Saturday, June 20

Memories of Dad

This picture was taken the first time our family ever got to go anywhere on a day trip. I was six years old, which made my brother ten and my sister four. I remember this trip well. We went to Niagara Falls. What a wondrous sight for kids. We were in awe of the amount of water pouring over the precipice of the Niagara River. The Whirlpool Rapids was one of the highlights of our day, as was the Floral Clock.

There are few photos of Dad and it's very rare that there are any with us kids. This is one of two that I borrowed from Mom and had copies made.

Dad taught us many things. As we grew older, he taught us to hunt to supplement the family table. Rabbits and squirrels were normal fare during the winter months. I remember hunting cottontails when the full moon shining on the snow made it almost as bright as day. It was harder to hunt rabbits when the moon was full, but oh, I remember it being so pretty with the Northern Lights dancing on the snow on darker nights

Dad had one rule I will never forget and I've told Brandon that he must learn to do these things before he drives a car. We had to know how to change a tire, put gasoline in the tank and change the oil. He also taught us how to check fluid levels and listen for noises that would indicate there was something wrong. I'll never forget how he dressed me down when a wheel bearing seized on my car, but I never did forget that sound.

Dad taught all of us kids to drive. There were no driving schools back then and we drove tractors from a young age, but he was the one who taught us to drive on the road. He took me for my driving test and was so proud when I got my license on the first try.

Dad taught us we had to be honest, clean, kind and compassionate. He taught us a good work ethic and how to do hard physical labor. He said it didn't matter what kind of work you did, as long as it was honest.

Dad passed away in August 1981. There are many times even now when I would love to seek his advice. He worked hard to provide for his family for very little pay. We often had only the bare necessities, but our home was filled with love.

15 comments:

  1. Mary, your dad sounds like he was a lovely man :-)

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  2. Your dad sounds much like my grandpa was... a wonderful man. And even though they seemed rough around the edges and didn't say i love you and cry....they did love and they love deeply.

    Loved this post.....loved it. Reminded me of my grandparents and I needed that today.

    Love, Jess

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  3. Sounds like you had a wonderful dad. Thanks for sharing your memories.

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  4. Sounds like your dad taught you some valuable lessons.

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  5. Thanks for sharing your memories of your Dad. He sounds a lot like mine! Hard working! Whew! But honest and good.
    hugs Grams

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  6. I like reading your family memoirs. Times sure have changed, but love is still the most important ingredient in successful family life.

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  7. Fathers ....... We call them Dad and Papa..... and many other names I am sure..... one thing, they have the awesome responsibility of raising children and providing for their well being........ Sounds like your Dad did just that and instilled in you values that remain to this day............ God blessed you with a wonderful earthly Father......

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  8. Mary, this is a great tribute to your Dad. He sounds a lot like my Dad.

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  9. Aw, that's sweet. Have a good weekend.

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  10. As usual, when you take it upon yourself to write a tribute post to a family member, I always come away feeling as if I had known that person myself.
    Great post on a wonderful subject.
    Peace, my friend.

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  11. What great memories.He sounds like a great man to look up to.
    I am glad you had such a great person in your life growing up.

    We are still on the road but was checking in to see what was going on....thanks for stopping by....miss you too. I have been doing a whole lot less blogging.....but it is nice to hear from you....love ya girl...and when He brings you to mind...we talk about you. :)

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  12. What heart warm story to share on Fathers Day.

    Coffee is on.

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  13. Dad's are so awesome!!

    love you
    Deena

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  14. Such a beautiful and heartwarming tribute to your dad for Father's Day. Mary, that picture is absolutely precious!! My dad taught my two older brothers how to drive but for some reason he never taught me. As for the two youngest boys, he was gone before they were of age to drive. I think your dad was very smart to make sure you all knew how to take care of a car before you could drive it!!

    One of the first trips I remember taking with my parents as a child was to Santa's Village in Bracebridge. I have movies of that on 8mm film...which reminds me, I need to check out how much it would cost to have them all put onto cds!! xoxo

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