dad
My dad is not like others. Every Father’s Day, marketing departments try to pigeon-hole dads into three main categories: the fisher, the golfer, and the tie-wearer. My dad may wear a fishing hat, but he doesn’t fish. He doesn’t like golf. And since his retirement, he only wears a tie to weddings and funerals. Even then, it’s usually a clip-on. So I always struggle to figure out what I can get for the man who fits into no one’s mold.
Although he looks as big and burly as a truck driver, he loves going to the theater or afternoon tea.
He knows how to quilt and sew, and he sewed all my dance costumes in high school. In fact, he just made several pillowcase dresses for orphans in Vietnam.
He loves babies and he’s been known to volunteer in the church nursery just so he can get his baby fix.
He coordinates the food pantry at his church: from collecting to bagging to distribution. For those who need food but can’t leave their house, he personally brings the food to them.
He has been all over the world building houses, digging wells, cooking, cleaning, doing whatever needed to be done in Kosovo, Nicaragua, Belize, South Texas, Honduras, Appalachia, and soon, Haiti.
He delivers clothing and supplies to Indian reservations in New Mexico, North Dakota and South Dakota.
If someone’s father is in the hospital, he’s there. When someone’s mother has died, he’s there.
He’s teaching Sunday school every Sunday. And living Sunday school every day.
He’s always seeking knowledge. When new technology or a different idea comes along, he doesn’t immediately scoff at it. He is curious to know more. He keeps an open mind. He asks questions. That is probably why he’s one of the smartest people I’ve ever known.
And somehow, he still manages to be there for me, whether it’s killing a mouse, hanging drywall, or helping me move.
But when you have a dad like mine, you’re presented with a unique problem. You’re so grateful to have someone in your life who you love and admire so much, but you’re so scared of losing him. But no one is on this earth forever, so I try my best to appreciate every moment. I love you, dad. Happy Father’s Day.
June 18th, 2010 at 10:50 am
Tears at my desk Jen. Thaaaanks.
I hope your warned him to bring a Kleenex to the computer when he reads this.
June 18th, 2010 at 11:24 am
Aww! This is a much better gift than a cheesy tie or goofy t-shirt! Way to go Jen. Now my gift looks stupid and cliche.
haha, jk. My dad already bought his gift and we owe him. We have a special relationship. lol
June 18th, 2010 at 1:03 pm
Best Father’s Day gift I’ve had since 1979! I love you,sweet girl. Now I’ve got something in my eye.
June 18th, 2010 at 3:46 pm
June 18th, 2010 at 11:25 pm
He is… the most interesting man in the world.
I just get my dad a gadget or he gets one for himself from me.
I wanted to get him a statue of a fish wearing a tie and playing golf but it doesn’t exists.
June 19th, 2010 at 5:40 pm
Awww, this made me miss my dad! Happy Father’s day, Mr. Maddox!