I love looking at old pics, there are some great shots and reminds me of a time so carefree, being a kid with not a worry in the world. I remember this house, and those sweaters, great times. I think about all that my parents have done for me since this picture but most of all, the part that they played in making me who I am the influence they have had on my children. I feel blessed.
So ... I thought I would write a piece dedicated to my dear old dad or to the Afi of my kids. ( Afi is Icelandic for grandfather). I want to thank you. For everything. Without your voice we would never have learned the words to "Oh My Darlin' Clementine" We would never have learned about the stars and constellations when star-gazing in the field at night. (one of my faves) We wouldn't know what a Red-Headed Wood-pecker was, Or any of the other hundreds of birds you taught us about. We wouldn't have heard you whistle the different bird calls or whistle a lovely tune. (we never would have learned how to whistle) We wouldn't have known what the different cattle or the different crops were as we drove along on our Sunday drives. (Now I can tell me kids the difference between canola and oats) I'm pretty sure I wouldn't know how to Rake or haul hay, haul wood or cut down trees. (glad I don't have to any more) I'm pretty sure I wouldn't have learned about the lessons of caring about those less fortunate, and why we always had strangers at our dinner table, (because it was a nice thing to so) We wouldn't know what it would mean to be accepting, non-judgmental and more importantly selfless. We wouldn't have had the opportunity to understand with his guidance, the importance of integrity, truth and a kind word. We wouldn't have understood the importance of the dollar, how much work it takes to make it. We wouldn't have understood the meaning of what a father does to support his family. We wouldn't have undedrstood the true meaning of hard work and perseverance. We wouldn't know the difference between a catfish and a pickerel, a hornet and a bee, a chickadee and a swallow, an education or none at all. Now, if I would have listened a little more closely over the years, I realize in retrospect, that I could have saved myself a ton o'misery and bad choices. If I just had opened my ears. But as far as that goes, age helps us listen more closely, pay attention to those subtle clues. Let me just say that some of the things my dear old dad picked up on, may have been true. I now have many stories that we laugh about today, mostly about the dating years, it was great fodder for bugging dad to be sure. Every guy my sister and I knew were afraid to drop us off at the door, my dad had a 'Thunderous Thor' reputation, half the time they dropped us off at the end of the driveway and drove off like a bat out of hell. Even if I had wanted to stay out later than my curfew, my friends were like, 'No Way, You're going home!' Recently when bugging him about one event or the other, perhaps about the 'one that got away', he said "Every dad wants to protect his daughters.' Who can argue with that? Truthfully, I wish he would have scared off a choice few more diligently, oh well, a daughter has to learn to fight her own fights too. I love that my dad taught both me and my own children these same things and I know that I have touched on them in some of my other blogs but sometimes, it's important to say them again. My dad, worked really hard, cared for his family, survived the trials and tribulations of life, love and tragedy and he is amazing. I don't tell him enough. He loves his kids and his grandchildren, and is a wonderful husband. He cares about others in his community, his extended family and friends, he is loyal as the day is long. He wouldn't hurt a flee, but could tell us the scientific name for it. He is full of knowledge from books, from teaching, from life, and I feel grateful to have learned so much from this man. He is the most humble man with a huge heart and I am so lucky that he is my dad.
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CharisOnLifeLet me not be judged by what I have and have not accomplished but by the remarkable children I have raised. Mother, Business Consultant, Entrepreneur, Designer, Artist. You are your best billboard! Create the lifestyle you want by putting in some effort, make sure your best foot is forward, have discriminating taste, financial smarts, plan your lifestyle! This Lifestyle blog has lifestyle and product recommendations, coaching and services.
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