A Father's Example on Commitment
My father and I were never that close, but that was more a matter of circumstance than design. On this Father's Day, it is nice to sit and reflect on his half of the genes that make up the personality that I am.
Perhaps the hallmark of my father's life was his commitment to it. Commitment to God. Commitment to Mom. Commitment to family. Commitment to customers. Commitment to community.
I never had the impression that he grew up with a silver spoon in his mouth. I know nothing like that was handed down to us four sons. He was and remains a man who knows how to put in a full, hard days work -- and frankly has to be told when to quit, much like me. He was always one who hated to see a job go undone, even if it was not his own.
In recent memory, I recall the effort he put into a so-called vacation, when he strapped a refrigerator to the back of a camper, and along with Mom -- drove it more than 700 miles to bring it to me and my family after ours was stolen. Then, to top all that, he paid for and helped installed the only insulation in the roof at the small, rented house where we lived.
He was never one to believe much in resting -- always compulsive, always willing to go the extra mile, to take time with this person or that. Driven! Tireless! And even now approaching 80, there are rare hints that he would be slowing down.
Perhaps what got my dad through all the tough times and long hours of life was his endless sense of humor. Sometimes it was a bit overbearing, but it was exciting to watch him encourage the children to drink their milk, cause "milk makes muscles." He also became a bit of a health nut, with strong preferences to seeing us eat fruits and salads, rather than the greasy stuff most people eat. Sugar was taboo!
I think what I appreciate most -- is that I had a Dad who cared enough to do the very best for his family. He was not a romantic, but he was a dedicated provider. He loved to do for us. And, while he and Mom fussed out many a spat over just how exactly things should be done, they stuck by each other for something that now has passed 56 years of marriage.
While other families and relationships crumbled and fell all around us, it was always reassuring to know our mom and dad were there, always together, always working it out. I failed a lot of other lessons, but sticking it out, in good humor, and working hard -- are probably the top legacies that I owe my father not only on Father's Day -- but every day! And the best thing is that my dad had a mind to live and teach about our Heavenly Father. Thanks, dad, and thank you, Lord, -- HartKeeper
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The HartKeeper 
