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Here's a fun off-topic for Dad's Day. Tell us something interesting about your father.
I will ask one of the residents to pick a winner based on the judges opinion alone, and the winner will receive Five Free Fantastic Fonts For Father's Fiesta, courtesy Jack Wills and Anchorblanks.
My father was born in 1881 in Greece. That made him 59 years old when I was born. I am the oldest of three children. Mom was in her 20's at the time. In our home there were two messages - live and let live, and you are in life what you choose to make of yourself. These are two very good messages.
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I found out that my dad graduated from Basic Training in the same beat up barracks I'd jog by every morning in Ft. Gordon, Ga. It kinda meant a lot to me since my dad died when I was 9. I barely got to know him, & barely remember him. It was nice to see a photo of him there. Wish he could be here. He died at 34. I hope I don't crash like he did & I can see my little brat grow up!
------------------ Marcano-Welch Signs Luquillo, Puerto Rico 787-889-6608
Posts: 2287 | From: Luquillo, Puerto Rico, USA | Registered: Nov 2000
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Three years ago, fathers day, I was visiting my dad (he lives in Anchorage AK) after he had several strokes in the short time of two days. Thought I was gonna be without him when that happened, it was a horrible feeling. I reflected on all the times and trips we made together fishing in the middle of nowhere, on the Kenai Peninsula, Alaska. A couple weeks later, when he was strong enough to travel and be away from medical services, I took him on a fishing trip back to some of our favorite places in the Kenai. I felt it may be the last chance we got to do this together again if he took a turn for the worse and got hit with the big one. We packed the car with our fishing gear and camping stuff and off we were for a great weekend in "the last frontier". Well, we never really were under any time schedule, and our plans changed as we drove. We stopped here and there to wet our lines, and hooked into some really nice fish. We never did take the camping gear out of the trunk, we just stopped at whatever Lodge was nearby when we got tired of driving. After a couple of days, the clothes we packed for a weekend (Haha) were getting well used. Doing laundry was out, so we just bought a new t-shirt at whichever place we stayed. It was a great way to remember where we got to. Well to make what could be a very long story short, We pulled back into the driveway at his place 10 days later with the biggest grins on our faces and just over 2000 miles on the car. We did the south to Kenai, then travelled west, and turned north, went to within 60 miles of the arctic circle, the went east, and back down south to Valdez before heading back for home in Anchorage. We did Alaska! I will never forget this trip! and I will never forget my Dad, he is such a huge part of who I am. I'm glad to say that he is still with us today, but when he's gone, so will go a part of me. To all those reading this who's father is still with them, please take some time and spend it with them while you can, cause one day he wont be. Dad... I love you, and I miss you being so far away, wish I could be there in person on your day. With all my heart.... your loving son... Happy fathers day.....
------------------ Tim Rieck Signs Halfmoon Bay, BC tim_rieck@dccnet.com
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Vic - #1 - you need to tell people this post will result in a prize!! Can you change the heading? I'm bumping this up a bit with a tale about the most fantastic man that ever lived - My Dad!! He was honest, caring, loving, community involved, and a real Class Act!! He passed away 5 years ago. I miss him greatly. We didn't know he was sick and a year before he passed away, he finally taught me that last trick - how to clean fish! I'd always go fishing with my Dad - since I was 5 yrs. old. And Dad always cleaned the fish . . . even after all those years of having to pull me through the depths of drug addiction, always being there, even when a boyfriend would beat me up - he was always there, ever understanding, ever knowing, all powerful with his words of wisdom. Shortly before he passed away, I had been out fishing for the day. I called him, of course, to say "Hey Dad, I caught my limit, can I bring them over to clean?" He simply said he was too tired, put them on ice, and bring them on over tomorrow. Tomorrow came, I brought my fish, and he showed me how to clean them. First he did one, then he gave me the rest to do on my own. I will never, ever, forget the smile on that man's face as he watched his daughter finally clean a fish! He sat at the counter, worn out from all the drugs he had to take, and smiled - actually beamed - knowing his daughter now knew how to clean her own catch! He passed away shortly, with all the class of a man truly in love with life. As the tears run down my face, I only hope that all will truly love and understand a Father, for father's are unique, special and worth far more than their weight in gold. I only wish every one on this board had a chance to know mine. He would have loved each and every one of you. Bomba-Dear
------------------ Bomba-Dear Jackie Vaughn #5115 Volcano, California www.chocoholic.com 10% Discount for Letterheads Use Reference Code letr01 email jackiebv@cdepot.net
Posts: 761 | From: Volcano, California, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Oh.....this is a subject very near and dear to my heart. My Dad and I were very close. I will try to make it short and sweet, just like my dear ole' Dad. He only went to the 8th grade, as his family farmed in Minnesota, and he had to help his Dad on the farm. When I was 3 we took a train to Seattle. He got a job as a car salesman when we first got here just so we would have a car. From there he continued on to become one of the best salesmen in appliance history. He showed us the most glorious sunrises in the badlands of North Dakota....to the beauty of Crater Lake and much more. We went camping every summer weekend. I remember falling asleep to the sounds of creeks at night and feeling sooooo safe under the stars with dear ole Dad to protect us. He always would smile and ask me from a very young age on if I thought I would ever amount to anything. From day one my answer was always the same. "Why Dad, I already HAVE!" (I knew this is what he wanted to hear) and he would always hug me and laugh. Dad knew a year before he died that he had an inoperable brain tumor, but decided not to let us know so we didn't feel sad. One day Mom called from Arizona to say he wasn't feeling well. My older sister and I took the red~eye flight so we could go to the doctor with him and Mom. Turns out he only had 5 weeks to live. We talked alot the next two days. When it was time to go, I knew in my heart, and Dad in his that this was it. This was the last real hug on earth between us two. I looked into his crytal clear baby blues and told him I loved him more than one would think possible. And thanked him for being the best Dad on this crazy thing called earth. Once again he asked me if I thought I would ever amount to anything. And once again, thru my tears, I said "Why Dad, I already have." I love you Dad. You were the best Love, Snicklefritz
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I would have to include my step father Bill. Words cannot express how I feel about this man. He was the hardest working man I ever knew. He had 6 kids from his first marriage and when he met my mom he knew she had two of her own. I was about 6 years old when they got married. Times were hard with 8 of us to support. I can remember eating PB&J sandwiches for Christmas dinner one year. He helped me become the man I am today. But I would have to say the main reason I think he is so special is because he treated me as his own son and not just as a step child. I think there is something very special about a man that takes on the responsibility of someone else's children and makes them there own.. We lost Bill to Cancer 5 years ago. He was only 62. I wish he was here now. I miss him alot....
------------------ Robert Davis Sticky Sam's Signs (828)488-1715 mttropic@dnet.net The Great Smoky Mountains Bryson City, N.C.
Posts: 133 | From: Bryson City, N.C. US | Registered: Jul 2000
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These are really great Father's Day Stories and it would be difficult to pick one over another. Jackie Vaughn agreed to be the judge, which of course made her entry ineligible.
Thank you all for sharing your stories. They are very touching.
Jackie's e-mail reads...
Cheryl Nordby.
It was a really tough decision as they were all great stories! But I particularly liked the part in Cheryl's story about her Dad where she always replied "Why, Dad, I already Have". It's something they carried thru their relationship. And, of course, her opening line about the subject being near & dear to her heart.
Bomba-Dear
------------------ Victor Georgiou AnchorBlanks.com Jack Wills Clipart CD's & FONTS Designer Sign Blanks
Posts: 1746 | From: Danville, CA , USA | Registered: Dec 1998
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Cheryl, Your story had me crying and wanting to be the kind of dad yours was. I'd also love to have time to go on endless fishing adventures with my kids.
Why does there need to be competition? Why can't I just be the best dad I know how?
------------------ The SignShop Mendocino, California "Where the Redwoods meet the Surf"
Posts: 6803 | From: Mendocino, CA. USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Rick - to put a twist on Cheryl's quote - "Why, you already Have!" Having met your kids, you are a GREAT Dad!!!!' And I'm sure they know it. Everyone here is really a winner! Bomba-Dear
------------------ Bomba-Dear Jackie Vaughn #5115 Volcano, California www.chocoholic.com 10% Discount for Letterheads Use Reference Code letr01 email jackiebv@cdepot.net
Posts: 761 | From: Volcano, California, USA | Registered: Nov 1998
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Well, it's still Father's Day over here, and I have no idea if 'the competition' is over or not, but that's ok. I have a story to share. I've shared it before on this board but it seems the right time to pay tribute to the guy I love, so here goes.
~~~~~~~
When I was still living at home, I didn't earn a whole lot at my present job. I decided, for Father's Day, that instead of buying Dad a gift, I'd write him a poem. I had read about the idea in a magazine and figured I'd give it a try.
When Dad's big day came, he carefully opened my letter from within a simple envelope. No ribbons, no wrap. I felt a little foolish while he held my letter as he started to read. The presentation wasn't very glitzy at all.
My thinking changed quickly. As dad started to read my poem aloud, he stalled a few times, as if he was stuttering. At one point, he got choked up and wiped away a tear. That's when everyone in the room joined in, leaving no one with a dry eye.
When my dad finished the poem, he couldn't even make eye contact with me, and thanked me. He was a proud man and we caught him at a very vulnerable moment. My heart burst with love for him.
When he passed away, mom handed me an envelope. It was in a very prominent place in his desk. It was my poem. Obviously, he pulled it out to read it from time to time. And I do the same, reading it and thinking about him.
~~~~~~~~
My dad passed away from a massive heart attack. We were not prepared. Mom and dad had planned an rv trip across Canada that was to start in about a month before his death. We were stunned beyond belief.
Dad had a bad heart and didn't tell anyone. He too wished to spare us anguish. He knew his time would come and when it did, it would be quick. During his last months, they had just purchased a brand new RV and were NEVER home. Our family was estatic for them and their new toy.
Dad passed away while walking along a trail at a favorite campsite with my mom's brother. He held his chest and stated he needed to sit down. He sat on a nearby rock and that was it.
My mom has that rock in her garden with beautiful plants around it.
I love and miss you Dad. Mom was here with us for Father's Day so she was in good hands. Happy Father's Day big guy. xoxo
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Donna great story. That is so cool your Mom has that rock in her garden. Victor, Jack and Jackie.....should I send back the fonts? (please say I can keep 'em) Great stories everyone. The fonts are absolutely Grrrrreat!
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I remember my Dad letting me ride in the race car. As a young boy, you have no idea of how much I enjoyed that... seems that today, although I'm older, miss my Dad terribly and the cars have changed, I still enjoy it like you'd never know....
------------------ Robert "Bobby" Salyers Airbrush & Graphics Studio Clearwater, FL website:http://airbrushbobby.com
He put in your heart certain wishes and plans, in my heart he put other and different desires. Each man is good in his sight. It is not necessary for eagles to be crows.---Sitting Bull
Posts: 505 | From: Clearwater Florida USA | Registered: Feb 1999
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My dad wasn't the greatest dad in the world.
He didn't go camping with us when we were kids, because he didn't like "bugs". He didn't fish because he didn't like fish or mosquitos or worms.
I can remember only a couple really strong memories of having a good time with my dad.
One was when I was about 5 or 6 years old, my dad got a book on astronomy and he sat me on his lap and read to me from it. I was fascinated and taken to another world off in the stars somewhere, and my dad was holding me and reading to me and smiling at how much I enjoyed astronomy. He promised to read to me from that book until we finished it. I felt like we bonded.
He broke that promise and probably only read to me one or two times after that.
My dad was a car salesman. This was during the time that automobile showrooms were open 7 days a week, from morning until 9 or 10 at night. My dad was a great car salesman and earned many sales awards for selling the most cars within certain time periods. He also furnished the house with lots of "extras" he got from earning points for having so many cars sold during promotions.
He was a good provider. We never were hungry. We never lacked clothing or medical attention or toys or any material goods.
Inside we were starved for love and affection from him though. My mom felt the same way. My two brothers and my sister and I all basically resigned ourselves to the fact that "dad" was someone who left early in the morning, and came home late at night and sat in front of the TV while he ate dinner. He frequently was too tired to be bothered by us. He frequently didn't have time or interest in hearing what we did with our friends or what was going on at school. He never showed up at any school events.
I could go on and on about all the things he missed, all the times he wasn't there, how he didn't give recognition or emotional support when I needed it but I think you get the picture. He wasn't abusive or alcoholic or a drug user... he just wasn't "dad material".
My father suffered a serious stroke a few months ago. I went to see him several times while he was in intensive care, and later when he was moved to a regular room in the same hospital. He's now in a nursing home that specializes in therapy for stroke patients. His left side is basically dead weight and he has to rely on others for everything. The man who for all his life had the need to prove he could be self sufficient and not have to rely on anyone else for anything, is now an invalid requiring 24 hour care. His need to be self sufficient came from having to help provide for his brothers and sisters while they were growing up and times were hard.
When I visited him on father's day, there was a soft squeezy kinda ball on his nightstand that his cousin had brought him, to try and help strengthen his grip. So I thought, well let's see how good dad's reflexes are and I tossed him the ball.
He caught the ball with his good hand, against his chest while he lay in his bed. I coaxed him on, pretending I was a ballpark announcer or sportscaster and got him to toss me the ball. His throw was weak but it made it to me. I tossed it back to him and again, he was able to catch the ball and I could see he was really enjoying this game of catch. There were 4 of us visiting him and even though others offered to play catch with him, he wanted to toss the ball to me and have me toss it back. We noticed his left hand occasionally moving to help catch the ball so there may be some hope yet. We played catch for probably a good half hour.
This game of catch is the other great memory I have of doing things with my dad.
------------------ EmpY® is also known as Mayo Pardo. Known to wander Australia, currently in Elgin IL. I cut stuff on my router table. 847 931-4171
xoxo
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