5th and state: My Fathers

June 19, 2011

My Fathers

My first father impacted my early years and left a deep mark on who I am today. He left us when I was twelve and sister eight, in a skiing accident. He was 36. Lucky me! I had this amazing man in my formative years and I wanted to be just like him. I believe he is looking down with approval.

He brought to my life and being;

a deep love for animals

the importance of being kind

my adventurous side; when he took me to an air show at 10, I pronounced that I would be a skydiver when I grew up. He assured me I would like that, and I did. When he took me to a water park and told me to jump from the diving tower, I did. Going all the way to the top, (of course that is not what he meant) where only the older boys were, I jumped, no, I belly flopped but Dad was there, to grab me. Scold me? NO, i think that smile he was trying to hide meant something else

a love of sports

a fondness for grits and a love of the south, you see Dad was born in Kentucky, his family hailed from Mississippi. Legend has it they were plantation owners... not confirmed. His aunt, my great aunt Fairybelle, real name, epitomized "southern bell" and adored my father, I was mesmerized by her elegant style.

a deep love of traveling and wandering

creativity. He was always building things and I was the helper. Of course my favorite was our playhouse

a 'can do' spirit, despite the odds. And as a girl of the 60's, he said you can be anything you want when you grow up, a most unusual concept then. "If you want something badly enough, it's yours!"

my love of gardening. When he built two raised beds, gave one to each of us, and took us to the store to buy whatever seeds we wanted. Oh the element of surprise that summer brought to me!

embrace risk, take a chance

Dad was wise beyond his years and I loved him deeply

My second father came in my teen years and I was too cool for this man; he was too earnest in receiving our trust and love, too intellectual (nerd) for this Catholic school party girl. My friends and I made fun of his ways.

Then I grew up and this dear man, Bob, became my father, in the truest sense. He left us this past February, I believe he is looking down saying "Now, now my girls (he had sons) I love you with all my heart, all will be fine.......please take care of your Mom for me."

He brought to my life and being;

another intense love and respect for animals

a deep understanding of history. Bob was a WWII vet. His beloved family farm in Pennsylvania is still in the family and the deed was signed by William Penn.

never talk behind anyones back that cannot be there to defend themselves

choose kindness, always

never be timid in telling those around you how much you love them, appreciate them, thank them.....

commitments made are unbreakable, a person's honor is his being

what constitutes a true gentleman, a loving husband, father, and the pure measure of a good man

Bob was very wise in his years and I loved him deeply.