What's a Dad?
As senior citizens many of us can't remember what we wore yesterday, but somehow memories of years gone by seem to remain forever.
And today, those memories revolve around a hero...a dad, my dad...
...and what he meant to me.
This is a special Father's Day because had he lived, he would have turned age 100 in January, and if I could only have just one moment on this day, I would love to say one thing to him...
Thanks...
...thanks for so much for what you gave, because it took my getting older to appreciate the life you had, and what you endured...for ME.
His life was complicated from his youth when, at the age of 8, he was involved in an automobile accident sending him through the windshield of his father's car and leaving him with a broken nose that remained for life..having to withstand ridicule from other kids being referred to in the cruelest of terms...
...to having to forego a full scholarship to the Chicago Art Institute when his dad refused to charge union scale in his barber shop until 2 members of the "Chicago Mob" greeted his dad with baseball bats to break his arms and send him to a hospital for months...forcing him to quit school and support a family...
...to being part of "The Greatest Generation" living through a Depression and a World War...
...to spending his life with a lovely lady for 60 years...
...giving life to two sons showing them love, understanding, and patience, foregoing so much of his own life in order that they would enjoy one better than he had.
So, to all of you who were fortunate to have had a dad like mine, take a moment on this day and go through some of those old photographs you likely haven't looked at for years...
...the memories you shared with him...
... and smile at them...
...and thank him for the gift of life !
... and smile at them...
...and thank him for the gift of life !
Somehow, I believe he'll know, because real love never dies. It remains in the hearts of those who were so fortunate to experience it.
And if you can't think of the words yourself, or perhaps become a bit choked up while trying to do so, use the words of a song by a young Paul Peterson who, on October 25, 1962, on The Donna Reed Show, couldn't have expressed any better !
And if you can't think of the words yourself, or perhaps become a bit choked up while trying to do so, use the words of a song by a young Paul Peterson who, on October 25, 1962, on The Donna Reed Show, couldn't have expressed any better !
He
isn't much in the eyes of the world
But
he is the world to me
My dad, now here is a man
To me he is ev'rything strong
My dad, now here is a man
To me he is ev'rything strong
no
he can't do wrong, my dad
My dad, now he understands
Oh,
he's always there, my dad
When I was small I felt ten feet tall
When I walked by his side
And ev'ry one would say, "that's his son,"
And my heart would burst with pride
My dad, oh, I love him so
And I only hope that some day my own son will say
To all the Dads, Anthem Opinions wishes you a very...
Beautifully done...
As for keeping memories alive and constant, I have a favorite photo of my mom and dad that greets me every morning from the door of my refrigerator...
My dad couldn’t even make himself tea or a slice of toast because mom was very old fashioned and always treated him like a king in their home..
How did he treat her?
She was the matriarch and QUEEN of the family...
Oh how I miss them both...
Beautifully written, thanks for sharing!
Thanks Dick!
You put the sentiments together, we just have different examples.
I was fortunate at a very young age (pre-high school) to understand and appreciate that he was awesome, special.
Excellent
Well said.
Brings a tear to my eye! Great column!
Beautiful tribute