June 21, 2009

Happy Fathers Day

Happy Fathers Day to all the Dads out there. I was blessed with a wonderful Daddy. He spoiled me rotten and gave me anything I ever wanted -- lol -- yep -- I was a spoiled rotten little brat -- a redhaired, baby of the family, spoiled brat.
My Dad was an awesome man. My husband tells me to this day that my Dad was and still is such an inspiration to him. You see, my Daddy was injured when I was just a tot. He was paralyzed from the waist down and couldn't walk. He went thru many, many surgeries. He told the dr. he would not go home to his kids if he couldn't walk. He finally did. It was a miracle!!! Then when I was in junior high, he was helping my brother work on his car and the jack gave way and the car fell on him, crushing his skull. It was a horrible thing. Daddy survived this too.
My Daddy did walk by the aid of crutches and braces on both legs. He endured pain his entire life and had many, many health issues. Once he was able to work again, he supported our family by delivering newspapers. Then when his health improved a bit more, he opened up a TV shop. Do any of you remember when the TV repairman would come to your home and repair the TV? Today, we just throw them away and buy a new one. The picture below is an old one. It is Daddy standing by his TV van. This is how I choose to remember my Daddy. He was happy and never complained about his pain. He loved his kids and loved those grandkids. He always was picking at them. He was an awesome, awesome man and an inspiration for all mankind. He never, never let his suffering get in the way of providing for his family. He could have just taken disability and not worked, but he would not allow himself to do that. He persevered and I have so much respect for him.
His last days on earth were not good ones, but I choose to remember the good days. He is now living with his Heavenly Father. I know that I will see him again one day. He will not be wearing those braces and will not be on crutches. I'm going to challenge him to a foot race!!! Daddy, I miss you so much and have so many things to say to you and share with you. I have never stopped loving you and I'll see you in Heaven.


8 comments:

Rhonda said...

Great post Kathy. Dads are very special. I so happy you have great memories of him. I posted about mine as well.

Pat said...

What a very nice post, Kathy. (My hubby was a TV repairman just before he went into the Air Force many years ago....so I recall it well.)

Kim Walus said...

What a wonderful and touching story about your Dad! I loved it and it made me reflect and the influence father's can have on their children. I was blessed with a wonderful father and husband. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.

Teresa said...

That's a wonderful story - your dad sounds like a wonderful man who would be an inspiration to anyone.

Marla said...

Thanks so much for taking the time to share him with us.

StitchinByTheLake said...

What a wonderful post Kathy. We never stop missing them... blessings, marlene

Quilter Kathy said...

What a heart warming post about your Dad...he is an inspiration!

Monica at Buttoncounter said...

I love this story of your dad. It reminds me of my grandfather. Since I was the oldest grandchild, I remember quite a bit from his 'younger' days. His youngest child was only 6 when I was born, so he really was like a father figure to me. He also did T.V. sales and repair service through his business 'Schaan's Electronics and Appliances' Even though he was born without his right hand, he received his bachelors degree in Electrical Engineering. No one believed that he could do all of that with one hand. I miss him about as much as you miss your dad. Big hugs to you, Love, Monica