In loving Memory – May 22nd, 1914- April 23rd, 1988
In my heart there is a place where daddy, he never grows old. If I close my eyes, I can see him as plain as day. There is a smile on his face that says, “Hello Baby Girl!”
My father died April 23rd, 1988. I was just shy of 19 when he passed away. Looking back now, I realize that I learned many lessons from him.
13 Things my Father Taught me
Faith- My father taught me to have faith and that God does exist. When my father was in the hospital, he began talking every week to a minister. I recall asking him one time why he was doing that as my father never was a religious man. He told me that it was ok to have faith.
Hard work- My father taught me hard work. I will always remember the calluses on his hand.
Love- My father taught me to respect and love myself. I recall his words “Someday you will meet a nice young man who will love you for you.” He was right.
Discipline- My father taught me discipline. He was so strict, but I know it was because he loved me and worried. I wish I have of seen then what I do now. I guess it took my being a mother of a teenage daughter to see that.
Determination- My father taught me determination and that you can do anything if you put your mind to it.
Kindness- My father taught me how to help others. Every time we went shopping he would bag our groceries at the check out.
Appreciation- To show appreciation for the things I have.
Sometimes things are not always easy – He taught me that sometimes things get rough and you either stick it out or you quit, but no matter what you decide you live with the consequences.
Pride- My father was proud of me and took pride in the things I did.
Family- My father showed me the importance of family. We went on vacations every summer. My father had three other children from a previously marriage. They were all grown adults. He always made time for them and respected them. He even remained friends with his ex-wife.
Words unsaid- My father taught me that love could be expressed in quiet deeds. My father didn’t always tell me that he loved me, but his action spoke stronger than words.
A love for older music – I grew up listening to all the old classics.
Cigarettes do kill- 60 + years of smoking eventually caught up to him. I don’t smoke today.
It took me awhile to realize all that he taught me. I only wish that he lived long enough for me to tell him that I loved him, was proud of him and to thank him for being a wonderful father.
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25 responses so far ↓
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 7:34 pm
Excellent list. Thank YOU for sharing. I’m so sorry to hear about your loss of your father. He taught you some wonderful and important lessons in life.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 8:16 pm
From one Rose to another: My father taught me much the same as yours and he dies about 18 months before yours did. My blog is named from a poem I wrote about him. We have been blessed when we have great parents.
My TT is also posted.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 8:24 pm
I think he knows
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 8:33 pm
What a lovely and touching post. Your father sounds like he was a special man, full of heart and good character. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Take care, and Happy TT! Thank you for visiting my blog.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 8:36 pm
We learn so much from our parents. My first T13 was dedicated to things I learned from my father – who also passed away from Cancer.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 9:00 pm
No matter how long ago we lost them, there is always a hollow place isn’t there? Your Daddy sounds like he was a fine man. Thank you for sharing him with us.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 9:10 pm
A very nice tribute to your Father, Rose. I lost my father in 1991, but I was much older than you. Sounds like you had a special Dad.
Check out my TT.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 9:27 pm
The world needs more fathers like your Dad. Thank you for sharing what your Father taught you.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 9:41 pm
How lucky you are – to have had a dad like him.
Thanks for visiting my TT!
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 10:01 pm
This is such a nice way to commemorate your Father. Thank you for sharing. It sounds like he was a great man.
Wrote: Apr 18, 2007 at 11:13 pm
Rose, you always have thought provoking, lovely (sometimes scary) posts. Thanks for sharing your father’s wisdom and life lessons with us.
And I know it’s been a long time, but I’m sorry for your loss…
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 12:07 am
What a beautiful tribute to your father! Thanks for sharing a piece of him with us.
Happy TT!
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 12:19 am
What a beautiful tribute to your father. It sounds like he left a wonderful legacy of love.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 2:40 am
My father died in 1988 as well. It was a hard, bad year. I’m sure your dad would be very proud of this list. It’s wonderful that he’s still such a presence in your life.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 7:40 am
Sounds like you were a daddy’s girl……as was I. My dad died in 1998 and I miss him SO much. His birthday is tomorrow. He was a wonderful man.
Thanks for stopping by my T13.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 8:34 am
Oh, he sounds wonderful, so sad that you lost him so early in your life. What a sweet list.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 11:02 am
A great list, a wonderful man. I am sorry he is gone but glad you have these memories.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 11:45 am
What a nice tribute to your dad. My FIL passed away Nov 1, from lung cancer. We don;t smoke either.
Thanks for sharing.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 12:56 pm
Wonderful list of things. I was fortunate to have the parents I did as well. It’s always an empty hole to wish to be able to tell them things but can’t.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 2:14 pm
I’m sorry for your loss Rose. But, what a beautiful, loving tribute to your Dad. I bet he knows how thankful you are, and is looking down and smiling at his “baby girl”.
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 3:16 pm
Ah what a sweet list!
Thanks for stopping by my TT!
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 8:04 pm
What a Great Father and what a wonderful testimony to him. I lost mt Pop late Dec of o6 and I still can’t beleive he’s gone.
Your Brother in the Word
Mitch
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 10:07 pm
Rose, Your father sounds like a true gem, .
Wrote: Apr 19, 2007 at 10:09 pm
This list of lessons learned is a wonderful tribute to your father. Lovely.
Wrote: Apr 22, 2007 at 11:32 pm
It was nice that you shared your father with us, Rose. Memories shared honor your father.