Posted on 06/27/2007 7:59:44 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler
Lessons.
The most enduring memories I have of my father are the lessons he taught me. He taught me little things. Like how to tie my shoes when I was four. Or the time when I was around five, and he noticed that when I washed my hands, it was a matter of splashing them with a little cold water, then moving on. He showed me how to adjust the water temperature and scrub thoroughly with soap. Then there was the time when I was about ten when he saw that I handled money by crunching bills in my pocket. He showed me how to stack the bills neatly in my wallet, all facing the same direction and in descending denominations. Little life lessons. Hundreds of them over the years.
Dad taught me more important things, too. He taught me, through his example, how to be a man. How to stand up to his obligations. He was married to a woman for more than 50 years-a daunting task for any man. And Mom was a feisty woman! But he took good care of Mom and never stepped out on her. They loved each other deeply and devoted themselves to their children.
Dad taught me through his example how a man should work for a living. He held down a full-time job and ran a sideline business for many years. I started out life as a lazy, whiny little boy and ended up a hard working man. I learned how from my Dad.
Dad taught me how to be father. He was involved in our lives, but never heavy-handed with his discipline. He drove us to sports, to scouts, took us to Dodger games, coached Pop Warner football, went dirt bike riding with us. He was like a father to our friends, whose own fathers didn't always do those things with them.
A father's job never ends. When I told him that I was sorry to hear about the cancer, his reply was, "So was I!" (did I mention that Dad taught us sarcasm?) When I told him that I was sorry he had to go through this, he said in a weak voice, "I've been lucky my whole life. I was married for 50 years. I survived the war. I guess it was going to turn eventually." I told him I love him. He told me he loves me. He is teaching us about dignity and grace, and gratitude for life's blessings.
One final lesson.
Sorry to hear for your lost. Your father was a good man and he will reap his rewards.
Prayers to the Lord.
Thank you. He’s not gone yet, but very soon.
Your welcome. May his passing be comfortable, may he be reunited with his Lord and all his friends and family who have passed on, and may he enjoy the splendors of Paradise.
Jeff...I’ve called in Logan’s Prayer Warriors...
Give your Dad a hug...from all of us. Tell him thank you.
What a blessing in your Dad. Prayers up for his serenity, love and comfort in this time.
What a beautiful tribute to your father! May God bless him and you and all the loved ones as you prepare for his homegoing.
God bless those fathers who teach — or who have taught — their children life’s most important lessons and values.
prayer bump
((HUGS)) and prayers for you!
Your Dad sounds like a great man...I am thankful that you shared some of him with me~
In the Name of the Lord Jesus Christ, blessings upon you and your household, Jeff.
Pegita
What a beautiful tribute to your father. You and he are both in my prayers.
Prayers sent
BTTT
Your family is in my prayers.
Thanks for sharing a bit of your father with us. A very good example indeed.
I especially like the last “...He is teaching us about dignity and grace, and gratitude for life’s blessings...”
Thanks for sharing a bit of your father with us. A very good example indeed.
I especially like the last “...He is teaching us about dignity and grace, and gratitude for life’s blessings...”
Thank you all so much for your prayerful support.
I drove out to see Dad Thursday with my daughter Melissa and her 2-year-old son, Joey. Melissa was Dad’s first grand child.
Dad was in bed at home under hospice care. He had received Annointing of the Sick and Holy Communion earlier in the day.
Dad was coherent and I was able to read my tribute to him, albeit with a choked up voice. He reached out and held my hand. His eyes teared up and he asked for some tissue.
Yesterday Dad slept most of the day. Joey was concerned about him and told him in his tiny little voice, “I love you, Papa.” Dad heard him and said, “I love you, too.”
We prayed a rosary over him last night. I lead the prayers as I was the only one who could get through it without crying. Dad heard us praying and folded his hands to pray with us. Soon after our prayers Dad passed away. It was a beautiful death.
My brother Jay and his family took such tender care of him and made sure he had everything he needed. Jay was very distraught and the look in his eyes reminded me of how I felt when we almost lost our daughter Beth. When Dad passed away a great weight was lifted off his shoulders and he got the first night’s sleep he’s had in weeks.
Today after I got home my daughter Susan brought my 3-year-old grandson, Logan over for a brief visit. Logan told me, “I’m sorry your daddy’s gone.” I told Logan that my daddy is in heaven. I believe that.
Dad was 82 years old. We will miss him dearly.
Oh Jeff....I am SO sorry .... so very very sorry.
Our prayers are with your family...
God bless you, Jeff, and your father. I pray these last days will be pleasant loving memories and help carry you through the difficult period ahead.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.