The Influence of a Father

To fathers and father figures everywhere, I wish you a happy and healthy Father's Day.

May you never forget how important you are in the life of a child.

Now, for today's post:

My father, Joe, died 28 years ago but I don't think a day has gone by when I haven't thought of him or of something he taught me.

When I was a really fearless little baby, just learning to walk,
relatives told me I ran to the edge of a deep lake and  jumped in without a qualm. 


 My father, fully clothed,  dove in after me, to save my life. (Thanks, Daddy.)

When learning how to tie my shoes, at about age five, it seemed like an impossible task and I burst into tears.

Daddy gently and patiently told me I'd get the hang of it with practice. 

Then he showed me how to make two loops and tie one under the other. 

That seemed infinitely easier to me than another method and I've been tying shoes like that ever since.

My father had a good heart and was very sensitive.  

He was a simple man who loved his kids immensely.

Certainly, he had his negative traits, like any human being, but I choose to concentrate on remembering his goodness, kindness and generosity toward others.  

The photo below is from his wedding day:

Toward the end of his life, I asked him what he considered the best thing about life and he answered, "My kids."

 He was funny, too, and many times jokes he made or hilarious expressions he used come to my mind and still make me laugh.

Daddy comes into my thoughts when I see daffodils and hummingbirds, raspberries, and cowboy shows.

I sure miss my Daddy, probably like many people in my age bracket do.

Looking down from the other realm of life, I'm sure he'll see tears in my eyes on this special day of remembrance.

WHAT IS ONE IMPORTANT LESSON YOUR FATHER OR A FATHER FIGURE TAUGHT YOU?