Happy Father's Day

Today was Father's Day. My father is no longer with us, so it was not necessarily a day of celebration. But I cannot let the day go by without saying something about the man that was my father.

My dad never finished high school. He left school to help his family by working in order to support them. His own father was very ill, and his brother was in the navy. That left just him to bring in the money and sustain the family. But, he was probably the smartest man I've ever known. He was smart about life. He had common sense. He was strong and kind and proud. He never liked to ask anyone to do anything for him, as he always said that if you want something done right, just do it yourself. I must admit that I subscribe to the same thinking myself. The thing that I liked best about my dad was that he never spoke a harsh or hateful word. He supported me no matter what I decided to do, even if he didn't agree with some of my decisions. He always said, "I just want you to be happy". I loved him for that. He taught me right from wrong, and how to treat others with respect and courtesy.

He worked very hard at his job as a laborer and a supervisor of the mechanics at the plant. He had wanted to be a police officer, but at that time, many of our military men and women were returning from WWII, and they got those types of jobs firt.

He never missed a day of work, even when he was sick. It didn't matter to him if I woke him up out of a sound sleep to to tell that I had had a bad dream. He never got mad even though he had to wake up at 4 am to go to work. When I got a C in chemistry, he understood how hard it was for me and just let it go. There were no lectures or punishments. Just understanding. When I told him that I was going to give him his first grandchild, he was so happy. He was always there for me when I needed him right up to the very end. When he finally told me that it was time for him to leave this earth, it was very hard. As much as I wanted and needed him to stay a little longer, I knew that it was my time to give back to him all that he had given to me. Despite my sorrow, I let him go to heaven where so many of those who loved him were there to meet him once again. I knew he would be happy there. It was the right thing to do. I miss his stories and his silly jokes. I miss his love. I miss talking about the weather and politics and war stories. But I know that he is in a better place with his family where he wanted to be. He had watched so many of them pass away, and he must have longed for them having been the youngist in the family.He always promised me not to worry because "you have a back up" as he would say.
It meant so much more than just money, it was knowing that I was never alone in the world. I'll burn a candle for him tonight. I miss you, Dad. Happy Father's Day in Heaven. I love you......... Susan