What is missing here is my Father............. The house where he grew up, the hat he wore, one of the canes he used and a few watches. He got one of the watches from his dad as I recall. His parents lived in this house most all of their married life. My grandfather was blind in his later years and his cane was white with a red tip on it. He would walk from the front door to the barnyard across the street but he had to cross a road that was a highway. I remember many trips to this house when I was a boy. Dad would go to visit but to help. He put a roof on this house for them. He was always there to help them. He was the one son that probably worked the hardest to help out and it was noticed not only by his parents but by his brothers and sisters who were glad that he did it but a little concerned that he just stood out doing it.
Dad loved my mother. I remember over the years hearing from our church leaders that the greatest thing a man can do for his children is to love their mother. My dad taught us that. I didn't have to learn it from the church leaders.
I have had the good fortune to have spent time with my sons as young adults. I had left our home and had gotten married by the time I was 20. I didn't spend the time with my dad that my own sons spent with me as young adults.
A lot of what I learned from my dad was through his example. He was not a complainer. He cared about his family and for him that extended to cousins and their families. He had a lot of things that were important value.
I think he is proud of me and that is important. I also know that he might see the closeness I have been blessed with in my own sons lives so far and he would have wished that for us as I do wish it.
