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.
BTTT
What a beautiful tribute! You are so blessed to have such a father.
Prayers for a peaceful and easy passing for your dad.
May your father’s soul rest in peace. Prayers for your family in this time of sorrow.
R
I told him I love him. He told me he loves me.
...............................................
Praying for your father and everyone that loves him.
Rodney Crowell - “Things I Wish I’d Said”. Beautiful song on the death of his father.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=81Kv3f_dJsM
Jeff, I’ll be praying for you and your family. I’m so sorry for your loss.
How blessed you are to have him this long.
Lost mine when I was 4.
Give him an extra hug for me.
Prayers for him and for you also.
Thanks.
May your father RIP. God bless your family. May God give special blessings to the caregivers.
And you are right, it sounds like a beautiful death. Surounded by your family, in prayer with God......it brings tears to my eyes.
Anyone can be a father but it takes a special someone to be a “daddy.” May YOUR daddy rest in peace and may all those memories sustain you.
Thanks and prayers for all.
God bless you all. It sounds as if your father was a wonderful man and he will live on in you and your family.
Jeff, you have our deepest condolences and prayers.
That was a beautiful tribute to your father. I’m sure he felt much joy in his heart hearing it, knowing that he made such an impact on the world. Your dad was the type of dad that every kid in America needs. Think what kind of country this would be if everyone in America had such a father. Prayers for you and your family as you cope with his loss. I’m sure he is in heaven now smiling down on you.
My thoughts, prayers & condolences go out to you and your family during this time of sadness in your lives. May God bless you & your family.
I pray that Jesus will bless you and your family at this difficult time.
!!!WHAM!!!!
WHAT A WONDERFUL LEGACY.
God’s best comfort and mercy to all concerned.
Prayers up to you Jeff. Thank you for sharing your good father and family with us.
You two can share some great stories - you have that chance. Prayers for Mr. C.
Sounds like your Dad had a blessed passing...
Alert, in prayer in the bosom of his family.
I’m very sorry for your loss but your Dad woke up in heaven...
Sorrow but room for joy too...in time.
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