Happy Father's Day to all of you wonderful, devoted Dads, Granddads, and Uncles! For all the love and many sacrifices you have made for the children you have loved and cared for, we honor you and thank you!
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| "Wow, I'm A Daddy!" |
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| I am thrilled to see my precious grandbaby bonding with his wonderful daddy! |
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| A bunch of grand Pop-Pops, with whom I share the most beautiful granddaughters! |
My father was very affectionate with me and my sisters, but unfortunately, not as demonstrative with the boys. This was old-fashioned conditioning, I guess, and a common mistake. Today's fathers should know that it's not unmanly to show your feelings.
My brothers, however, learned from their dissapointment, changed the behavior, and became exceptionally tender, loving parents, holding back nothing. Consequently, my nieces and nephews are so lucky, and have become such fine young people, secure and compassionate.
Daddy worked hard to support us and was a strong, decent, God-fearing, and hard-praying role-model to all seven of us. We didn't have much money, but we learned good values, common sense, and how to make the most of what you have. My dad was quite a handyman, always fixing the washer, the car, and everything around the house.
But he took time to play with us in the yard, kickball, badminton, softball. In the winter, he plowed the deep snow off the lake with his lawntractor plow, so we could ice skate, and pulled a train of a bunch of kids on sleds around the neighborhood.
He took our youth group canoeing and camping. Our family went on daytrips and picnics to historical places, like Washington's Crossing, and Batso in the Pine Barrens of New Jersey. We frequented parades, concerts, church functions, went visting relatives, and to the beach and boardwalk. People always commented on us being " such a big family, and so well-behaved"!
When my siblings got older, they'd come visit me, the older married sister, who always moved around with her Navy husband, which gave them a new interesting destination. They'd load up the motorhome, then come see me and my babies, and we'd visit all the local parks, beaches, antique train stations, airshows and noteworthy points of interest. These were very educational, and rich experiences of traveling, exploring, and playing together.
Daddy gave me the love of music. He took me to piano lessons, that he could ill-afford.
We sang together at home, in church, at shut-in ministries, and in Haluwasa Choir.
He plays a fine sax. He's always played Christian music, often lead church musicians, and now plays secular music as well. His orchestra holds patriotic programs, plays Dixie-land Jazz and Big-Band era music.
He taught me to trust in Jesus and that's the most important thing I ever learned from him. My faith and prayers always get me through whatever happens.
I have a "peace that passeth understanding". " I know who holds tomorrow, and I know who holds my hand". And I always have a song in my heart!
I love you, Daddy. And yes, I was always listening to you, even when I seemed to be questioning your ideas and ways.
