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Posted on 06/27/2007 7:59:44 PM PDT by Jeff Chandler
Lessons.
The most enduring memories I have of my father are the lessons he taught me. He taught me little things. Like how to tie my shoes when I was four. Or the time when I was around five, and he noticed that when I washed my hands, it was a matter of splashing them with a little cold water, then moving on. He showed me how to adjust the water temperature and scrub thoroughly with soap. Then there was the time when I was about ten when he saw that I handled money by crunching bills in my pocket. He showed me how to stack the bills neatly in my wallet, all facing the same direction and in descending denominations. Little life lessons. Hundreds of them over the years.
Dad taught me more important things, too. He taught me, through his example, how to be a man. How to stand up to his obligations. He was married to a woman for more than 50 years-a daunting task for any man. And Mom was a feisty woman! But he took good care of Mom and never stepped out on her. They loved each other deeply and devoted themselves to their children.
Dad taught me through his example how a man should work for a living. He held down a full-time job and ran a sideline business for many years. I started out life as a lazy, whiny little boy and ended up a hard working man. I learned how from my Dad.
Dad taught me how to be father. He was involved in our lives, but never heavy-handed with his discipline. He drove us to sports, to scouts, took us to Dodger games, coached Pop Warner football, went dirt bike riding with us. He was like a father to our friends, whose own fathers didn't always do those things with them.
A father's job never ends. When I told him that I was sorry to hear about the cancer, his reply was, "So was I!" (did I mention that Dad taught us sarcasm?) When I told him that I was sorry he had to go through this, he said in a weak voice, "I've been lucky my whole life. I was married for 50 years. I survived the war. I guess it was going to turn eventually." I told him I love him. He told me he loves me. He is teaching us about dignity and grace, and gratitude for life's blessings.
One final lesson.
You have the comfort of knowing your father rests in God’s peace and also have the blessing of the wisdom of your 3 yo grandson.
Thank you for sharing your tribute to your father and the details of his love-filled last moments on earth.
Pegita
My prayers turn to you and all the family as your deal with your beloved father’s homegoing. May God grant all of you His peace, blessing and guidance.
God be with your family. Your Father has to be very proud of you — he raised a fine son!
Oh dear Jeff, I am so sorry you lost not only your dad but a beloved mentor & friend., No matter how sure you are of the “new home” you cant help but miss them home on the farm. Prayers for peace & strength in the days ahead.
thank you for sharing your story with us and God keep you i his love.
“Dad taught me how to be father. He was involved in our lives, but never heavy-handed with his discipline. He drove us to sports, to scouts, took us to Dodger games, coached Pop Warner football, went dirt bike riding with us. He was like a father to our friends, whose own fathers didn’t always do those things with them.”
Your dad and mine are in Heaven with the Lord. Your dad sounds like a carbon copy of mine. I hope they meet one day!
sjb
I don’t know you Jeff but sorry to hear about your dad. He sounds like the kind of man we need more of in America. God bless him. Your writings do him well.
Jeff,
It is a lovely thing to be with your parent when he passes from this life into Glory. I was able to be with both of my folks when their time came. Be of good cheer. He is the best you could ever imagine, happy, whole, joy filled, and with those he loved who have gone on before.
I find that when I am missing one of my folks it helps if I ask Jesus to give them a hug for me. Blessings on you.
Precious and blessed. God be with you and yours in this time. I know how much it hurts .. I’m struck and in tears at how beautifully you did this, Jeff. He’s your angel in God’s peaceful heaven.
(((HUGS))) to you as you remember your fine father...
I too am sad your Daddy is gone...
I will be thankful along with you though, that you will be together again...
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Prayers for your father and your family.
prayer bump
Please post your replies to Jeff Chandler
Please know that I am praying. May God provide guidance and comfort as needed.
Blessings,
trussell
If you want on/off my prayer ping list, please let me know. All requests happily honored.
My heartfelt condolences to you and your family as you let go of a man who gave you all a tremendous heritage.
Dear Jeff,
What a beautiful tribute to your father, and how lucky you are as a son!
May God bless your father, you, and indeed all your family and friends as you face this final chapter in his life. May God grant you all peace, comfort and strength as your father makes his journey homeward...
Dear Jeff,
I should have continued reading further down the thread...
I’m so sorry for your loss. What a gift that you were able to read this to him. May your father rest in peace — and may God hold you all close during your time of grief.
Sincerely,
LR
BTTT
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