Happy Father’s Day to all Fathers……
This Sunday is indeed a Special Day. It is a day set aside to honor our Fathers for the contributions and sacrifices they have made for us. We take this time to recognize all of the Fathers on this day. I lost my Father in June, 1981 but I have never forgotten the positive influence that he had on my life. My Father only had a 9th grade education, yet he was the smartest man I have ever known because he had “common sense.” He gave me an example for me to follow in order to raise my children and to be a great grandfather to my 8 grandchildren. Listed below is a note that I wrote in the Bible that he left for me relating to that most tragic day of his death.
If your Father is still living, then be sure that on this day set aside for him that you show your appreciation for him, not necessarily with a gift, but with words of “Thank you” and “I love you.” It will do your heart good and his as well.
“On June 5th, 1981, I had just come home from work and sat down for a rest. The phone rang and Frances(my wife) said, “Something is wrong with your Daddy.” I ran to get my keys and went to Dad’s house. I’ll never forget the sight as I heard Mom’s broken voice as Dad was slumped in the swing in Mom’s arms. I grabbed Dad from Mom’s arms and placed him on the ground and started mouth to mouth resescitation as Mom went to call my sister.
As I close my eyes to this day, I can see the pain on Dad’s face as life was flowing out of his body. As I breathed into his body, I prayed to God to help us, but God wanted Dad with Him. My thoughts relating to life is that God with one breath can create life, yet the many times I saw Dad’s chest rise and fall, I, as a human could do nothing.
Tears streaming from my face dripped on Dad’s face as I felt he was going to meet his Maker, whom he loved so much. EMS arrived and they worked as hard as they could but God had made His decision. As they took Dad to the ambulance, I knew in my heart that he was gone.
Mom and I went on to the hospital. When the ambulance arrived and they took Dad out, I saw that he was gone. After a while, the doctor confirmed Dad’s passing and I told the family. I remember calling my children and telling them about their grandfather’s death. It was devastating to them in losing a grandfather that they loved so much and a grandfather that loved each of them dearly and showed it.
The memory of my Dad will never leave my mind. He and my Mom have been examples to me, my wife and to their grandchildren, that I think it makes God smile.
I hope I can be half the parent to my children as Dad and Mom have been to me and if God lets me be a grandparent, I know the example that I want to follow. If I can be just a little bit like my Dad, I’ll be a great father and grandfather.”
Happy Father’s Day, Dad. I miss you.
The things we miss most are the things we have loved and lost.
June 17, 2007