We will celebrate Father’s Day this beautiful June Sunday.
I don’t know about your Dad but my Dad was one special man. Born in 1895… yes, 1895 he was an inventor, musician, mechanic, farmer and lover of life. His laughter floated on the humid southern air to the delight of the neighboring farmers. Dad fought in WWI and when I was in school the teachers would always correct me by saying I must mean WWII.
Being a late in life baby I adored my Father and followed him around the farm like a little lost puppy. Whatever he did I considered it to be perfect. His name was Arthur but he was called Abner. Such an endearing name and one I cherish. Abner loved to socialize. Mother would always say “Your Dad will go to town to buy the screw and then have to go back to buy the bolt”. His love for life was infectious.
I learned a lot from my Father… he had a way of letting you know you did something wrong without yelling or putting you down. Example… I got my brothers bb rifle one afternoon and decided to try shooting it. A Mockingbird landed on a branch near me and I took aim and pulled the trigger. To my surprise the bird fell from the tree… it was dead. My Father came out of the house about that time and saw the scene before him. He came over and asked what happened. After explaining I didn’t mean to kill the bird my Dad said… ”Well, there are going to be some hungry baby birds tonight… Mommy isn’t coming home”. I was horrified. Baby birds with no Mommy. I spent the rest of the day trying to find the nest so I could feed the babies.
Dad’s way of letting you know you did something wrong was a way that has lasted a lifetime.
Wishing a Happy Father’s Day to all the fabulous Abners in the world.
