Most of my talent in the kitchen, I’ve attributed to my dad.
He’s always been very experimental with recipes, usually never even using them. My dad would still manage to come up with interesting and delicious dishes that he’d dream up all from his own head. My mom took a home movie of my sisters and I in 1987 when we were just tiny little kids, and there’s a bit where my dad is talking to my mom about some recipe he’d devised, something that I recall including a blender and cream cheese. The beginning of the conversation was cut off while recording so I’ve never known what it was that he’d made. I’m sure it was awesome. He’s known in the family for making a mean apple pie, and has been known to make several of these pies, often containing bourbon and raisins, for Thanksgiving’s past.
My parents divorced when I was young, and my sisters and I spent every childhood summer with him and our stepmom at their house. Most of those summertime memories I have of my dad are ones of him coming home late in the evening after many hours of hard work. He was self employed for all of my childhood, and worked long, hard hours to make a living. No matter how many hours he worked, and how tired he was, he always had a smile and a warm hug and often a silly joke of some kind. Whenever I hear the song “Strangers in The Night”, I can’t help but think of my dad. He’d always sing “Scooby dooby doo…” to the tune of that song and it always makes me smile.
My dad’s always been in quite good health. Recently, however, he was feeling quite ill and after some back-and-forth with different doctors, it turns out that he is suffering from testicular cancer. It is very treatable, even in stage 3 which is where he’s at now. He does have insurance, but insurance will not cover his lost wages while undergoing chemo for the next few months. Basic living expenses will be hard to come by, and I know he would appreciate any help he can get. My dad has set up a site to accept donations (Rick’s Overcoming Cancer Fund) as well as a blog to chart his progress (My Battle With Cancer), soon to include more photos and video as he undergoes treatment. His chemo will begin sometime this week, and he is a strong man and will hopefully make it through in good shape.
To anyone who follows and enjoys my blog and the recipes I’ve come up with, I don’t think any of it would have been possible without the creativity my dad has instilled in me. I would greatly appreciate any help y’all would be willing to give to my dad, and I know he would appreciate it too! Please donate if you can, or follow his blog.
oven + apron 
Amanda, I’m so sorry to hear about what your Dad is going through and my thoughts and prayers are with you both and all your family. I hope he recovers and I hope you’re both holding up okay in the meantime. Thinking of you, LoveBomb. K
Amanda – I am really sorry about what your dad is going through, and I think of you both literally every day. I hope you are hanging in there, and wish your dad a Happy Birthday from me on Saturday. Let me know if there is anything I can do. Seriously. I can tell how awesome your dad is, not only from your stories, but because of how awesome you are. Take care! :) (And I got a birthday cupcake today – it was FANTASTIC!)
Aww Jenny you’re so sweet! I’m really glad you liked the birthday cupcakes! Thanks for thinking of my dad and I, I’ll tell him happy birthday from you :)
Another love bomb. So sorry you’re all having to deal with this and I truly wish you all strength and peace as your dad fights his cancer battle.
Thanks so much Valerie :)
Dear Amanda,
I’m sorry to hear about your dear dad. My sister was diagnosed with breast “c”(we just don’t say the word anymore) but you know, she is beating it holistically and keeping as stress free and happy as she can! You seem like a really good family and with love and faith that’s such a big start to have. I know that real good can come from any situation depending on how you look at it.
Be in the moment as much as you can and i’ll send a big shout out to the Universe that all will be well.
Namaste
Petra
Petra, thank you for the kind words. I hope your sister manages to beat the “c”! My dad is into some holistic treatments but at stage 3, he pretty much had to start chemo. I’ll keep you and your sister in my thoughts :)
My dad beat cancer 10 years ago, I sincerely hope that you will get to say the same soon! Wishing you, your dad and your family all the very best! Love bomb from Toronto.
Thank you so much Jen, I hope for that as well! Good health to your dad :)
Praying for a complete healing for your dad!
Prayers for your dad and you as you travel this next journey. Love bomb wishes for health from NY.
Thank yous so much Gail :)
Thinking of you and your dad, Amanda. I went through the same thing with my mom…she is doing great now, but it’s never easy. Be his ROCK….as you already are!!! You are an amazing daughter!!! Hugs from Wisconsin!
Alissa, I’m sorry you had to go through a similar situation but I’m glad to hear your mom is doing well! I hope my dad ultimately will, too. Thank you for the kind words :)
So sorry to hear the news! Even when it’s treatable, it’s still a blow to hear that a loved one has cancer. Wishing love and peace for your family during this time!
Yeah, it’s not easy, for sure. Thank you for the kind words, I truly appreciate it Jessica!
Hi Amanda, postive thoughts to you and your dad.
Thank you so much Michael.
Your dad’s ’70s style is amazing. I’m glad to see he kept the ‘stash. Hoping for his super speedy recovery from stupid cancer, from one Amanda to another.
Thank you so much for the sweet comment! My dad’s holding his own so far.