Patoochi Burgers

     It was one of those random unplanned nights where I found myself at my parents.  They were packing to leave out west in the morning.  Alan had been wanting to see them so I decided to stop in before they left.

Even though my mom still had a lot to do, her and my father sat down and asked me how things were.

     One thing I love about my dad is he is funny.  My mom was in her stressed packing mode flinging out maps and highlighting their route while my dad was just sitting being in the present.  All of a sudden as we are talking about their trip dad says something about how there will be  patoochie burgers to eat out west.

     I laugh until tears are in my eyes because its just one of my dads "things"- patoochie burgers.  He made them up and will randomly throw them in stories.  I hadn't heard the word in so long that I had forgotten about it. 

    Upon driving home I was thankful for my farewell visit, short but sweet that I had with them.  And I was reminded about the joy that my parents always bring.  The belly crying laughs that I share

with my dad and just the gratefulness for  the people they are.