This is a shout out to Dr. J.

My father is Dr. John D. Sprandio Sr. Born in Bristol, Dr. Sprandio is the youngest son to Rose and Joseph Sprandio, and youngest brother to Barbara and Franny. He went to LaSalle College and majored in Biology. He attended Temple Medical School and began his career at Temple University Hospital. There, he met my mother. After his medical training, Dr. Sprandio founded his own medical practice Consultants in Medical Oncology and Hematology, a private practice located in Drexel Hill, PA. For over thirty years, he has dedicated his life to his family and his practice. His children are well-educated members of society and his practice has garnered much attention in recent years. Dr. Sprandio is a strong, intelligent, kind, hard-working, determined man. He can be a quiet man, but when he speaks others listen. He has a snarky sense of humor and he treasures his time with his family. He is a son, a brother, a husband, a grand-dad, a brother-in-law, an uncle, a doctor, a businessman, a friend. He is my dad and I am his only daughter.

I think the card I gave my dad for father’s day this year sums up our relationship.

(Front cover) Dad, you’re like a father to me.

(Inside) No, really, I mean it.

My dad and I have a great relationship. I know I can count him for anything. It is also a hilarious relationship. At least, I think we are hilarious. One of my favorite things my dad says to me is, “Kate, always remember, you are my favorite daughter.”

Often times, when I am with my brothers and dad, I feel like I have 5 brothers. My dad and I tease each other and can always make each other smile. On the serious side, my dad is a constant source of guidance and support for me, my brothers, my in-laws, and many other members of my family. If I ever have a problem or a big decision to make, I never hesitate to call my dad to consult him. Similar to my mom, my dad is approachable and easy to talk to. He doesn’t judge and he will tell you upfront what he believes is best. If my thoughts differ from his, he still gives me the room to make the ultimate decision on my own.

I may have noted this before in another blog, but the night I got engaged, my dad had a smile on his face that was serene. He seemed content and excited for me. It made me feel like he approved. Recently, Zach and I have been looking at apartments. I have consulted my dad many times for advice on location etc. We found a place yesterday that we really liked. The first thing I did after we toured was call my dad to discuss it with him. He sounded excited for us and said, “This sounds great, Kate.” When I hung up the phone, I said to Zach, “I don’t want you to think I don’t trust us to make the right decision for ourselves, but my dad knows a lot about this kind of stuff, so if he says it’s good and seems like a good idea, then I feel a little more confident in my decision.” Zach is so understanding with me and understands how highly I hold my dad’s opinion. Whatever age I am, there will be a part of me that will want to make sure he approves and is proud of my decision. I think I’ve done pretty well so far making him proud….I hope!

My dad is not only my dad, but also my boss. Working for my dad has been quite a learning experience. I wear many hats in the office, which makes each day interesting. I am able to jump into any position to help, which I love. I want to be as useful as I can be in the office because I feel like I am representing my dad. Seeing my dad in a work setting has been an eye opener. To me, he seriously is THE hardest working man in the world. Watching him manage all of his duties is inspirational. Meeting his patients has also been a nice experience. When I tell them I am Dr. Sprandio’s daughter, they have the greatest remarks about him. “Oh, your father is a great man.” “Your father is so kind.” “Your father has saved my life…many times.”

My oldest brother John works for my dad as well. So, now, I not only hear about how great my dad is, but I hear how great my big brother is. I am so proud to go to work every day and know that I am working to help them help others.

I would say I am pretty professional at work with my dad, but we do have our one liners that keep the office laughing. They seem to enjoy some of the banter between us:

Dad walks in with a bowtie. One person says, “Oh, Dr. Sprandio, we like the bowtie!” I look at him and say, “What are you doing here? Are you here to make us some balloon animals?”

Dad walks in and sees me at my desk, “Oh, you decided to show up today?”

Dad calls me from his office at lunch time, “I’m starving. Feed me.” I respond, “You’re an animal.”

Dad calls me at my desk. I answer, “What’s up?” He responds, “Why do you answer the phone like that? Why do you answer like you’re a gangster?”

Working for him has been fun, challenging, and rewarding. I am happy I am able to help out and work for a company that he has built.

Being his daughter, his only one at that, has been the best life anyone could ever ask for. I get overwhelmed sometimes with how lucky I am. I truly am living a charmed life and that is all thanks to my dad and mom.

Dad, (if you are reading, which you should be because I probably made you) thanks for everything you do for me, our family, and the human race. You are truly an exceptional person. Also, here’s a preemptive thank you for all your help with what I know will be one insanely awesome wedding day. I know I don’t act like it sometimes, but I have a tremendous amount of respect for you!

And now, I leave you with some of my favorite texts with dad.

TEXTS WITH DAD:

ME: What do you think of this as a title of my thesis…”The Other Voices in My Head: A collection of Short Stories by Kate Sprandio.”
DAD: I like it – it discloses the fact that you are psychotic and continuously hear voices!

—–

ME: I meant to tell you, I woke up today dizzy and disoriented. I walked into the wall a couple times. It was weird.
DAD: Why am I not surprised?
ME: Why can you never take me seriously fool?

—

ME: We should get a picture of me and you pretending to work.
DAD: Or a picture of you and me pretending to be related.

—

DAD: You are techno idiot. Don’t know how you hold a steady job.
ME: You are the reason for my existence. My boss is a butt thread.
DAD: Yeah. Good come back. Exactly.
ME: Damn, I meant butt head!

—

ME: You never ask me how I am.
DAD: That’s because I don’t care.

—

ME: I might wear a dress. What does a girl wear to the opening of her father’s hotel?
DAD: Two dresses.
ME: I just want to make sure I don’t wear the same dress as you.
DAD: Not a problem – I’m wearing a business skirt.

—

ME: I just had a dream that we took a family trip to outer space & our space shuttle was the shore house. Coolest dream ever.
DAD: How old are you?
ME: Age doesn’t matter, unless you are a cheese.
DAD: Or a wine.
ME: True