As I was writing this post I was going to go in a completely different direction and then something changed.   I burped.   Yep, that’s right I burped.   Now readers out there are wondering how in the hell can you be influenced in writing about one of nature’s gaseous effects?

The reason is very simple.   Every time I used to burp around my Dad he would say the exact same thing: “Bring it up and will vote on it.”   I laughed hysterically every single time he said it, and to this day I still have no idea what he was talking about.   Sometimes I would have tears in my eyes I was laughing so hard and most of the time he was so annoyed I would get in trouble, but I didn’t care.   The laugh was worth it, trust me.   Don’t let me confuse you.   He was trying to teach me the right way to do things growing up like so many parents do.   So he, predictably, was not laughing.   But gosh darn it, if I didn’t get a good abdominal workout when he said that.

I have to confess sometimes I would burp around him purposely just because I wanted to get the good laugh after.   There are those things in life you have absolutely no answer to why their funny, but they are really funny and the best part about it is the joke never gets old. This is one of those Hallmark moments.

I miss that about my Dad.   He didn’t crack many jokes, and if he was here today he would definitely not make any claims to being a comedian.   But just like everybody in life, you have your funny moments.   I truly appreciated that funny moment even though I know he wasn’t intentionally trying to be funny.   I haven’t heard it in three and a half years and I probably won’t hear it again ever.   But the annoying tone in which he said it provided many good memories for me.   It is important for everyone to focus on those belly-busting laughing moments that you recall with your Dad or loved one.   Sometimes it is what gets you through a particularly rough day.

I am sure that many of you out there have your funny stories about your Dad or loved one.   Please share them here on the Open to Hope website or visit my Facebook fan page I Miss My Dad…

Always a friend to listen,

Eric Tomei-author I Miss My Dad…