Legendary Super Hero.
My Dad was a legendary super hero. He was also a single parent. That’s part of what makes him a super hero. Parenting is tough. Single parenting is tougher!
He used to say, “When my ship comes in, with my luck, I’ll be at the airport!” Then he always laughed! (My Mom’s medical bills had undoubtedly taken a toll on the bank account.) In my eyes, my Dad was a rich man. Not from wealth, position, or possessions. Rather, he was rich with integrity and steady resolve.
I knew I was loved. I knew what his values were. He lived his values. He was his values. He was deeply respected in his community.
I also knew things I could count on about him.
- He always straightened up the house before bed.
- He’d be there waiting for me when I got home from school.
- He showed up no matter where I was when I was with my friends. (I liked that.)
- He cared enough to be sure I was safe. (My friends were jealous.)
- He never forgot a holiday.
(Whether Valentines Day, birthday, or whatever holiday…there was always a card and a gift on the kitchen table waiting for me when I came down for breakfast.)
He wasn’t a hugger, and he didn’t speak his love much, but his actions spoke volumes. I felt safe, secure and loved.
I’ve been wondering something lately…
When we read and hear the dogma about what parents should be, should do, should not do, etc., do we lose something precious and important by not rather focusing on and appreciating what our Moms and Dads did well? Does our “idea” of the “ideal” bring us into a continual state of disappointment to the point of dis-honor/anger/ & distance?
What if we step back a bit and take an honest look. If this were someone else’s parent, would we be jealous…as my friends were of me because my Dad was so predictable, available, and “protective”?
“Knowing what we are called to do is a greater blessing than striking it rich.” (Turning Point devo. 8/16/12)
My Dad knew he was called to be a single Dad when my Mom died…and he did it really, really well!
Thanks, Dad! You will always be my super hero. I miss you terribly.
Pam, I think I would have really liked your dad!
And thank you for the encouragement to look at what my parents did right – The wrong stuff shouts so much louder and is easier to see. No doubt it will take some work to come up with a list of good things, but I know it will be effort well spent.
Comment by sfleming
That’s huge, Susan. I know for me, there were things that I wish my Dad and Mom had done differently. But thankfully…God is faithful to help us “tweak” our perspective on the goads (people) he orchestrates in our lives. And kids and their parents are usually top on the list of what needs tweaking for ALL of us, that’s for sure!
Comment by Pam Taylor
Hi Pam,
What a beautiful perspective on your precious Dad. Thanks so much for sharing.
Comment by Kim Avery
He was small in stature, but made up for it with his personality. I think you would have liked him, Kim!
Comment by Pam Taylor
Pam: I am proud to say I knew you and your family before your dear Mother departed. I always saw your family as the ideal. Since I came from a broken home I admired your family dynamics. You were truly blessed with a sweetheart of a Mother and a stable, hard-working Father. May God Bless you and your family my friend.
Comment by Kathleen Accetta
What a beautiful message you have shared here, Kathy! Thank you so much for taking the time to connect here and to share your memories. You were always so kind to me growing up. Thank you for your continued friendship. God bless you bunches! — Pam
Comment by Pam Taylor