I grew up with a Silly Dad. In fact, at 72, he is not only still a Silly Dad, he is also a Silly Grandpa, and my kids just LOVE that about him. When my eldest was just learning to distinguish between his grandparents, he would say he had “the Grandpa with the silly ‘smoosestache’,” ( my husband’s Dad) and “the Grandpa that says ‘Holy Kamoly”.” (Obviously, my Dad.)

I’m sure all Silly Dads have their own unique characteristics, but my Dad does it the best. (In my humble opinion.) The qualities that I think top the charts are the combination of never taking anything too seriously, and the constant creation and use of his own personal words and phrases. If anyone dared to ask the question, “Where are we going,” the invariable answer was, “Crazy, man! Crazy!” When we were finally all ready to head out somewhere (to the movies, church, etc.) we were always “off like a heard of turtles going to school.” Cans were always made of “aluminuminuminum”, and anything remotely impressive deserved the exclamation “Holy Kamoly!” One of his favorite things to call us kids while growing up, and now his Grandkids too, is “skeezicks”. If you’ve never heard this word, it is an affectionate term somewhere between stinker and sweetie. The silliness didn’t stop at home, either. Everyone we would meet was a potential friend or someone to joke around with. His standard greeting to people is still, “How’s every little thing? (pause) Going?” He has always been ready with a warm smile for everyone, and a big hug or a gentle cheek pinch for loved ones. Positivity and a sunny disposition seem to go hand-in-hand with all the silliness. Does this mean that we could get away with just about anything while growing up? Heck NO! We always knew exactly what the rules were and where the boundaries were set, and Dad was quick to call us on the carpet for any infractions. However, he was also always quick to let it go as soon as the appropriate discipline was dispensed. There were no hard feelings (on his part, hehe) and no continued reminders that I had messed up.

There are probably about a bajillion (Dad word) more silly words and behavioral examples I could use, but I think I’ve painted enough of a picture to make it clear. So what is it about all this silliness that makes for the best Dads? I think in the end, it comes down to the amazing positive atmosphere that is cultivated around a continuously silly person. It’s really hard to develop a negative attitude when you are constantly bombarded with jokes, laughs, love, and outright absurdity. Don’t get me wrong, if someone tries hard enough, they can be negative, even with a Silly Dad, but who would want to? My Silly Dad set the example to never take myself, or life, too seriously; to never forget that you can find fun and laughter all around you, if you just stop to look; and to treat everyone you meet with a big smile, a kind word, and a positive attitude that will brighten their day, and make for the potential of a future friend. I am not claiming that I come anywhere close to living up to this example, but I am immensely grateful that I was able to grow up surrounded by silliness. I am also thankful that my children are able to get infusions of that silliness whenever there is a Skype call or an in person visit with the Grandparents. Thank you, Dad, for being such a Silly Dad! I realize now, as an adult, what a great gift you gave me every day as I was growing up. That is why Silly Dads are the Best!

I love you, Daddy! Happy Father’s Day! (Mom, I’ll get around to you on Mother’s Day, or maybe on your birthday, so don’t feel left out.)