Debra Wagoner

Debra Wagoner

Sunday, March 21, 2010

My Father-in-Law

Today was the final performance of Jack and the Beanstalk. This was a show I performed in 22 years ago, with the same lovely people, in a lovely adaptation by Douglas Jones. Theatre IV was kind enough to ask us all to come back, and with our gray hairs, aches and pains, and the odd wrinkle and crinkle, we all said "Yes!". No regrets.

But I must say, this has been a wild year so far. My father-in-law has a terminal illness. And I've never mentioned it before. Not on facebook. Or here, but it seems time is truly running short now, and I just wanted to say a few things. Roland Pabst, my husband's(Joe's) father, is a fine man. Tall, with a full head of snow white hair and big blue eyes(just like Joe!). A gifted carpenter and handyman, always knew how to fix ANYTHING. I also say with complete admiration that he can be willful and stubborn as hell. Takes a lot of strength to be that way, and he has it in spades. And best of all, he has a sharp wit and sense of humor, and loves to laugh. Rollie, as his friends and family know him, would NEVER turn down the opportunity to laugh at a good joke. But it would have to be a GOOD one, mind you. His only son, and THE light of my life, Joe, will be performing in a show this spring called "Is He Dead?", by Mark Twain. Now, delicacy has dictated that we tiptoe around this title. But on my blog, I choose to celebrate a couple of things. One, that Rollie Pabst would be the FIRST one to laugh at the irony of the title. Sorry if anyone is offended,but I'm telling you, he would laugh. Two, that Joe has dedicated his performance to his Dad, who, more than anyone would appreciate being remembered in a show that made people laugh, smile, and feel good.

We don't know how much longer Rollie will be with us. But I just wanted to celebrate him a little. I'm glad he's part of my family. I'm honored to be married to his son.

3 comments:

  1. Hey there. I just saw your posting on FB that you had a blog. I'm soooo behind! I love your tribute to Joe's Dad! This is the perfect show to dedicate to Joe's Dad - I read the script and it certainly is funny and full of life - even though the title would say otherwise. Very appropriate.

    Jacquie

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  2. Thank you, darlin', for this tribute to my father. I am very proud indeed to be his son. He has taught me all that I know about being a man, a human being. I owe him a lot, and the only way to repay him is to emulate his strength and goodness, to use all that he has taught me, to find joy & laughter in life, and to continue to be the best person I can.

    -- Joe

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  3. What a very touching tribute to Joe's dad and in response to Joe's comment, I am sure your father is very proud of you. Bless all of you.

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