DaD, written in my handwriting

Many people ask me why I refer to my father as “DaD” instead of “Dad” or “Daddy” or some other format.  The answer is a little silly but rather simplistic: I enjoy writing the letter capital D.  When I was growing up, I would often give my DaD greeting cards for holidays.  My favorite part was writing the great big capital D on the front of the card.

One time I decided there was no reason why I shouldn’t be allowed to write two capital D’s on the envelope.  After all, it was super fun!  I loved how I purposely disconnected the stem from the loop on both sides.  I really enjoyed making that big whirl of an arch around the stem and dragging it down in a poetic manner.  I just always thought the letter was beautiful, so I wrote it twice.

It just sort of stuck.  DaD started referring to himself in writing as DaD when he wrote me letters and emails.  Now it’s part of our family history!  It is convenient too, since I also call my husband’s parents “Mom” and “Dad.”  Whenever I refer to “DaD” it means my own father Douglass; when I write “Dad” it means my father-in-law, Jerry.  I can’t give you any clues to distinguish my Mom (Diane) from his Mom (Karen) though… except that sometimes I refer to my Mom as “Ma” or “Mother” instead.