Since tomorrow really is Father's Day, I'm foregoing Then Sings My Soul Saturday to tell y'all about my daddy. Feel free to go over to Amy's (after reading my post, of course!) to link up or see what uplifting songs are being posted today!
Where do I even start talking about my Daddy? He was one of eight children. He was a farmboy, and they didn't have a whole lot. He spoke German at home growing up, and, if you listen very closely, you can still hear a trace of it every now and then. He told husband that he didn't care very much for Christmas; when he was growing up they were lucky if they got a pair of socks.
My daddy went into the Navy at the end of WWII; he was an airplane mechanic on an aircraft carrier. When he got out of the Navy, he was considering being a pig farmer in Iowa, but his brother talked him into going to college instead. After he graduated, he met my mom at his sister's wedding. Mom said he made some brazen comment to her; but then she agreed to go out with him. He whisked his bride away from family and friends, and they started a family. They bought a house within spittin' distance (well, almost!) of the house I now live. They proceeded to have 8 kids in that little house, then moved to a bigger house the next street over, then had a couple more kids.
My daddy was the disciplinarian of our family. Nobody wanted to sit next to him at supper because he made us eat everything on our plate. There were times when things got too loud and he would smack his hand against the wall, making everybody jump!
My daddy is incredibly intelligent. So intelligent that I had trouble understanding what the heck he was talking about when he tried to help me with Chemistry or math.
My daddy can do anything. From fixing a car, to making furniture, to drawing up blueprints for a house. When husband & I bought our house, it had some standing water in the basement. My daddy figured out what was happening, then went out and dug ditches to lay pipe in so that the water would be routed from the roof to away from the house. He also built the window wells for the house plus redid our hardwood floors. He did this when he was 80 years old.
My daddy is a really good judge of character. I realized this when we had some horrendous neighbors in SC. My daddy knew right away that they were trouble. It took me a little longer to realize just how horrible they were. I saw my daddy in a different light when I figured them out.
My daddy taught me the love of watching sports. We only had 1 tv when I was growing up, so we either had to watch what he wanted or nothing at all. His favorite response when I asked who was playing was "They are". I'm pretty sure he was telling me to be quiet and let him enjoy his game!
My daddy can grow anything. He has a garden every year which saves me trips to the grocery store for tomatoes, cucumbers, lettuce, and kohlrabi. He also has some pretty flowers in his yard.
My daddy had names for all of us girls (The names have been _____ to protect the innocent...or not so innocent!): Skunk, ____-Pie, _____ Baby, _____ Bomb, Bitsy Pie, and Possum. Yes, I was Possum. Not a whole lot of people know that, so don't spread it around, 'kay? All of the boys were "schlockas". Not sure exactly what that means, but that's what they were.
My daddy, being a farm boy and all, never would allow animals in the house. That being said, we have a picture somewhere of my dad, on the couch, petting my sister's cat a long, long time ago. And, when he & mama babysit my sister's dog and my dogs, they are allowed in the house. At least my sister's dog is. I think they play favorites, but I'm not going to go there! :-) I know deep down daddy loves my Jack Russell mix. I don't think he's too fond of my schnauzer, though, since she doesn't act too much like a dog.
I'm very fortunate that I still have my daddy. His mind is still sharp and his body is in good shape. I'm so very glad that God saw me worthy enough to have him as my Daddy! Happy Father's Day, Daddy!
Happy Father's Day also to my Father-in-Law. He watched both husband and me grow up; he has always been there for us. He is the reason husband is such a wonderful husband and father.
Your Dad sounds like one of a kind and you are lucky to still have him.
ReplyDeleteHave a great fathers day with Your Dad and husband!!!
What a beautiful post about your daddy. Sounds like a wonderful man.
ReplyDeleteI hope he has a wonderful Father's Day :)
That was great, Mary.
ReplyDeleteI'm pretty sure "schlockas" was "schlockers" -- which means "s***ters".
How precious is that? Your daddy sounds incredibly awesome and you are truly one blessed lady! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeletexoxo
What a precious post Mary. It was bittersweet I felt my dad beside me as I read about yours. I was such a daddy's girl. This is my first Father's Day without him and I am kind glad we are in the throes of moving...so I don't have to think about it. Hug your dad for me.
ReplyDeleteGreat post about your daddy, Mary. What great memories you have and you still have your dad with you! What a blessing that is! So you still have alot of memories to make! :-)
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing your dad with us! He sounds like an incredible person! I'm so glad he is still doing so well at his age. That is a true blessing!
ReplyDeleteWhat a sweet tribute to your daddy! I love those nicknames! :)
ReplyDeleteAmazing. Simply amazing. You are truly blessed to still have him.
ReplyDeleteI love your daddy, too! He sounds like mine! What a great tribute to him...thanks for sharing him with us...even for a few moments.
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