All through my growing up years, one man stood out…he still does! In my eyes, as a child, he was the tallest man on earth! At 84, he still is! As to his strength, that was not debatable – he would lift me up, and swing me around, yet, i would not be afraid of him losing his grip. And when he carried me on his shoulder, i did so with glee, and abandon. The look in his eyes, the assuring smile, as he did that, told me i could trust him with my life – for, i knew he would NEVER let anything befall me!
That’s DAD! Today, several years down the line, i’m no longer that “little,” girl, whom he used to carry on his shoulder! At 84 years of age, i doubt that he would be able to do that, if he tried...i wouldn't even let him, lest i break the bones of his frail body....
As I told Mom not too long ago, i often wonder where, or even how the years passed....YET, i know (and feel) that in Dad’s eyes, i’m still his little girl! I still see on that face, the look that taught me, several years ago, the true meaning of TRUST. In every sense of it, it gives great joy to feel that with DAD, i can still be that little girl again and again…..
That’s DAD! He would never demand of any of his children anything other than that we should succeed. His encouraging words, times without number, telling us that we can touch the sky…and reach beyond it. All we need to do is give it a good shot… a good aim, of course, is necessary, but Dad always says, “don’t strain yourself!” He knows when he says so, we’ll definitely give it our best shot…AND succeed, yes, we would! The pride on his face, and the pride in his voice, each time we cross a hurdle, or achieve a milestone, is enough reward, and good reason for the “strain!”
That’s DAD! A most unassuming and kindly man, yet an epitome of nobility and encouragement! Humble, (sometimes, i think, to a fault), that’s DAD…the best there is…the best there could ever be!
And his love for his family – who can compare! To him, we owe our lessons, in what family is, and what it takes to be a family. Dad’s family includes his nuclear and adopted families - friends of his children, church members, the neighbour down the road, the young lady who handles his account at the Bank, the doctor who comes knocking, the newly married couple next door….a vast, vast number, who fondly call him, “daddy,” “uncle,” “grandpa,” or “papa,” as it suits their generation. I remain eternally grateful, for the privilege to be one of them! It is indeed an honour. As The Good Book says, “The righteous man walks in his integrity; his children are blessed after him.” (Proverbs 20:7 NKJV).
How can we fail to acknowledge your deep commitment and marriage, to the same woman – Mom - for 55 years....and still counting! An inspiration beyond measure, for which we daily thank God.
I often wonder why a particular day should be set aside to celebrate Fathers’ Day, or Mothers’ Day, for, in truth, it should be EVERY DAY. I guess it’s great to have a day to go the extra mile to celebrate these unique people.
Not too long ago, it was Mom’s turn to be celebrated. It’s your turn today, Dad. And i do so, with deep love and fondness, and from the deepest depths of my heart. Here are a few poems to summarise, appreciate and celebrate you, not just today, Fathers' Day, but always and forever…
If Everyone Had a Father Like You : Karl Fuchs
If everyone had a father
Who was more like you,
There'd be more laughing, joy and singing;
Fewer people would be blue.
There'd be much more understanding;
Crime and hate could not prevail.
We'd all be so contented,
We wouldn't need a jail.
If everyone had a father
Who was more like you,
The whole world would be blessed,
Just as I am blessed with you.
A Father's Love
A father is respected because
he gives his children leadership...
appreciated because
he gives his children care...
valued because
he gives his children time...
loved because
he gives his children the one thing
they treasure most - himself.
Happy Fathers' Day, DAD...may you ALWAYS, ALWAYS be blessed....Amen....
~~ ada (Princess)~~
