So my dad passed away back in 2014

 

Today would have been my dad's 77th birthday, I know he would have been moaning about it saying it was just another day, nothing special and to not worry about doing or planning anything for him, I can picture the routine as clear as day...

I would arrive at his block of flats, buzz him and he would respond with "hello, oh it's you, not today thanks, I don't want double glazing", on my way to the lift I would smirk to myself thinking how pleased he was with making the exact same joke each and every time. I'd climb into the tiny lift clutching his presents which generally consisted of a hamlet cigar, a Bill Bryson book, a couple of cds of bands or singers he liked an "amusing/insulting card" and a couple of handmade cards from the kids. 

Once I had reached his door, he would be waiting for me and greet me with another joke of "you never listen or do as you're told" Then laugh to himself proudly as I rolled my eyes and followed him inside. 

He would open the presents and cards, say thank you, ask if I wanted a drink or a penguin bar then we would have gone for a drink and he would smoke his cigar on the way.

We would sit and chat for a few hours about anything and everything, laughing a lot, taking the mickey out of each other and putting the world to rights.

We would then leave and go back to his flat and he would put one of the cds on and make sure I was "listening to the lyrics" as he nodded, pointed and repeated certain lyrics.

We would then continue to laugh, talk nonsense, make fun of each other and sometimes moan about something or other, then I'd leave after he had showed me for the 100th time where the lift was.

It probably sounds like an uneventful, predictable and mundane day to most people, (and it probably was), but I loved these days, I loved that familiar routine and all those times spent in his company and I would give anything to go back and experience it one more time. 

I met him when I was 18, then lost 3-4 years with him as I was told he had died, (turns out he hadn't obviously), found him again and then he actually passed away in 2014 and so I didn't have very long with him at all but I dearly miss him and his grumpy, funny and nonsensical ways. 

I asked on a local group here on Facebook about any stories or memories folks had about my day and was touched by how many people flooded onto the post saying how nice a man and legendary he was, people sent me photos and even phone calls all praising him. He was definitely a hellraiser but with a heart of gold. 

He would hate to read this tribute as he hated any big fuss being made about him, (especially on his birthday), but then again - I "never listen or do as I'm told"...