HAPPY FATHERS DAY DAD I MISS YOU What a Wonderful Man People come in and out of your life in an instant. It’s the ones who leave a mark on your heart who remain alive in memory forever. My father is one of those people. He was quite a character. He had a 6th grade education, yet he was the most intelligent person I have ever met. He could persevere through any situation thrown in front of him. It didn’t matter how inconvenient or financially difficult it was, my father would find a way to work through it. How does one measure up to someone so strong willed, light hearted, and caring? I do not remember him complaining about anything, ever. He has taught me more than he will ever know. He lived to be 80 years old; he lived lightly and carefree. I miss him still to this day. My father Tracy Hale was born to into a poverty level American family in October of 1918. He was the second in a set of twin boys, his brother passed unexpectedly during birth. He was fortunate to have a large family; seven boys and six girls. All the blessings of a large family came with its difficulties. From a young age, my father had to take a mature role in his sibling’s lives. My grandfather passed early when Tracy was 13 years old. We believe he died of pneumonia, but no one is entirely sure. There are no records of his birth or death. My father was third in line but was the one to take the fatherly role in raising his younger brothers and sisters. Tracy took the initiative to make sure his family was safe and in caring hands. When food was scarce and money wasn’t coming in, everyone played their role. In those days, many families were forced by poverty to live at poor farms. My father chose a different route often working odd jobs when available like cooking, cleaning and looking for the next available position. It was near impossible to get ahead with such a large family. He quickly found himself in need of more steady work and took an opportunity as a “carnie”, in a carnival circuit. During his endeavors as a “carnie” he had the honor to meet many future stars including Lucile Ball and Jack Benny. This is most likely where my father gained his sense of humor and his penchant for hard work. My father was a wonder of the world, having spent a short time with the United States Army in-between his travels with the carnival. He spent about 30 years learning about all the United States and Canada had to offer. I wouldn’t say traveling was a passion of dads, but it made the time go by more peacefully. When his travels came to an end, he decided to settle down and married a short time after. I am a sibling to one brother and five sisters, four of us resulting from the same father. Gambling was a dad’s passion. If he had extra time, you knew where to find him. Around 40, he started work as a mason which he continued to do until he retired around age 65. I’ve never seen such work ethic in a man of that nature until I met my husband Douglas. This made me ponder if women truly go after men who are similar to their father. Dad would do all he could to provide for his family and those he cared about. My father would lend a hand to whoever needed it. My father’s appearance was that of a construction worker. He was kissed by the sun and had freckles on his skin. He always wore work boots, work pants and a button up short sleeve shirt. He was tattooed on both arms which made him come off as a “rebel.” His blue and grey eyes told a different story. They looked into your soul. His eyes could make you melt and fall in love. My father had a smooth complexion, and was always clean shaven and I never remember seeing him without grey hair. During my father’s 79th year he moved back home with me and my family, on his 80th birthday the president sent him a birthday card. He was so proud he showed anyone who would shoot a glance his way. It wasn’t long after his 80th birthday that he had passed away. It was a difficult time for my family, but we embraced our time with him. He would joke with the kids and stir things up just as they would. My father was a true child at heart, growing younger in soul as the years passed by. I smile at the thoughts I have of him and my childhood. I often times have thoughts of him, and I laugh silently. It’s the laughter that only means something to you. The laughter that makes you say in your head “What a Wonderful Man” I had the honor to know
Posted on: Sun, 16 Jun 2013 16:22:32 +0000
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