My Dad knew how to have fun.
He loved life, and he loved all of life’s pleasures. He laughed a lot, he ate well, he loved my Mother a whole lot.
And he loved a good glass of single malt Scotch.
I remember my Dad buying me a Scotch as a cousin’s wedding. I remember us sampling his array of fabulous imported Scotch gifts late, late one Christmas eve.
I remember the day that the oncologist told my Dad that his days were limited, that there were no more treatments to try. The doctor asked him, “What will you do now?” and Dad laughed, while the rest of us cried.
“Well,” he said, “First of all, I’ll have a shot of Laphroig.”
My Dad knew how to celebrate within reason. His motto was “All things in moderation.” Sometimes he would add, with a twinkle in his eye, “Including moderation.”
Today would have been his 86th birthday. If I had my wish, I’d be sharing a glass of good Scotch with him tonight, looking back on a life well spent.
Instead, Paul and I shared a glass in his honor.
We miss you Dad. We know you would want us to be laughing at happy memories of our lives with you. We know you would want us to grieve in moderation.
We’ll try.
Salute! A la famiglia.
Empty Nest, Full Life 
Sounds like a perfect way to honor a wonderful man.
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Beautiful tribute. But ice in the good stuff?
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Well, it’s not really good stuff. Not like Dad would like! I haven not tasted Scotch in four years. Sad to say, we even put in soda. Sorry, Dad!
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My husband would be shocked. Me, I hate the taste except in a hot toddy!
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Cheers to you and his memory 🙂
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Thank you! He was one in a million…..
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Sounds like a wonderful man.
And an excellent way to remember and honor him.
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It was such a sensory memory. I hope I didn’t make Dad sound like a lush! He was anything but. Just a joyful soul.
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Happy Birthday to your dad. I know nothing about anything malt (except of course, you know, malt as in chocolate). However, as a semi-retired teacher, I have come to really enjoy cooking shows, and well, I highly recommend lying in bed watching people cook . . . .
I think you need to cook and bake and watch The Chew.. . .
And write a really good book.
❤
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“The Chew”? Seriously? That is the BEST name ever! Its funny, I am working hard to cut back on my cooking and baking because since the kids have left, I keep gaining weight. I can’t get used to cooking for two!
And I’d love to write that book some day…..
So how does Scotch fit in with this?
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A lovely tribute to him. You were very lucky to have such a great dad.
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Amen. We were. Thank you!
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He and my dad must be watching the Red Sox in heaven. My dad was a Maker’s Mark kind of guy.
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Oh, what a great image!! I hope they are up there, laughing together and watching the Sox kick Yankee butt……
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My dad had an enormous repertoire of jokes and was very good company. He wanted to be a stand-up comedian/comedy writer. I hope your dad likes puns!
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What a lovely homage to your father. Slainte.
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Thank you!
My daughter, who studies in Galway, always cheers with Slainte!
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Cheers to you and all the Merullos – I’m sure you made him smile last night. Xo
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I hope so!
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You have such a lovely family, Momshieb–living and on the other side of the veil. You are to be greatly envied. This was so lovely, and I am vaklempt.
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What a beautiful tribute. You were lucky to be raised by someone who inspired those words. God bless xoxo
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Thank you! He was amazing…..and we miss him.
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