#65 Staying Sober...enough

With New Years around the corner, you're making plans for a wild party. OMG this is going to be the best New Years Ever! (It won't be). But because this is going to be one of your first New Years not in your basement watching Dick Clark, mom and Dad have been a tape recorder: "Stay safe! Don't drink. NO DRIVING!" They heed warnings of safety...for your own good.

But mom and Dad get to party all night. How do they stay safe?
"I stay sober. Gotta avoid the riff-raff" Dad answers succinctly. Then you start to remember all the family events and parties you've been to. While mom drinks the bottle of wine like it was the fountain of youth (which it kind of is), Dad stands stoically, sipping occasionally from his scotch and letting mom be the life of the party. Because Dad knows that his biggest duty as a Dad is to get everyone home safe. Even if that means carrying mom out over his shoulder. I miss falling asleep on Dad's shoulder...

While mom deliberately goes and talks to your crush's mom to set up your marriage, Dads gather in a circle to discuss sports and what in their outfit was chosen by their wives. While mom exposes that you sucked your thumb til you were 12, Dad sifts through the trailmix appetizers in a bowl hoping for a handful full of M&Ms (who doesn't do that though?). While mom loses one of her high heels, Dad savors every ounce of his drink.

So here's to you Dads! As we embark on a New Year, we know that you will be celebrating responsibly. From all of us here at That's So Dad, we wish you a Happy New Year!