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Dads
and Memories
Usually you would find something witty (hopefully) here by way of
something we all have experienced - the things we want to do or don’t
want to do. As women we tend to be a lot more
alike than most men can handle or even understand. Men could not
handle what we women do any more than we
can do or want to do some of
what they do. Ever notice men say we women remember
everything? Memories, we are good at that!
We are truly blessed to have those who were in our lives safely
tucked away in our hearts for safe keeping. They are never really gone
from us that way. Those memories of the
past will share that space for memories inside us all. Share the
stories and
memories of those people and happenings in past days.
Share what you know with everyone. Leave your mark - that special place
someone else will carry in their minds
and hearts. We carry so much in our delicate frames and sharing
the weight that is memories helps.
I carry a lifetime of memories. I carry those of all who came before me
and many I
never knew personally. My mind is full and my heart is full but
there is always room for more. In fact, with
my size, not being at all thin, I could carry a whole lot more!
I’ll skip that Tankini for Summer this year, bring on more memories to
share! I’ll use it as my next excuse not to diet. I don’t want to
squeeze them into a tiny body. I’ll stay fluffy, thank you very
much! Get it? Memories really weigh very little.
Those that are
too heavy to bear alone, when shared become only a tad heavier than the
good ones. What’s your excuse not to share your memories
now? Share
your memories and your heart. Share
yourself. Remember to share your elders too!
Father's Day in our family is a much bigger deal than most because I
had three dads. With my half siblings or adopted siblings there
are even more but I will just stick to the ones that meant the most to
me. I loved them all! Each of my dads taught me something that makes me
a whole lot better person than they were and that is the goal of every
father: To see his kids grow, become good workers, responsible people,
and understanding parents.
Dad #1 taught me fishing, cooking, and a craft all Native
Americans should know! He was not at all NA, but mom's side of
the family is! He taught me to tell the people I love that I do!
Dad #2 taught me to be responsible, wise with money, and how never to
raise my kids like he did. He also taught me not to get into
drinking and drugging to the point I might say or do something to break
the spirit of an innocent. He taught me to listen to all people
young and old for they too have a story to tell!
Dad #3 taught me I was "all that and a bag of chips!" He
was my friend and then friend to my and my sister's kids, and then
theirs. We taught him what having a family was all about and he
taught us how to appreciate it since he never had one before us!
I taught him to write and read and we all played school teacher for
him. He had a hard life but he tried hard for that not to repeat
itself on mom and us kids! There were so many good things about
him that the not so good things didn't matter. He believed in me
right up to some of his last words, "Get Ric to do all my medical
stuff. She'll know what to say and do."
My three sons are all fathers and good ones! My husband is a
wonderful man and has gotten us all through hard times, working and
supporting us. We plan on having a huge Father's Day BBQ with
many family and friends over. They want to be with him. He is the
father we all wish we had. All he wants to do in life is see his kids
and grandkids grow and do better than him! He's taught them work
ethics and hobbies to share. He's taught them to be men, good husbands,
and loving fathers. My daughter reaps the benefits of a dad like
this even more. His little girl fascinated him as she grew to womanhood
and he tells her she can be anything she wants to be. We both
support our kids in all their decisions even if we don't quite
agree. That's what fathers (parents) do. They raise their kids
the way they needed to be raised and I am the same way.
Good or bad, our fathers and forefathers gave us so much. Many
lessons were painful and many were pure pleasure. Regardless of
what their idea of teaching was, it worked for me and trickled down to
my kids. We celebrate them one and all even though they are no
longer with us. We cherish the memories, regardless of any wrong doings
... they meant well. I miss all my dads but sometimes it is my
birthfather I miss the most.
Tell someone you love them today and on Father's Day tell them again,
even if it is hard for you to do. Find a good thing to love him
for and tell him so! Remember, this day is hard on the mothers
who lost their life mate so give love and attention to them if they are
alone now. Happy Father's Day to all the dads out there and the moms
who are also the dad at their house. Just don't buy her a tacky
tie! She might just feel the need to wear it at your next dinner
party!
Rici
Father's Day 2004
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