Dad

My Dad died today.  He was 92 a month ago.  He was quite a man.  Born at the end of the great depression, he grew up in a house of little means, with 6 brothers and sisters.  Dealt with the loss of a sister and father at a young age. Became head of household and a prime provider for his family at an early age. Spent time in the army during WWII and witnessed some of the most appalling behaviors man has ever done.  Sat with a young wife as she suffered through the rigors of an Iron Lung and polio.  Certainly these life experiences had a profound effect.

Despite the hardships of life, my Dad developed an incredible array of skills and talents.  He had a special ability to engineer things.  He was a very talented mechanic with an understanding of how things work.  He created art work that was amazing given his total lack of training.  Always a hard working man with a sense of family commitment.  Dad was comfortable with all manner of machinery, plants, animals and the outdoors in general.  He could build a rabbit hutch, wire a factory, repair any machine, design machinery, paint the daintiest flowers on fine china, raise beautiful flowers, pour concrete, and so much more.

Dad always expected my brothers and I to learn these things by way of helping.  Some of my least favorite tasks were learning to do all manner of things.  Years later, I am so thankful that Dad "made" me help and learn.  My brothers and I can do so many things because Dad had us help and unknowingly learn. 

Dad, like all of us, had faults.  He had a propensity to be negative as a first reaction.  He could be equally self centered and thoughtful.  Despite his faults, he was faithful and kind.  He had difficulty expressing affection, yet was always there when needed. I know that he held within him, a great amount of love and pride for his 3 sons.  Despite ups and downs in his life, he maintained his love for my Mom for 73 years, knowing that she was his strength.

I have so many many wonderful memories of times on Family Vacations, doing projects with just Dad and I, marveling at his ingenuity, walking in the woods and tinkering with mechanical things. The exposure to so many places and things that Dad made available was amazing.  I have a large amount of memorabilia that will forever keep him near to me.

My Dad and I did not always see things the same.  I will fault him for that because he taught me to think.  I will credit him for making me the man I am today.  In his own way, he taught me what to do and what not to do.  He helped me shape my values. He instilled a work ethic, an honesty and a never give up attitude that I hold dear to me.  He taught me how to be a good father and husband, both by his actions and inaction. He was and always will be my Hero.  I will Love and miss Dad for the rest of my life.  Rest in peace Dad.