Originally, I wondered what I would choose as my first blog topic. However, with the recent passing of my father, I knew that my first blog would be about (and dedicated to) the man I called…DADDY! For as far back as I can possibly remember, I have been a Daddy’s girl. I have fond memories of spending countless hours in the park, hiking through the woods, being taught to ride my bike, and yes…even how to throw a punch LOL! My father was a hands-on dad before interactive fathering was cool. Born in a generation when parenting was primarily “woman’s work,” my dad fixed meals, gave us baths, helped with homework and wielded a mean belt when discipline was needed in the home. A man of small stature, (he stood only 5’7) he was a man of tremendous presence and personality! I never even thought of him as short because he was always larger than life to me! I really didn’t know anyone who met my dad that didn’t like him. He was known in the neighborhood as “the mayor” because he knew most of the neighbors by name, including their children and even grandchildren. Our front yard was often a congregating place for the neighbors and it was not unusual to see 10+ people just gathered in the yard talking to “Bill.” In fact, there were some 20+ neighbors at his funeral and even the postal worker who delivered the mail for 12 years made her way to pay her respects. Family and friends traveled from miles away to show love to Bill and his family. In the end, the chapel couldn’t hold all the patrons and there was standing room only for those who wanted to say their good byes. My dad was loved by adults and little children alike. We were deeply touched by a card from his 7-year-old neighbor, addressed to my Mom, about how much she would miss Mr. Bill and how she was trying not to cry about him being gone. Another neighbor shared with me how their infant child always looked for my Dad to be sitting on the porch, and as he shared with me this story, the baby was in his stroller…pointing at my daddy’s empty seat. Thankfully, my Dad was not the kind of man whose impact was only felt outside of the home. He influenced my life personally in so many ways. In him I found the role model of what I should look for in a man. A man faithfully married to my own mother for 52-1/2 years, there was never even one night that I can remember him not being in the home. He was dedicated to my mother and me and my siblings and worked 35 years for the U.S. Postal service supporting his family. His entire paycheck was always given to mom to take care of the household and we used to laugh because he routinely had no more than about $3 in his wallet! We kids knew all we had to do was ask, and he would hand that over to us too LOL! When as a teenager, I began a downward spiral in my education and lifestyle, it was my dad who stayed up with me countless hours trying to convince me to do something sensible with my life. It was my dad who constantly told me that I was better than what I was accepting from some “knucklehead” and that I could be and do anything...if I put my mind to it. He did not hesitate to express his pride in me when I finally gave my life to the Lord and got my life back on track. I will always love and remember the special man who was my daddy. He was selfless, had simple tastes, and was totally non-materialistic. He loved his raggedy jeans and only donned a suit for the most special occasions. He routinely wore some type of cap on his head and it became his vintage trademark. I will always remember my dad as a man who loved fishing, reading, walking in the woods and passionately debating most any topic (yes that’s where I get it from LOL). I can still see his smile and hear his laughter ringing in my ears. He was an artist, a handy man, loved music (Donny Hathaway was a favorite), and in his latter years loved the Lord and committed his life to Christ. The funny thing is, that although growing up he was not a Christian father, he respected the faith of my mother and honored her and cared for his family in a way that put some men that call themselves Christian to shame. My mom 1st Peter 3-ed him for years LOL...he was one who did not obey the word, yet was won without the word while he beheld her life and light. You go MOM! I am so grateful that I had a REAL FATHER in my life. He was my protector, my role model, and my hero. My heart sometimes feels heavy knowing I will not see him on this side anymore. I miss him more than my words can properly convey. But rather than focus on the times we will no longer share, I choose to fondly reflect upon all the memories we made that I will never forget. I had what many daughters (and sons for that matter) long for...a father who was intimately and intricately involved in my life. I have been immensely blessed! Thank you heavenly father for giving me a wonderful earthly father! (first published 2012)
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