Our Fathers who art in Heaven, and what they continue to teach us
Gerry Murak
WAIH

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Inspiring Read ... Recommended ... 4 stars

"Our Fathers who art in Heaven and what they continue to teach us" is a work of 192 pages ‘devoted to fathers who have passed on lessons in life and leadership that many further generations can learn from for years to come.’ The publication comprises some forty four memorial sketches offered by children who want to commemorate their own father in a very distinctive fashion. Attitude, Integrity, Memories, Determination, Compassion, Wisdom, Inspiration, Character, Nature and Courage are illustrated by vignettes titled ‘Ya gotta Wanna,’ ‘Looking Over My Shoulder,’ ‘’Reel Event,’ and ‘Coming Up Roses.’ I especially enjoyed the section dealing with Compassion wherein Thomas Edward introduces us to Sergeant Muzzy, USMC. Muzzy was orphaned and raised by older siblings during the depression when he would come home after high school football practice and find a cold boiled potato for supper … maybe. Muzzy was an enterprising Mess Corporal when he realized that he could barter souvenirs to the Navy for food stuffs to serve his men during WWII. He watched the surrender signing on the USS Missouri, mustered out after six years and began fitting into the civilian world. When his son announced he would follow family tradition during the Vietnam conflict and join the Corps Thomas Edward was a bit surprised at his father’s reaction. ‘Like hell you will. I fought six years in WWII so you would not have to go.’ On the anniversary of his death Thomas Edward had a Mass said for his father, and as it turned out a Marine chaplain friend of their pastor filled in for the vacationing priest. This touching four page read is Thomas Edward’s way to do something he always wanted to do: ‘I always wanted to say, but never had the courage or grit, "Dad, I love you, Sarge." It is a loving tribute.

Gerry Murak, founder of Murak and Associates, LLC, management consultant, executive coach and author, has collected forty-four anecdotes garnered from people dwelling in several countries and enumerating lessons they learned from their fathers. Whether in the home or not; each of us learn life skills from the man we know as ‘daddy.’ The instruction we receive may be something our father consciously set out to teach us, it may be something we picked up from day to day observation of our parent, it may be from particular memories we cherish of the days when we were together. Each two to five page narrative presents one person’s touching reminiscence of an individual father and explicates the good example he taught and continues to teach despite his current physical absence.

Trim and thoughtfully wrought, "Our Fathers who art in Heaven and what they continue to teach us" commemorates lives of fathers far and near. In addition; profits from direct sales of the work will help fund Our Fathers Who Art In Heaven Foundation. The Foundation is a source of motivation for those who have lost their fathers, or are facing formidable tasks in being a father.

With additional chronicles titled ‘Patience By Example,’ ‘Old Spice,’ Consider and Respect Others First,’ ‘My Greatest Teacher, ‘Family Trees,’ and ‘My own Unexpected Party’ there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The book ends with brief descriptions of the contributing authors, an explanation of what the series is all about and even a ‘Submit Your Stories’ for future collections.

Individual vignettes are well written, gratifying reading and brief enough to read through promptly as you wait for the train to pass, the dentist to summon, or your child to make his appearance following a late band practice. Nice addition for the home pleasure reading library, the therapist’s reading shelf and the home school curriculum.

Enjoyed the read, and feel inspired to submit an episode regarding my own dad for future works. Happy to recommend.