Daddy-isms

A Guide to the Personal Patois of
Charles (Chuck) Campbell Farris

I cahn do dat.
Used in response to any question that begins with "Daddy, will you. . . ." or "Daddy, can you. . . ." (Always spoken like an electronic robot).

Let me study on that a spell. I can probally figure that out.
Reply to the most complicated electrical, plumbing, or engineering questions under the sun.

Quittin' time at Tara. Quittin' time at Tara.
Call and response. Hollered down the stairs when he wants us to come up from the sewing room.

You don't need to fuss with that. You've got Charles in Charge.
Standard comment upon noticing one of us doing something he intends to handle.

Don't YOU worry. I'll take care of it. Don't YOU worry.
Used to shoo us out of the kitchen after a meal so we can get back to whatever fun we're having. Always spoken in a sing-song, with particular emphasis on the Yous and the I'll.

Why, you're just as welcome as the flowers in spring!
Reply to any thank you. Includes a slight pause after the word Why.

Hey. Where's my kiss?
Uttered when hapless family members neglect to kiss him immediately upon arrival or prior to departure.

I love you.
Spoken or assumed with every hello, every good-bye, every good morning and every good night.

Take care of your mother.
Whispered as he's wheeled away for surgery. Every. Time.


Daddy's going in for yet another surgery today, a 4th attempt at hernia repair. He's 76, has COPD, high blood pressure and glaucoma. He's missing his appendix, prostate, one lung, several large sections of intestine, and big chunks of his forehead and back. He's also, to hear him tell it, a "tough old bird."

He'll go into surgery about 10:30 am, CST. I'd sure appreciate it if you'd call him to God's attention about that time.