FOR FATHER'S DAY

As I sit here listening to old hymns, played in country style, I am reminded of how much I miss my father. His kindness, humor, sensitivity, and his music.

He had a wonderful talent for country music, and played the guitar with ease. He sang, and after extended begging, yodeled occasionally for us. At that time, I did not know my mother didn’t care for country music. Oh to hear him play those tunes again! He also played the harmonica and the electric guitar Hawaiian style. I watched as he moved the metal bar up and down the frets making such magical sounds. We children wanted him to play on and on.

My father was a country boy stuck in Detroit. My aunt said that on summer evenings he would come to her house, sit on the porch, play his guitar and sing. The whole family came outside to enjoy his music.

There are many questions I wish I had asked. Questions about his boyhood, his youth, his dreams and goals. Questions about his World War II experiences. How he met my mother.

Sometimes I wish I could time travel, see him and ask my adult questions. It is a shame that my younger self wasn’t that interested or curious. When you are young, you think nothing is ever going to change. It does! 

I’ve learned that if you want to know something, you have to ask. When you take the time and have the interest to ask, oh the joy! You create connections of caring.

He and I had a special relationship, I was his only daughter. We shared a sense of humor, and a delight in reading. We enjoyed being together. It was hilarious to play board or card games with him. He cheated so badly, and we laughed ‘til we cried. I can still hear his laugh.

He did not put pen to paper often, in my whole life I received one card and one letter from him. They are treasures I love.

If you still have your father, it is a great time to let him know how much he is loved.

Happy Father's Day