“Make it your ambition to lead a quiet life, to mind your own business and to work with your hands...so that your daily life may win the respect of outsiders and so that you will not be dependent on anybody.” 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12 (NIV) These words could be used to describe my Dad’s life.
One of Dad’s greatest strengths as a father was his presence in our home. He was always there. If we ever saw something neat and nifty we could share it with Dad. If I ever had a question, he was there to ask. Though, one time I asked how big an acre was (in relation to an area that I could visualize) and his response was, “An acre.” He had a very good sense of humour too.
Dad believed in working hard and getting the job done. It didn’t matter who was responsible or what the job was. If it needed done, you did it. After many years working various types of jobs (he was a jack-of-all-trades), he retired and would often be seen around Mirror mowing and caring for neighbours’ lawns in summer and shovelling snow in winter.
Dad was a man of immeasurable strength of character. His tough inner core was pure steel. He rarely complained about his health or little aches or pains - in fact, he often hid any problems he had. Being sick was no excuse not to do what needed to be done - even if it was getting married (he apparently had the flu on his wedding day). Dad was a very grounded, steady individual. He usually didn’t get too worked up about most situations, and it took a lot to rattle that man. Not that we tried to shake him up to often.
While he was a quiet man who didn’t like being in crowds, Dad was well known and well liked, as he would chat with anyone and everyone. Often on a trip downtown, he’d chat with numerous neighbours and wouldn’t get home for a while. In addition, Dad never hesitated to help someone if they needed a hand, or another pair of hands. He was known for helping out various organizations in town - even though he was not a member. Dad spent many hours helping with the Museum recycling program by sorting papers and cardboard galore.
The woman I am now is due, in part, to the man that Dad was. The example that he provided for my sister and I as we were growing up, and in the past years, has had a profound effect on our own personalities. Our own inner strength and integrity are a reflection of his own, as well as our flexible, spontaneous natures.
Though he isn’t here to read this…
Dad, this is for you. Thank you for being such a wonderful father.
Happy Father’s Day!
Beth
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