On Father’s Day today, memories of my Daddy flood my mind.  He was a cool cat who drove a Corvette and sported 501’s, wire rimmed shades, funky belts and leather jackets…hmmm, my sister and I not only picked up style tips from our Mom, but it seems like our Dad had just as much to do with our eclectic personal styles.  I’m pretty sure my sister actually rocks some of Daddy’s old T-shirts and belts to this day!  Remember, he is half Japanese so his “Americana” fashion sense made him even more special.  Picture James Dean, but with jet black hair,  almond eyes and a strong Southern drawl.

{Parents at Prom}

Glen D. Bolton was born in Japan on April 4, 1949.  His Dad, Aubrey Dale Bolton, was an American Soldier in WWII and my beautiful Memaw, Hannah Hanazawa, became his war bride. They all moved to the states, to Texas, when my Dad was about 5.  Papaw was a car and motorcycle lover who played guitar in a country band.  He passed those passions down to his son.  My Dad would probably have been considered a “hipster” today.  I remember he was either outside tinkering on his motorcycles or he was in the game room  jammin’ to the Beach Boys, Elvis or the BeeGee’s with these massive white headphones on, no shirt and cut offs.  He loves music, he loves cars + motorcycles and still collects cool T-shirts.  It brings a smile to my face when I think how creative and passionate he was and still is.  He is a very talented artist and painter as well.  I’m grateful he passed his passionate spirit and creativity on to my sister and me. 

{Grandparents Wedding}

There were a lot of hard times with my Dad, but for the rest of my life– I choose to remember the wonderful times.  As I work with orphans now who have never even seen their Father’s face and never will, I am deeply grateful I had a Dad who was very present in my life. He was a super stern disciplinarian and I was often afraid of him, but at the end of the day, he was and is a great Father. He had a stellar work ethic and I never saw a drink in his hand. Daddy never hesitated to do fun things with us like sliding down the steepest slides at WaterWorld or taking us for Sunday drives in one of his cool cars. At Christmas, when I was 8– he stayed up all night on Christmas Eve to put together a massive new swingset complete with monkey bars and a slide.  As we were opening gifts that morning, he casually opened the drapes overlooking the backyard.  Talk about two little girls squealing at the top of their lungs!  

Daddy, thank you for the memories. I love you.

{I’m on Daddy’s shoulders, my sis by the fence w/ our 1st fam dog- Scooter}

{Boys and their Toys}