Frankie Wayne

November marks the month for giving thanks. Well, November also brings back some memories that make me more thankful for one man in my life that could never be replaced. As the week approaches that marks the anniversary of a rather dark event in my life, I can't help but want to celebrate Thanksgiving a bit earlier each year.

When I go home to my parents house, I always follow the same routine. I walk inside, throw my bag on the floor, say hello to my mom, and then walk down the stairs to the basement. Before I can even utter a word, I am always greeted with, "Well hello, Toots. What are you doing here?" It is the same line every single time, and every time, I shake my head and laugh before sitting in the same chair and giving him the same answer, "It's because I missed you so much." I cherish these moments because there was a time in my life when these moments would have been non-existent.

My dad is a wonderful person, and I love him so very much. I fought with myself on whether or not I would ever do a post about him, and even as I write this, I'm not sure I really want to post it. My dad has been through so much, and his family has been through so much as a result of his challenges. I don't like to talk about it, and nine times out of ten, I end up crying about it all if I do. Frank Clark has been at the doorstep of death more times than I can count on my hand.

It is absolutely terrifying watching your father fight for his life.

I know that it is the cycle of life, believe me, I've been exposed to it enough. But regardless of your experience with something, it never prepares you to cope with the hopelessness you feel when you get the call that you have to go to the hospital. Or when you watch your father cry as you hold his hand in the ICU. It is nothing you ever get used to, but for me, I'm slowly learning to see the positive that comes from these experiences.

He is both the most stubborn and the strongest man I've ever known.

I don't know how he does it, but he just keeps coming back. He fights and fights until he beats the very thing that tries to take him from us, and I don't know how he keeps going. I do not know what drives him, but I'm not complaining. He shows me every day what perseverance is, but above all he shows me  that there are things worth living and fighting for in this world. Life is about the little pieces that paint a big picture that those around us get to see.

My dad has a beautiful picture.

He loves his family more than anything, and he has worked hard his entire life to give them the best that he can. His nieces and nephews adore him, and on any given day could probably spout off what has become a, "Frank Clarkism." His friends respect and cherish him; a couple have even saved his life, an act that could never be given enough thanks. His children see in him a wonderful father, and maybe one day an even better grandfather. Dad has lead a truly beautiful life, but only the man himself could say it best...

"Don't worry, I'm stickin' around."

Proofreading is Your Friend

Recently, I took a visit to a restaurant that I didn't necessarily want to go to, and my experience there only furthered my dislike of said eatery. I walked over to find a lid to my drink, and while I perused the utensil section, I noticed something that to this day makes my blood boil. There, created by a label maker, was a sign that said: Knifes.

I would hope that the readers of this blog know that calling something "knifes" is a grammar fail. Knifes do not exist, and I will never forgive someone who thinks otherwise. Sure, call me a "Grammar Nazi," but seriously, I think you learn about plurals in the third grade. Get it together, people.

I haven't always been a stickler for grammar. In fact, I still don't completely understand all the rules of grammar and do not consider myself an expert on the matter. But chalk it up to the fact that I am going to be an English teacher, that I read anything I can get my hands on, or you know, the simple fact that I spent two years writing a piece of literature, I've changed my ways. Part of me still doesn't care how people speak or write, but deep down inside, there is a small fragment itching to be free.

I think part of me has turned into such a grammar fanatic because I'm afraid of what is happening to the English language. It's not just "knifes" anymore. Through working in schools, I have seen so many words misspelled and misused that I never thought I'd ever see. Good lord, every computer has spellcheck on it, and phones basically write your text messages now. Proofread your things, people! Don't even get me started on what "there" to use. It. Is. Not. That. Hard.

I must admit, I am terrified to make mistakes when it comes to grammar. Yes, I spent four years studying English, so I should know every rule and how to implement it, right? Wrong. They don't teach you the grammar rules in college. Why? BECAUSE YOU'RE SUPPOSED TO KNOW. It is funny how you assume they would mention the important things, but they don't. You basically just float about your career path hoping you aren't making monumental mistakes. It's super.

My favorite thing is watching the behavior of people change when they realize what I am training to do for a living. My own parents tell me, "Don't judge me on my grammar." Let me tell you this: unless you say, "knifes," I'm probably not paying attention to your word choice. In fact, I usually just laugh about it. I don't want people getting the impression that because I have a degree in English, I am suddenly better than you at all things English. Because I'm not. I just tend to be sarcastic 85% of the time, which is my downfall.

But I swear if you use the word "ain't,"we will be having a chat.

This is my soapbox, and I will continue to vent about it until the end of time. The world is changing, and I can only do so much to ensure that the future of the English language is not going to completely fall apart. I just ask that we all take a moment to remember what we were taught in Elementary school. I'd also like us to remember one thing...

The exprets maek mistkaes, too.