Daddy's Day

Well, it's Father's Day, and I imagine every blogger in the world is writing about that very special day.  Whether we are honoring fathers who are in the here and now, or those who have passed on....whether they be near or far away...whether it be a day of fun-filled memories or one tinged with some regrets...we can all agree that fathers play an extra-special role in the lives of their offspring.

Personally, I want to honor four men who hold extraordinary places in my heart and life:  my own Daddy; my father-in-law "Pops;" my wonderful husband; and our son.

My daddy was one-in-a-million.  He was the middle child in his family, and he was very typical in that role:  not the eldest, not the baby, and sometimes overlooked.  He was quiet and mild-mannered, sometimes to a fault.  He was kind and honest and smart and thoughtful:  a Southern gentleman, with the greatest manners and a gentleness that was so sweet.  He was generous and humble and never sought to bring attention to himself.  I remember an instance where a dear friend, with four children, decided to give up his career in sales and go into the ministry.  Daddy wanted to help, to the point of purchasing his friend's house in order to free the couple of that financial burden so that they could pursue their calling and dreams.  And another time when their pastor fell into financial strains, and unbeknownst to all, he helped him.  I found out about this from a thank-you letter in Daddy's files, after his death.  Just doing the right thing in the right spirit, without fanfare.  Daddy was one of the last great romantics:  always showering Mother with girly gifts of perfume, flowers, cards...everything women adore...He was a sweetheart of a guy for sure.  He went on in 1999, after a courageous battle with Melanoma that had metastisized.  And I miss him.

Pops was a character, a sweetheart, in his own way, as well.  He had grown up in a large family, one of a bunch of brothers with a lone sister.  They didn't have much, materially speaking; they lived off the land and worked hard to make ends meet.  Their father was stern but loved his brood and taught them to love each other and to make the most of what they had.  Pops, I learned from his sister, was fastidious as a child.  He ironed his own clothes because noone else could do it to his satisfaction.  He came to live with us when he was 59 years old, after the sad illness and death of his wife, John's mother, who succombed to ALS.  During her illness, Pops was her chief caretaker, and he did that well.  He pretty much gave up after her death, losing his zest for life.  All he wanted to do was fish, and he did lots of that after his retirement, until his own health problems precluded him from pursuing this lifelong passion.  It was good for us, for the most part, having him in our home for 23 years.  It was good for him for sure, being around people rather than being alone.  It was good for our children, having a Waltons-like family atmosphere where they learned from him and kept him young with their fun and games and childlike joy and all.  It was difficult, at times, as well; for it's hard for two families to live under the same roof.  I learned lots from him, and I loved him and I miss him.  He was a pretty much self-made man; a good person with a good heart who loved the great outdoors with its wildlife and possibilities for not only hunting and fishing but just enjoying the plants and animals God created.  He had probably more common sense and natural wisdom than anyone I've known.  RIP, Pops. 

My husband:  my John...such a blessing to me and our family and to so many. He is probably the most humble man I know.  He has accomplished much in his life, but you would never know from talking with him or being around him.  He never talks about himself; what he accomplished is "history," according to him and belongs in the past; he talks little, but what he says is worth hearing.  We met in 7th grade, started dating when our parents allowed us to, at age 16; married after our sophomore year in college.  So we truly grew up together; now we are growing older together!  He is very neat, organized, and administratively gifted. He has been a wonderful provider, protector, and friend.  And a great example to our children.  And to hundreds if not thousands of those he taught and coached over his 30 year career at Farragut High School.  More than one has told us that they considered him like a second dad.   He has been there with wise counsel, a great listening ear, honesty, integrity, and Christian values throughout life.   The life of a teacher and coach and Army reservist made his working days long.  But we made the most of the time he did have off and have wonderful memories of summer camping trips, trips to the beach, and many adventures outdoors.  We spent some of our happiest times at the ball parks where we followed his teams and supported his efforts.  He and I are more or less joined at the hip, and we are thoroughly enjoying retirement together...and being parents of adult children, who are our pride and joy, along with our latest blessing:  our little grandson.  It is pure joy for me to watch him with that precious child.  He would be thoroughly embarrassed to hear these comments, as he does not like to be in the limelight.  Although greatly honored, he did not like being front-and-center when the baseball field at FHS was named for him...nor when he was inducted into the Knoxville Sports Hall of Fame...just too much fanfare for a quiet and humble man who would rather just be enjoying his family and golf and fishing or reading.  I love that man so much.

Our son is one of our heroes.  He is smart and funny and very capable.  He has been a stay at home dad since his little son was born 27 months ago.  He is a captain in the Florida Air National Guard and in training now for a new full-time job with that branch of the armed services.  He is a great son...wonderful husband...and the best daddy in the world.  He has gotten his son off to a great start, caring for him with a perfect blend of love and laughter, play, good nutrition, and routine/schedule. He has read to him since day one, and that little guy loves books and reading, the building blocks of education and learning.   Johnny has a special bond with his little boy that is enviable and exemplary.  And he can cook!  His lucky wife has had a lunch packed with love and yumminess everyday...plus a well-planned and prepared meal each night.  Yes, I think he gets the award, don't you?

So...Happy Daddy's Day to each of you dads out there and especially to the four men who are so special to me.  I love you and am so grateful for your lives and contributions to our world...and to my life, personally.  I thank God for each of you.