I warned you I will be back tracking some of Kendra's Answer Me This posts. I never wrote anything for Father's Day last month, so here it is in six fun questions.
1. What's the best thing about your dad?
I'd have to say his teaching style. I know, he's reading that and thinking, what! But he is an Educator in all aspects of his life, and when I was a babe he was specifically an elementary teacher. So he totally gets how to teach little kids (well, he did, too many years in the DO may have soured him (wink, wink, love you dad!).
When I think of memories of my father I think of him teaching me, talking with me, and listening to me. He is one of the hardest workers I know, so our conversations weren't just idle moments. Many of our conversations took place at the kitchen sink, in the garden, or on our way to/from an errand/event.
He taught me adults don't have all the answers, that I couldn't borrow his faith in God -- I needed my own, how to write a five paragraph essay, not to trust everything my teachers passed off as "fact", and so much more. There are times he spoke and my little soul recognized truth. But the thing I'm most grateful for is his listening ear. He was open to teaching me things I needed to learn because he listened. He understood my struggles and my curiosities because he listened deeply to all my blabbering.
2. If you've got kids, what's the best thing about THEIR dad? (If you don't, feel free to substitute your grandfather or another father figure.)
He is firm and playful. He is loving and rough. He bathes them every (3rd) night, reads them stories, and tucks them into bed. He answers there endless supply of questions and builds on their interests. He lets Nell wear whatever she wants, and he catches bugs for Reid's pet toad.
But if I had to narrow it down to one thing, I'd say he shows them how much he loves me. Ben will not leave for work without kissing each of us. He is constantly pouring affection on me while they play around our feet. He is showing Reid how to treat women and teaching our girls what to expect from a spouse.
3. What's the best advice your dad ever gave you?
"I know it is your choice, so you do what you want. But I know you. And I know you will regret giving up on those kids for the rest of your life. It will be hard; you already know that. But go back to that school and prove to yourself that your depression doesn’t have to control your life’s direction. Finish the school year and then move on. That's the best recovery I think you could give yourself." (Puddles of Depression).
4. What's something you have in common with your dad?
Hot temper, liberal mind, love of board games, ability to assume the worst in almost any given situation (I don't consider myself a pessimist, but if I can't find something I immediately assume it is gone forever -- a trait Ben identifies as my full blown Scotty P).
5. What's the manliest thing you know how to do?
Mow the lawn?
6. Who is your favorite fictional dad?
Atticus Finch!
1. What's the best thing about your dad?
I'd have to say his teaching style. I know, he's reading that and thinking, what! But he is an Educator in all aspects of his life, and when I was a babe he was specifically an elementary teacher. So he totally gets how to teach little kids (well, he did, too many years in the DO may have soured him (wink, wink, love you dad!).
When I think of memories of my father I think of him teaching me, talking with me, and listening to me. He is one of the hardest workers I know, so our conversations weren't just idle moments. Many of our conversations took place at the kitchen sink, in the garden, or on our way to/from an errand/event.
He taught me adults don't have all the answers, that I couldn't borrow his faith in God -- I needed my own, how to write a five paragraph essay, not to trust everything my teachers passed off as "fact", and so much more. There are times he spoke and my little soul recognized truth. But the thing I'm most grateful for is his listening ear. He was open to teaching me things I needed to learn because he listened. He understood my struggles and my curiosities because he listened deeply to all my blabbering.
2. If you've got kids, what's the best thing about THEIR dad? (If you don't, feel free to substitute your grandfather or another father figure.)
He is firm and playful. He is loving and rough. He bathes them every (3rd) night, reads them stories, and tucks them into bed. He answers there endless supply of questions and builds on their interests. He lets Nell wear whatever she wants, and he catches bugs for Reid's pet toad.
But if I had to narrow it down to one thing, I'd say he shows them how much he loves me. Ben will not leave for work without kissing each of us. He is constantly pouring affection on me while they play around our feet. He is showing Reid how to treat women and teaching our girls what to expect from a spouse.
3. What's the best advice your dad ever gave you?
"I know it is your choice, so you do what you want. But I know you. And I know you will regret giving up on those kids for the rest of your life. It will be hard; you already know that. But go back to that school and prove to yourself that your depression doesn’t have to control your life’s direction. Finish the school year and then move on. That's the best recovery I think you could give yourself." (Puddles of Depression).
4. What's something you have in common with your dad?
Hot temper, liberal mind, love of board games, ability to assume the worst in almost any given situation (I don't consider myself a pessimist, but if I can't find something I immediately assume it is gone forever -- a trait Ben identifies as my full blown Scotty P).
5. What's the manliest thing you know how to do?
Mow the lawn?
6. Who is your favorite fictional dad?
Atticus Finch!
2 comments:
You make me laugh. You make me cry. What a wonderful tribute to the lackey you call "father." But I do appreciate your lavish praise! Your children are much more fortunate than you were, when it comes to dads. Ben is a gem. For that matter, you ain't so bad neither kid!!! Love, Pa
I loved this post sis!! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and feelings. Loved it...love you!
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