My father would be 100 years old today if he was still with us. He lived an extraordinary life and I often think about it. I now celebrate it in my later years.
Just the other day my husband and I were talking about how much we can appreciate our fathers. We never woke up to the lights, gas or water being cut off. We always had food in the house, plenty of choices. That alone was a great feat, especially with the added responsibility of raising children.
Many parents today are failing on that basic level. I am sad to say that my children have experienced some utility being cut off at least once in their lives.. I can’t say life is any harder for us than it was for my father. As a matter of fact I am sure it is not. Our mother died when my sister and I were toddlers. I can’t imagine how difficult it must have been for him to raise two little children alone while two of his children were budding teenagers, the oldest was in the armed service, the other one was in college and the third son headed to the air force as soon as he could.
By the time I reached my teen years I was an angry pent up little girl who thought she was grown. I thought he didn’t love me because he never had time for me. He worked all the time and regulated my life. I have to laugh at myself when I think back on it. One time I asked to go out with a boy. He said, be home by midnight because it is some crazy things happening after midnight. I remember it so well. He was standing behind the counter at his store and I would always try to ask for things when I thought he was distracted and could give me a quick answer. I thought to myself. He knows nothing about what happens after midnight. He is home in the bed by then. How could he possibly know that? Now you know how bright I was when I thought I had all the answers.
I was dangerous with my little bit of knowledge and he knew it. He tightened the reigns and I rebelled. Couldn’t wait to leave his house and be on my own. Boy I wished a million times I wasn’t so hot headed. My life would surely be different if I had stayed and steadied my feet before I leaped into life. I know that now but then no way was I staying a day longer under his roof than I had too.
I learned his patience by watching him, I learned his caring for others as he spent his time helping people in the community, I realize today that I learned to love because he was such a loving man, I learned to be an entrepreneur by watching him run his business,
Many days I wake up and wish I could call him on the phone and tell him about my life. I want to share with him how great my children grew up to be. I want to tell him how my son has his even temperament and how my daughters have his smile.
Happy Birthday Daddy! I miss you so much. If only you could take Cynthia and I fishing one more time.
