8. My Dad

Today is the birthday of the incomparable Bill Huckabee. Also known as my dad. He died 5 years ago, but his memory lives on.

Here are some things I remember about my dad:

• He had a huge laugh that would ricochet off the walls and fill the room

• He was an Eagle Scout

• Every year at our birthday parties Dad did a magic show

• Our favorite outing was to go to the dump with dad

• He liked to canoe and hike

• When you asked him how he was doing he would say “This is my best day ever”

• He told us bedtime stories about Frank and Fred

• Every Sunday night was his night to cook dinner, so every Sunday night we had the one dish he knew how to cook: Spanish Rice!

• He wore that darned red Speedo well past its fashion date

• He played the guitar and would lead campfire songs

• Once he hit 50 he wore the same outfit pretty much every day! Tan pants and a blue dress shirt

• He was always looking for the Secret to the Universe

• His answer to any question was always “Yes! Let’s figure it out”

I try to carry his creative, supportive, vibrant energy into the world