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.
So glad he kept after you with your writing. What a lovely tribute to a fine man.
I'm thankful for lots of things he kept after me about, Nancy.
I was a, um—challenging adolescent. He never gave up.
What a beautiful tribute. Thank you, Sheila.
I loved this story about your dad, and how you stated: "Mom was the heartbeat of our family. But Dad was, is, will always be, our backbone."
I can't remember my Dad ever showing up at my school events, but he was there at my church performances at Christmas and Easter. Dad's often sluff off the fact that they DID have a part in raising us. I enjoyed the mention of the times he went beyond the call of duty to make certain you were taken care of properly.
Diana,
It is truly my privilege. Thanks for reading.
Hazel,
Thanks.
My dad came to my concerts, my plays, athletic events, everything he could.
He's a tremendous blessing to me–and my siblings, and our children.
This one brought tears to my eyes. Your description of your dad is obviously written by a very loving daughter.
:::Passing the Kleenex:::
Aww, Red. Precious words from an awesome dad. Thanks.
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. 🙂