'All Things Southern' Feature: "He Ain't Heavy, He's My Bubba"

"He Ain't Heavy, He's My Bubba"

6"x5"

Oil on Board

 

This is a special extra edition of the "All Things Southern" feature in honor of Father's Day and in honor of my sweet father who embodies so many of the best things about the South! 

 

The nickname "Bubba" has been much maligned.  I'm sensitive about it because my Daddy's nickname is "Bubba".  Born DuBose Binford, the only boy in a family of five children, he, of course, was given the nickname "Bubba"...."Bubba" being the name for "brother". 

 

Here's what Wikipedia has to say:

"In American usage, bubba is a relationship nickname formed from brother and given to boys, especially eldest male siblings, to indicate their role in a family. For some boys and men, bubba is used so pervasively that it replaces the given name. The nickname may also be used outside the family by friends as a term of endearment.

Because of its association with the southern part of the United States, bubba is also often used outside the South as a pejorative to mean a person of low economic status and limited education. Bubba may also be taken to mean one who is a "good ol' boy."

 

Well, Wikipedia, it also in this case is a Daddy who would give you the shirt off his back...he's actually offered it literally several times.  He can fix anything.....or has the confidence that he can.  He loves his family unconditionally.  He is the epitome of a Southern gentleman.  He is gracious and kind and gentle and still strong and tough.  He loves Johnny Cash and Hank Williams and cornbread & buttermilk.  This Bubba is my Daddy and I know there are plenty more like him! 

I wish you all a Happy Father's Day!