What can I say about my father? He's a rock, always has been. He loves his family intensely: his wife, his three children, his 10 grandchildren, and his 10 great-grandchildren. His faith is strong and deep; I know that he prays for all of us regularly.
As the first son (4th child) born to large family during the Depression years in rural Saskatchewan, he learned to work early on. Love was there, but when I once asked him why he didn't tell stories of his childhood he said there were few good memories. I know that school wasn't much fun - he was strapped the very first day of Grade One because a picture fell off the wall when the door closed behind him. He came from a German-speaking home and during the war years, that made for ostracism and taunting from the English-speaking community.
He's been retired for a number of years now, but he's still one of the hardest-working men I know. Countless hours are spent volunteering at his church - painting, renovating, cleaning - and in helping others. He doesn't suffer fools gladly and has decided opinions.
I love my father. Happy Father's Day, Dad!
Sometimes I think fathers get short shrift on their day. Mothers are showered with cards, flowers, meals out, and a day more-or-less free from duties. Gifts for fathers, on the other hand, tend to run to barbecue tools (so they can cook), tools (so they can fix/build), or new shirts (so they can look the way we want them to look). Gifts of time to do what they please, such a round of golf or a hike are less common.
Tim, pictured above with our newest granddaughter, is another extremely hardworking man who loves his family and his God. For him, a meal out is never as welcome as a home-cooked gathering with the people he loves, so that's what he's getting. He says there is nothing he needs or wants, so his gift is a token.
I am blessed to have these two men in my life.
A wonderful tribute Lorrie. Your parents look so healthy and strong!
ReplyDeleteYour dad is like so many dads...not one to suffer fools and hardworking. I'm chuckling to think about John's new shirt...is THAT why I did that? Ha!
ReplyDeleteI have been blessed with a hard working, tender hearted man too. WE are such lucky girls! :)
ReplyDeleteMine will enjoy a round of golf, a chocolate cake and the dinner of his choice. :)
What a wonderful tribute to your father. Tim will certainly appreciate his special day on Sunday. Home cooking will be bound to put a smile on his face.
ReplyDeleteWith you doing the cooking I am not surprised that he prefers a meal at home to eating out. You have some wonderful men in your life.
ReplyDeleteWonderful tribute to both fathers! And such a nice photo of your parents! Enjoy that family meal tomorrow!
ReplyDeleteSuch character. It is so wonderful that you will be able to celebrate him tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteLorrie, Your Dad sounds very special. I hope you enjoy your day with him. My Dad is still living and has been a wonderful example of honesty, bravery and character for us. This year, I am afraid he will not really understand he talking with his only remaining child and my my heart aches. Please hug your Dad a little tighter for me. Bonnie
ReplyDeleteloving tribute to your Dad and DH...my Dad is slowing down..89 this summer..but today we gave him the gift of our time..talking..laughing and eating..DH is the best..our son spent time with him on Saturday xx ba
ReplyDeleteHappy Father's Day to you! You are extremely blessed to have two such incredible men in your life!
ReplyDeleteHave a wonderful day!
blessings,
karianne