I am my Father's Daughter
Sunday is Father’s Day and although my dad has long been gone, the lessons he left for my life is not. He wasn’t perfect, but he taught me lessons about living even in his shortcomings.
Some of the most valuable lessons my dad taught me are incorporated into our life here at Our Little House:
- Dad was a simple man. He grew up the youngest of 13 in very small cabin in Arkansas. Although our house is much better equipped (with running water and electricity!) I can feel my paternal family’s heritage in these mountains.
- When I was a kid, I would sit out on the back patio with my parents and star gaze (when you could still see stars in the suburbs), learning to appreciate the beauty of the universe. Now when I sit on our deck on these very dark nights in the country at Our Little House, I’m able to appreciate the beauty of the stars, the twinkling of fireflies against the black forest, the cries of the coyotes and the hoot of the owls.
- Love doesn’t have to be spoken or shown everyday; it can be shown in everyday living.
- What you do for a living may not make you financially rich, but being able to take pride in what you do and who you are makes you rich beyond measure.
- Do what you say, when you say you’re going to do it.
- Stand up for your convictions and own your actions, no matter how unpopular.
- Fight for your family, especially your kids, even when they’re grown.
- Take care and put pride into all that you own.
To all of the fathers in the Living Large community, enjoy your day. To everyone, take the day to appreciate your father’s legacy.
What are some of the lessons your father taught you?
Your Dad would be so proud of you!!!!!!!!!!! Lovely article as usual.
Thank you for reading, Phillis, and for your comments.
I couldn't say much about my dad but I did have two incredible Grandfathers. Both capable and industrious men. Honest, loyal and reliable. Great role models and lived life on their own terms. I was blessed to have known them for the first 30 years of my life — I only wish I would have recognized their wisdom sooner.
You're very lucky to have known your grandfathers, Mo! I don't think we do recognize our elders wisdom until it is too late. The important thing, though, is that we eventually do.
My dad also died far too young (of a cerebral haemorrhage). He taught me a lot but I think his profound love for me just because I was *me* installed in me a lifelong conviction that I am a lovable person.
That's a wonderful gift your father left you, Olivia. I saw research the other day that suggested that women who had loving relationships with their fathers have higher self confidence and in general, are more successful in life. Goes to show that the mother-father bond is just as important at the mother-daughter one.
My dad taught me a love for music, the value of keeping a good sense of humor even in the worst of times, the importance of honesty and integrity in all dealings with other people. He believed in keeping strong family ties, and making sure the people in life that matter most, know that. He also demonstrated what it means to be a good citizen, to have a social conscience and to be aware that there are more important things in life than working for your own economic advancement. All of these things and so much more, I got from my dad though he never came out and said any of them, he just lived them.
I found this quote, Kathleen, that seems to embody how our dads lived their lives:
"He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it."
~Clarence Budington Kelland
That is such a lovely quote, Kerri. We both were lucky to have had loving fathers, though yours was taken from you much too soon. Thank you for posting this blog that honors memories of fathers.
Loved this tribute to your dad!
Thank you, Alexandra. The only regret I have is that he never got to see how his life influenced mine as an adult.
Wise words! My dad was special forces so my growing up was perhaps more military in nature. One statement that reflects in my everyday is, "plan for the worst and hope for the best"
That's good advice, Annette!
All excellent life lessons, Mary!
Well said Kerri. My dad taught me love,not to lie,
do the very best at everything I do, laugh, life is short, and music.