care what anyone else said. In fact the more everyone wanted me to do it the less inclined I felt to follow through (I believe that's kind of how Dad feels about the smoking too).

However I am now 25 and I thought I should "man up" because quite frankly it's about time and also I'd like my father around for as long as possible. He is an amazingly strong man and I have always had a lot of time for what he has to say - I usually don't make any major decisions without his opinion first. I had a friend lose her father not so long ago and our dad's are/were around the same age. I see what she is missing out on by him not being here and it makes you think just how precious life really is.

One day I will have children and it would be a crying shame if they only got to hear about the man that has been such a major influence in my life. Or if he lives long enough to see grandchildren I don't want their only memories to be of a smoky smelly old man that couldn't breathe properly because he wasn't strong-minded enough to look after himself. His health is fine at the moment but I don't want cancer to be what makes him finally give up.

I had considered starting a facebook support group for him but I thought I might get strangled for that so I wanted to put this little blog up so that if people feel like leaving words of encouragement or advice for him they could.

Dad if you read this - I love you, I'm sorry for the blog but I figure if I try EVERYTHING possible - you might actually help yourself! It isn't my intention to shame you into doing it I just want you to know that you are worth it. It won't be easy but anything worth doing rarely is.

I done my part of the deal - your turn!

Katie x

4 Comments

Wolfman link

3/7/2012 11:48:45 am

Katie...what you wrote...in no way, can ever be construed as "embarrassing" towards your father. Instead, this is something much bigger. The love you have for your father is immeasurable. I am deeply touched by this blog post...quitting smoking is a very difficult thing to do; but what you've written here just might be the catalyst to that end. I'm sure your father must be proud of you and hopefully after reading your heart-felt plea...he'll understand just how important he is in your life. I am sending you both good vibes for your wish to come true.

Sherri Jones

3/7/2012 02:48:27 pm

Katie ... the title of the blog could also be ... A 4 yr. old pat on the back... that's what you and your dad both deserve. I lost my dad nearly 20 yrs. ago and the sad thing about it is, I was also a smoker. I remember daddy buying me cartons of cigs too when I was a teenager. (Oh, the things you look back on in amazement) The point being here ... My kids knew their PePaw so very briefly. That has such bittersweet meaning, now that I'm am going to be a grandma very soon. I quit smoking 8 years ago and just keep praying it was soon enough. What a loving child you are and what a fortunate man your father is... God bless. Sherri

Barry DeCarli link

3/7/2012 08:18:11 pm

Katie, Your appeal is calm and moving. You have done your father a great honor just by posting this blog. My father died in 1982 of a stroke when he was 66 years old after a lifetime of smoking. I still miss him today. It seems I was always busy with something or too far away to ever really get to know him deep down inside. Hopefully, your Dad will feel honored by your challenge to do this very difficult thing.

Mel Hopkinson link

3/11/2012 11:34:32 am

After smoking for 50 odd years my mother has given up smoking for 6 months now. I never thought she would do it and I am so proud of her. It is so nice to go to my parents home now with my young daughters and not be put off by the smell of smoke. In previous years I was reluctant to stay at their house as I always felt grotty afterwards. I didn't want my kids to be exposed to that. My Mum took Champix in the end, after trying patches, gum etc. I know it isn't suited for everybody but maybe if you Dad is willing to try and give up smoking he could ask about it?

Your music is beautiful Katie, I saw you at Art in the Park. I didnt get to sit down and absorb your music as I would have liked to, as I was chasing around toddlers, but it was lovely chasing background music! All the best.

A 4 year old hand shake . . .

Leave a Reply.