If I had to introduce my Dad by only discussing one trait, I would say he’s the world’s best storyteller. He has a knack for finding himself in situations that are just so unreal, and he conveys them in a way that makes you feel like you were really there. Things like stowing away on a boat from NZ back to Australia because he heard my Mum was dating another guy (this was before they were married). Or having a beer with Billy Joel in a bar, not realising who he was until he and Billy Joel went up to the stage to meet Eric Clapton, who was performing that night and was taking a break when they met. To be fair, he knew that he should know who Billy was; his face was familiar, he just couldn’t think of the name.

To put it simply, when you’re out with my Dad you know you’re either going to have an experience, or relive one through his words.

This Easter my family decided to go and spend the day down at the beach/river, just relaxing (you can see my photo of the day here). My dad managed to break his sunglasses to his chagrin. Later that afternoon, after watching my aunty attempt a bit of fishing with his rods, he decided he would have a crack. After 10 – 15mins he found he had a bite, and reeled it in. To our surprise and delight, he had actually caught a pair of sunglasses! Even funnier, they were a perfect fit for him! Typically, only a feat my Dad could achieve.

We all made jokes about Dad fishing out the things that we needed – a ute for Mat, and an iPad for Amy etc. Later in the afternoon some people on a boat actually fished in a whole fishing rod! So perhaps someone’s boat had capsized recently or something, and we were all reeling in their belongings. Who knows, but it was yet another experience to put down against my father.

He just can’t help being interesting.