Meet: Rick Simpson

Medicine Hat, meet Rick Simpson. His legal name actually being Ricky Douglas Simpson (which I think is the funniest thing ever, just like him). In my 29 years of being alive, this glorious Dad of mine has taught me many wonderful things, but I’m here to tell you the 11 very best lessons:

1. There is no shame in pooping. It’s healthy. Wreck that porcelain wherever and whenever duty calls. Walk out head held high proud of your accomplishment.
2. Always have a sense of humour. Make as many people laugh as you possibly can. That’s a currency far more precious than gold.
3. Cooking is very much an art form. If you’re bad at it, you’re not following the recipe to a T.
4. Always blame the unpredictable and mysterious duck hiding in the house when you pass gas.
5. “Money comes and money goes”
6. If you’re not cutting the lawn in your Costco special white New Balance shoes, you’re probably not going to get the best results.
7. Nothing brings a family together quite like a “Rick’s Special Omelettes” weekend extravaganza.
8. Learn a new instrument when life gets tough. You can’t be sad while you’re learning to shred “Purple Rain” on a brand new guitar.
9. During every rough-ugly-crying-break-up, always agree with and promise your dad even though you’re almost 30 that “you will never date again, you hear me?”
10. “Why travel when you live in Medicine Hat? Heaven on Earth? You don’t need to see anything else.” (but go and travel anyway)
11. Life is so short. Enjoy it. Find the magic. And when death comes knocking one day - don’t be scared, you’ll just be going home to see all of your favourite people again.

Thanks for giving me the best life you possibly could. You really pulled out all the stops and you did great. I love you Dad, more than you will ever be able to understand.

Love your daughter,
Jellybean