Father's Day, 2014

Dan, Fred, Deborah, Ken, Don

Father's Day 2014 is winding to a close tonight, and I find myself one of the last ones up.   My family got me presents this year -- I told them I had all I wanted and needed, but to no avail.    They know I like to stop at Teavana in the local mall and sip at the iced blueberry bliss with pineapple.   So I found myself the owner of a tin of my favorite tea, as well as the German rock sugar that makes it taste so good.   In addition, they got me a tea steeper and a pair of new mugs.   Very nice.

Saturday we spent the day at Mom's place over north of Lansing.   Aunt Chris and Uncle Steve were there, and we celebrated birthdays and Father's Day.   Brats were consumed and quads were ridden, and the family had a great time enjoying each other.   Jim received all manner of grill seasonings.    Ought to keep his blood pressure up for a good long while.

Sunday we celebrated with Sue's Dad here at the house.    Her brother and Sister came, and we enjoyed more brats and dogs. We also celebrated Mom's birthday and Brother & Sister-in-law's Anniversary.   What a fine day we had for both days,  too.    Nice temps and a good breeze.   Sue's Dad gave me advice -- as he always does -- and I do well to listen to him.

Tonight, we went to my Dad's home on the lake.   My Dad is like nobody else.   I can't describe what he's like, because he's just Dad, you know?    He's generally quiet, but when he does have something to say, you best listen, because it's worth hearing.  I've known him to call and then just listen on the phone, waiting for me to speak.   It's good, though, because I often fail to call him when I have the time.  When we come over, he goes about what it is he's been doing -- And there's always something to be done.  He gives of himself to those who need.  He's retired and never been so busy in his life.   The dock was damaged by the ice on the lake shifting this year, and two poles were bent beyond repair.  The others he was able to salvage, but those two needed to be replaced.   Tonight, those new poles were outside his garage -- waiting for him to get the time to go wade in and put them on the dock.  He also took time tonight to show me his new garage door opener.   It has battery backup and a DC motor with variable speed.   Quiet as can be.   At 69, he installed it himself.   That's the kind of guy he is.   He can fix anything.    Just needs time.

Fred, 2011

Here's a few of the things my Dad says to me:

• Anything worth doing is worth doing right.
• Do it right the first time, and you won't have to do it again.
• Whistle while you work.   It makes time go faster.
• There's a place for everything.   Put everything in its place.
• Never try to take food away from a hungry animal.
• Name a hunting dog "Sue" or "Mike" and nobody will be able to call it away from you in the woods.
• Always cut away from you.
• You'll have to speak up, I've got beans in my ears.
• No matter how good you think you are, you need a relationship with Jesus.
• Outside everything that's outside everything, there is God.   He's big enough to handle it.
• The little oval of meat opposite the kidneys is the best eating on the turkey.
• You want some coffee?  I'll make you a cup!

My Dad was a die-maker for "Generous Motors" for many years, and it took a toll on his body.  His fingers don't move with the same ease that they used to.  Smoking, even though he quit 20 years ago, is still threatening his health, but he remains strong, both in body and in spirit.  His mind is as sharp as ever -- though he never attended college, he's one of the wisest men I know.    He came to posses skill and he possesses wisdom through living life, and I pray I grow up to be as wise as he.  I'm not 50 yet, so I still have time.

I have things I say to my kids as well:

• I love you.
• Sweet dream's love.
• Do it again -- with feeling.
• You're wearing my name out there.   Keep it shiny.
• You make me proud.
• Those aren't tears.   My allergies are kicking in.
• Find what you do that you love more than anything else, and get someone to pay you to do it.   You'll never feel like you're going to work.
• "Hey Mom, How can I help you?"
• Trust is earned.   Show me.
• Don't complain, don't explain.
• Never, ever, use a credit card.   Learn from Dad's mistakes.

I don't know if I'll be remembered as a pushy Dad, or as a Dad that set expectations high and was proud when my children exceeded them.   My hope is that latter.   Evidence is there that they are listening, because I have much to be proud of.

I hope they do too.

God has blessed me beyond anything I deserve, and anything I could imagine:
"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus, throughout all generations forever and ever! Amen."