Remembering 'Good Old Dad' on Fathers Day
Posted: Tuesday, June 05, 2007
by Jan Hayner
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Why is it that when Mothers Day comes along we tend to 'go all out', spends hours looking for that special gift, read over countless cards and look for ways of making the day Extra special, but we really don't put forth the same effort for 'Good Old Dad'?
Probably because in a lot of ways we are all closer to our moms, she has always 'been there' while Dad has been at work, trying to feed us, keep a roof over our heads and see to it that we had jackets in the winter so we didn't freeze.
My Dad passed away when I was only nine years old, and I missed him a lot through the years of growing up. There was my Grandpa and some Uncles that all did there share as far as seeing to it that I walked the straight and narrow and they all did a great job, but no one can take a Dad's place no matter what they do or how much they care.
I will admit that even though they all may not have taken his place as being 'Dad', they all have a special place in my heart and I admire and thank each and everyone of them; they are all second on the list and the best roll models that I ever could have had. They are all gone now, and even though it is lonesome without them, I know have another 'Dad", my father-in-law, another man that deserves respect and is the kindest heart of any person you would ever want to meet.
So what do you get or do for a person like this? He doesn't ask for anything and basically, he doesn't need anything; but he deserves a lot?
This man has fixed more bikes and broken parts on toys, hung a ton of curtain rods, he has helped paint, remodel his kid's apartments and homes, and managed to slip an extra dollar in your pocket from time to time. He even managed to keep his temper (down to a low roar), when everyone knew what he really wanted to do and smiled at you when you knew that you had disappointed him. He always had time for you even when you knew that he would rather be doing something else.
Well, this year, and not just because a day of the year is set aside just to honor him, I have decided to make him of a list of everything that he has done for his kids, grandkids and his daughter-in-laws. This is going to be one gigantic list, but every word is going to be filled with the love and admiration this man deserves.
I hope that as time goes on and some days do not seem as happy or as easy to get through as they used to, he will pull out his list and remember why we love him as we do.
Not for the man he was, not for the person he is now, not because he is the head of the family but because he is "DAD" and has a special place in our hearts.
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Top-level comments on this article: (4 total)Wonderful story Jan, your father in-law sounds like a great dad.
Jan, that is a lovely idea for a father's day present and I am certain that he will love it! It's unique, personal, very special and made with love. Thanks for giving us a glimpse of your wonderful father-in-law.
Jan, I think your father-in-law will be deeply touched, what a loving tribute for him! Thanks for sharing your loving article!
What a wonderful gift to your dad-in-law. I'm sure there will be some "remember when" stories when you read your list. He will be honored, I'm sure.
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