Fathers are Special

With Father’s Day coming, my thoughts have turned to my own father, who was a strong father figure to me.  I looked to him for leadership and guidance in my life.  He worked hard even when he wasn’t feeling well.  (For many years, Dad suffered from malaria which he picked up while serving during World War II.)  Dad was observant and sensitive.  He loved people and put their needs before his own.  He taught his children to show respect for others, especially our own mother.  He taught me that joking about others was hurtful, because there was always a little truth in the joke to make it funny.  I have many good memories of him.

Dad loved art.  His father and oldest brother were artists who painted with oil.  Another brother was a sculptor.  When I was in elementary school, dad took up woodworking – carving, inlay and overlay.  He was very good at it.  Later in his life, Dad also started oil painting.

Always willing to share his talents, Dad came to my elementary school several times to share his love of woodwork.  The whole class made simple wood overlay pictures (at Dad’s expense) that they could take home.  I still have mine.

In his front shirt pocket, Dad carried a checkbook, paper and pen.  As a grandpa, whenever the grandkids came over, he would hold them on his lap and they would take everything out of his pocket and draw on it.  This gave him great pleasure!  He loved his grandchildren and would play with them for hours.  If he could, I’m sure he would make the rounds to visit his great grandchildren and play with them.

One time while playing with my children, Dad made up a song about Mr. Potato Head:  “I’m Mr. Potato Head.  My life is full of dread.  My ears are on backwards, my nose upside down.  In place of a smile, I’m wearing a frown.  I’m Mr. Potato Head.”

Dad was creative and his heart was full of love!

This leads me to another man in my life, whose heart is as big as the great outdoors...my husband and father of our beautiful children.  His concern is almost always to help others be happy.

From Van, I have learned about perseverance, making the best of current circumstances, learning to relax in stressful situations, and overcoming challenges.  Our life together has not been easy, but Van always keeps pushing along in spite of the weight he carries (and sometimes the load is pretty heavy).  My heart is full of gratitude for all he endures.

Fathers are So Special!