Posted in North Carolina
June 18, 2015
14 North Carolina Memories With Dad That You’ll Never Forget
With father’s day almost here, it’s time to bust out all the nostalgia, feels, and sentimentality. If you grew up in North Carolina, it’s likely that we share these memories!
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Attending your first college basketball game with dad, and cheering on whichever team you represent. It's a memory we all hold dear!
Southern dad's have a way with the grill. Especially when it comes to steaks or BBQ. To this day, I haven't tasted better baby back ribs than the ones my dad makes!
For some reason, Dad is always the one nominated to take your 14/15 yr. old self driving on long country roads. If you've learned to drive a stick shift, I bet you your daddy taught you how.
No one forgets the first time they shot a shotgun, with their dad right by their side...usually laughing.
Going skiing in the winter became a favored dad/daughter bonding time growing up.
Usually Dad was the brave one and mom would watch as you both tried to contain your fear and excitement.
You felt macho, like a (wo)man, conquering that first hiking trail, pitching your first tent, and the first time you made food over a fire. Of course, Dad was there each step of the way although he still encouraged us the WHOLE way to believe in ourselves. We'll never forget sitting around the campfire and bonding, oh and the first time we heard 'something' in the woods, but still felt safe because Dad was there.
Fishing is a classic father-child bonding activity. There is plenty of downtime between the action, which makes for long talks about life and really, you probably learned some major life lessons during these quiet times. But as soon as that first fish yanked, Dad was there to help you catch it. Lets also not forget gutting it, and eating it later...
Sure, we could be brats or just grumpy when we were little. But once we hit those teen years, oh boy. Maybe you stole a car, or threw a party, or just did some dumb adolescent thing, but we all remember that first real FEAR that Dad was M-A-D mad! Yet, this also taught us to respect our parents, and not be complete idiots. Some of you may have kids now and are experiencing the same thing, from the other side of the table.
Dad usually waited till we were old enough to appreciate it. I'll never forget the first time I went to Short Sugars and Dad told me all of his childhood memories of growing up near this place, and of course, eating great BBQ. It just gives you a sense of appreciation and like I said, Dad is always the BBQ and grill master.
Just cuss, let it all out, yell at the TV, they can hear you, maybe throw that pillow. Oh and if you're at the game, yell some more, maybe cry, but don't get caught crying on the TV. You're angry...real angry..they're terrible people...this game means A LOT! (it never gets old.)
This was usually on a 'don't tell mom basis.' But, something about the Blue Ridge Parkway or a long country road brought out the speed demon in Dad. You probably thought it was the COOLEST thing ever.
"Dad are you seriously going to wear those shorts, you're embarrassing me." 13-yr. old me. Yes, Dad's beach style was always interesting, but we had never seen Dad so relaxed, and we actually enjoyed it!
Maybe high school or college graduation, our wedding days, our first big job...men are notorious for 'hiding' their feelings but we all have experienced when Dad was so proud, maybe a small tear rolled down his cheek!
What are some of your favorite ‘Dad’ memories? Share in the comments.
