In Honor of Our Dad

I know I am late, but  I would be remiss if I did not acknowledge my dad; a man who is a pillar of strength and epitomizes true fatherhood. I thank him for the countless sacrifices he made for our family.  My childhood and adult life are filled with many fond memories because of him.  As I reflect on all he has done to nurture, inspire and encourage his children, the following memories and characteristics stand out most: 

His kind heart.  When his sister, who was a single mother, passed away he volunteered to raise two of her daughters.  Soon he would open his heart and his home to another niece and nephew that were in need of love and support.  Many years later, after all his children had reached adulthood, he was introduced to a baby boy.  This young child suffered with medical issues and an unsteady future.  He opened his heart and home once again; making the decision to help rear a child in need. 

A mystery solver.  One night a week, my dad would pull rank and take command of our one television set.  His show of choice: Columbo, a fictional crime series featuring the absent-minded, yet master crime solver  Lieutenant  Columbo, played brilliantly by actor Peter Falk.  Having no choice, but to sit and watch the show with him, this proved to be our special bonding time with our Dad.  We sat and watched  the show and became skilled at solving mysteries.  This is probably why my sister and I thoroughly enjoy episodes of Law and Order,  The Closer and Scandal and are quite adept at solving whodunit-themed movies and TV dramas.

He is a doer.  If my father put his mind to it, he would accomplish it.  Our three-bedroom house was really too small for a family of twelve.  But, he figured out a way to convert our attic into three bedrooms without the help of a contractor.  He also provided us with an indoor playroom – the basement – as he hung sheet rock; thinking of inventive ways to create a play space for his young children. 

He is a Godly example.   My dad served as my first example of God.  Before I knew there was “God, the Father,” there was George, my father. He insured that we established a relationship with God, took us to church and made sure we were active in its programs.  Additionally, he sacrificed, he loved, he disciplined, he nourished, he encouraged and he motivated all of us to be the best that we could be.  And, even when we fell short or disappointed him, he challenged us to move forward.

A Top chef.  Sunday dinners were always phenomenal thanks to my dad.  He prepared (and sometimes still does) a smorgasbord of food without any assistance (he won’t accept it): fried chicken, ham, greens, rice, macaroni and cheese ( the grandchildren’s favorite), cabbage, banana pudding, cakes and the list goes on.  He is a master at preparing southern delicacies.  I didn’t pick up this skill ( a guess it skips a generation), so I (and my child) am especially appreciative of the hard work and love he puts into any meal he prepares.

He is fiscally savvy. Once a month, I watched my dad sit at the kitchen table and organize his bills and write checks.  He made sure bills were paid on time.  This helped me to appreciate the value of  good credit.      

A guardian and protector.  During one of my trips to college, I became snowed in at an out-of-town airport.  Not having much money or access to nearby family or friends, it was a scary experience for me.  My dad did not rest until he contacted someone at the school, found local help and made sure I was safe.   This is only one example of the lengths he took to insure the safety of his children.

A provider.  I never thought much about money while growing up.  My dad was a hard worker, who ensured that our needs were always met.  He did not go very far in school, but he worked hard at his factory  job.  Through his hard work he was able to purchase a home;  we always had more than enough to eat; had sufficient clothes and even managed to take vacations, granted they were eight-hour drives to the South.  And, we even got the occasional “White Castle” treat on Friday evenings.  Providing this for a family of 12 was nothing short of a miracle, but to me my dad was a miracle worker.

He is resilient.  He was raised on a farm and had to help his dad who was a sharecropper.  He was prohibited from going to school, something he desperately wanted to do.  Wanting more out of life and for his future, he escaped the South by joining the military and moving North to establish a better life for himself and his future family.  Now that my dad is 70+ and suffers with Parkison’s disease.  He could easily become sedentary, but he still continues to nurture, inspire and motivate his children and grandchildren.  And, he continues to be an example of fatherhood!

Dad for all the things you have done for our family and continue to do, we salute you.

Love You!