It began when I was a toddler. Visiting friends, I discovered an old razor blade, rusted beyond purpose, and being a toddler, I put it in my mouth and bit.
My father reassembled all the fragments of crumbling metal, toiling with tweezers, to ensure that I hadn’t swallowed a single sliver.
“No, Daddy.”
“Is anyone else hurt?”
“No.”
“Okay, then. Call Mike at State Farm.”
As an adult I learned that some people struggle to see God as a loving Father, as they have no human reflection of that image. My dad showed me mercy and justice, forgiveness and discipline, and love.
Always and unconditionally, he offered love. He still does.
Watching him, I realized:
Mom was the heartbeat of our family. But Dad was, is, will always be, our backbone.
Sheila,
This is a most tender tribute to a man who fathered a beautiful woman: YOU.
Your attention to detail here has painted an evocative portrait of a man who helped shape you. Such love expressed here through these details — Dad with tweezers, and Dad driving so far to get that baby you so desired.
Beautiful, my friend.
Jennifer,
Thank you. Dad and I locked horns a lot when I was younger…too much alike for our own good, I think.
But I never, ever, doubted that he loved me.
He's my hero.
I just came over via Jennifer's site… I love this post! You captured your dad so beautifully, and his story reminds me so much of my own dad's. As you said, mom was the heartbeat, but dad was always the backbone… Beautiful writing!
Thanks, Pam! I'm so glad you came by…and I'm glad you had a father who was a backbone.
Oh. I really love your dad. And you, his daughter.
Brandee,
You have excellent taste in Dads. 🙂
Love to you, Friend.
Oh my word! I am rejoicing that "Red" logged in and left that comment!
What an awesome dad you have, Sheila. This is a fantastic tribute, and I would be honored to shake Red's hand someday.
Ann,
Red is a dear friend. We were band parents together when our kids were in HS. His son and my daughter dated for some time.
Well….so I was confused, but charmed. Thank you for clarifying. 🙂
You're welcome, Ann.
I know Dad came by, because he asked me to email him the image file. 🙂