With Father's day last Sunday, I thought I would spend some time on the single-most male influence in one's life.
I realize there are exceptions to the above comment but whether you are male or female, young or old, Dad is intended to be the head of the household. He is usually the disciplinarian, although in my childhood home, my Mother definitely was. I always thought that maybe Dad was just soft to the girls (there were six of us) but now that I'm a parent, I realize that Mom was actually "in charge" and thus he was more in a supportive role.
Dads (when I was a kid) were respectfully feared and were usually the only working parent. They were the sole source of income and, at least in my family, the 'soft' parent. But whether it was waaaaaay back then (as my kids would say) or recently, the fact remains. you wouldn't be here without your Dad.
I have to thank my Dad AND Mom for teaching me manners, love, compassion, respect, morals, patience, kindness and getting along with others. To be a good role model. To co-operate with others. To appreciate the little things in life - a smile, a hug, a PHONE CALL. The importance of a great friendship. Treating others the way I would like to be treated. How to hunt and fish (which allows me to beat John every fishing season), along with the love of nature and the great outdoors and respect and enjoyment of wildlife. I was also blessed with athletic parents who made sure their kids were always involved in something, along with learning the love and hate of playing and watching sports. I only hope I can live up to their standards and show these values to my children (which allows Nigel to be able to beat me at fishing every once and awhile).
I decided to go check out social media around Father's Day and I picked up some great sayings that I thought I would share with you.
- A Dad isn't defined as the man who makes the child, but rather the man who extends his hands and time to help with the child's raising and his heart to love the child through anything! BLOOD doesn't always make you a DAD. Being a DAD comes from the heart.
- Happy Father's Day to my Dad. A man I look up to, respect and am thankful for life's lessons taught to me. Love you Dad.
- What we'd give if we could say, "Hello, Dad", in the same old way. To hear your voice and see your smile. To sit with you and chat awhile. So if your Dad is still on earth. Cherish him with care. For you'll never know the heartache. Till you see his vacant chair.
- My Father gave me the best gifts that any child could have ever wished for. He truly loved me, he taught me and most importantly, he believed in Me!
Now on a personal note, the last saying pertains to my Father as Sunday, June 16, 2013 - yes Father's Day - the Almighty Father joined my parents in heaven and gained another angel. Love you Dad!
- Although you are no longer with me, I want you to know how much I loved you and how lucky I was that you were in my life. I want you to know that even though you are no longer with me, I am thinking of you and will miss you always. You were the greatest Dad in the world and I will always love you. Thank you for being my Dad!
Maxine's saying: If each day is a gift, I'd like to know where to return Mondays.
Pet Peeve of the Week: Although I've had many suggestions over the last month from the city being overrun by dandelions to skateboarders to bicycle riders, I have to pick my own. With the loss of my Father, my pet peeve is the lack of compassionate, loving care workers in our long term facilities. As in any profession, there are some people that just shouldn't be in that line of work and my only hope is that when they are in need of that kind of care, that the roles are not reversed. Maybe that's just melet me know what you think!
