My Dad

For a long time, I have struggled with writing this.  Should I make public a painful and private event in my life?  By not saying anything, do I make the event trival?  So after thinking about it, I decided that I have to write something.

But what do I write about one of the people who raised me and was in my life for 63 years?  How do I honor such an important person?  I think I honor that person, my dad, by telling you something about him.  He passed away on August 21 at the age of 91.  He lived a full life for over 81 years, until a stroke got the best of him.  I try not to remember him in a bed unable to fully say what he wanted, unable to walk, and unable to lead the active life he once led.  Despite his problems, I can't forget the smile on his face when he looked at me.  His smile made me smile back at him; I just couldn't help it.  He wasn't a complainer.  He took what life (meaning God) gave him and went with it.  Of course, like everyone else, he had his down times.  Who wouldn't?

I honor him by remembering him being a faithful husband to a wonderful wife who loved him with all her heart.  My mom misses him more than she can say.  They were married over 64 years!  I honor him by remembering the crazy, fun-loving man who raised me and my two sisters.  I honor him by remembering that he taught me a lot of good things, most of which I can't tell you about specifically.  I know he taught me to do my best whenever I did something.  That has helped me in my life--at work and with my family, friends, and the people I've met along the way.  He taught me not to take life too seriously; to enjoy a good time, but don't go overboard.  He was raised during the Depression and didn't have much or go much.  He felt quilty about going too much and, I think, about spending too much.  Because he was in the Air Force when I was growing up, he helped me to accept change and make the most of where I was.  That helped me later when I married an Army guy.  I honor him by acknowledging that his values have rubbed off on me and made me a better person.

I've added a few links to posts that I wrote about him in the past.  Read them if you want to get a glimpse of what he was like.  It isn't complete, but that's okay.  The first ones show his funny side.

Things my father would say.

The time between his death and his funeral was a sad time, but I felt the support of my mother, sisters, husband, children, and rest of the family and friends.  In the scheme of things, not much time has passed since he left us.  I still have a whole lot of tears to shed and many memories to laugh about.

My dad was buried with full military honors.  One of my brothers-in-law sang "What a Friend We Have in Jesus."  The minister talked about my dad's joy and faithfulness.  My mom was given an American flag.  His body now lies on a pretty slope in a national cemetery.  I believe I'll see him again in heaven.  For now, we all still cry for the loss of a great man.

Daddy, I salute you!