Dad

My Dad is possibly the greatest human in existence. Why? Because he had to raise me, which (surprise surprise) puts my Mum in the same category –  both survivors, both living legends.

This was my Dad before I was born. Happy, successful, pleased with how life was planning out.




Then I came.









After two years of me waking up at ridiculous o’clock, this is what my Mum resembled.



And that’s being flattering. I’m not exactly sure what happened, but I think when I was about two years old Mum pulled Dad aside and calmly told him,

“From now on, you look after Allie in the mornings, because if you don’t, I’m going to kill her, and anyone who stands in my way.”

So the routine changed and became this:













At the time I was certain Dad was thinking,

"Oh joy, Allie is here and I get to play. Hurrah!”



What he was actually thinking?

“God I hate you.”

I had A LOT of energy when I was a kid, and nothing held my attention long. If I was bored there were tears and screams, and to let my Mum get her zzzs, Dad would have to do exactly what I wanted…













Mum would wake up at 8:00 a.m.-ish and take the next shift.

Leaving my Dad a broken, shell of a man.



So to both my parents - I don't know how you managed, but I'm so grateful you did.