Of all the things my dad used to say to me repeatedly- you are grounded (again), you look beautiful, if you keep eating like that you will get as big as a house, not good enough, you are really grounded this time, not bloody good enough, watch out for the ‘hounds’ (boys), I trust you, Nance, I just don’t trust even one single male, remember and be aware of Rob Tooth types, I am going to have to ground you, you are sweet on him aren’t you, you are as crazy as a marsh hen, you are really truly grounded now until further notice, no you cannot borrow my (pale blue Firebird) car, you are grounded until you are 30,
by far my very favourite was
“you’ve got the devil in you”
he would say it with such a twinkle in his eye – and I felt so adored, so admired for all the devil I had and all the devil I always shared with him. I felt part of his clan. I felt that he was this great and big example in my life that no matter your age, no matter your stage, you should always, no matter what, have fun and not take yourself too seriously.
Now I feel, as this and everything else is gone from him, the need to especially keep this devil alive.