I wrote this one year ago on Father’s Day – it made me happy, and it reminds me of how much I miss my Dad. I post this again for myself, in honor of my Dad.

Today is  Father’s Day and I think about my Dad and miss the good ol’ days when he was a few miles or a phone call away.  I was blessed with a Mom who to this day was the greatest woman I ever knew, and a Dad who exemplified human love and compassion, and a pure love of life better than anyone I know.

Today is a day when I remember the countless weekends spent at Northridge Junior High where my Dad would open up the gym and let my brothers, sister and me play on the trampoline, rings, and other gymnastics equipment. My dad worked as a teacher of Physical Education and Math for more than 40 years. He was an amazing athlete, as well as an amazing teacher.

I remember countless afternoons in our front yard when every neighborhood kid came over to learn to walk on their hands, do cartwheels, summersaults, flips, and so much more. Our backyard had a commercial grade swing set, Jungle-Jim, slide, and dough-boy pool. It was a kid’s paradise for those of us who loved to play outdoors. My Dad loved playing with us, and he loved teaching the neighborhood kids basic gymnastics. My Mom loved to tell the story about a few of the neighborhood kids who knocked at our door, and asked if Mr. Carrico could come out and play. He was the biggest kid on the block, and the most popular!

My Mom passed away four years prior to my Dad, and I had the privilege of getting to know my Dad better than anyone as he grew from 82 to 86 years of age. He was a World  War II hero, fighting in the Battle of the Bulge, getting shot, missing in action, and having his life saved by a very good German surgeon. He never bragged about his life in the Army, but he did earn a Purple Heart and a Bronze Star. I am very proud to be his daughter.

Thirty days before my Dad died he was with “the guys” at the senior center, dancing on Friday night, with a line of ladies 4 times that of the men just waiting their turn. He was as good a dancer as Fred Astaire, and at 86 he was still moving faster than anyone on the floor.

My Father spent his last 5 days in my living room in a hospital bed, and as difficult as it was knowing he was going to die, I felt pure joy at the fact that it would be with me, that I would be there to hold his hand, and tell him not to be afraid. He had always been there for me, and it was an honor to be there for him. I miss him, I love him, and I believe he is reunited with my Mom, and both are with God. Happy Father’s Day Dad!

A lot of work goes into putting on the Star Spangled Sparks Event hosted annually by the Sparks Chamber of Commerce. It’s one of those events that attracts everyone because there are activities geared for, well, everyone. Many thanks to the chamber staff and committee for hours of preparation and planning, and working on a holiday that begins at 5:30 AM to make it all happen. And to each sponsor, you make a difference in our community – thank you!

Model Dairy annually sponsors Star Spangled Sparks

People like to get out on this national holiday that honors our country and our freedom.  It’s a time when red, white and blue are proudly worn and waved. It’s about good times, good food, and good entertainment. What makes this event more special than most is the local talent who compete for first place in the Sparks Got Talent contest.  I didn’t have time to stay for the entire contest, but what I saw was most inspiring and entertaining.

Great music from local talent

It takes a special leap to put yourself onto a stage in front of hundreds of people. This year’s contestants were a beautiful sampling of our community with people of all ages and talents.

this young Cowboy Poet wowed the audience

There was poetry, dancing, singing, magic and comedy. To each of you, I know I speak for many of the audience – a huge thank you for sharing your special talents with us today, on the 4^th of July 2010! God bless you and our great country!