Reporter-Herald Saturday, June 18, 2005 - Page: 2-B ________________________________________ Dad deserves more than another tie Jill Broyles In My Own Words Finding the perfect gift for Father’s Day — it’s hard to do, isn’t it? —especially when your dad doesn’t want you to make a fuss or to spend any money on him. We could get him another tie, but I’m not sure last year’s ever made it out of the box. Finding just the right gift is a challenge for me. As a young girl, I didn’t have much luck, either. I remember getting my dad a cigarette lighter one Father’s Day, after he had long since quit smoking. Yes, instead of buying a gift this year, I think I’ll write something for my dad. Maybe, for once, my gift will mean as much to him as he means to me. Dad will be 83 this year. He lives alone in the same house in which I grew up, having lost his wife and my mom to emphysema some 25 years ago. We talk to Dad every day. Our conversations usually only last a couple of minutes, but they mean a lot to him and to us. My dad is a wonderful man; everyone would agree. He’s kind, he has a great sense of humor and he’s a man of integrity. He’s also a great dad. One of the things I appreciate most about my dad is that he spent quality time with us when we were growing up. Summer evenings would often find us at a ball game or a drive-in movie. One of our favorite things to do was to drive out to a truck stop east of Denver for a piece of chocolate pie or to stop at A&W for a root beer float. We were also content just to stay at home, though, and play games or watch TV together. I remember watching “Bonanza” every Sunday night. We never missed a televised Billy Graham crusade. My dad has great respect for this preacher whose pulpit is a pitcher’s mound. I later gave my life to Christ at the invitation of Dr. Graham, the seeds of faith having been planted in my heart in our family’s living room. From my dad I learned to appreciate music. He loves to sing and has sung in the same church choir for more than 45 years. I remember being rocked to sleep at night as Dad sang to me. My dad is a sentimental man, often with a tear in his eye or a crack in his voice when something touches his heart, as music often does. My brothers and I can remember (by heart) jokes and stories that my dad told and retold and still tells, all in good taste, of course, but we can also remember some important lessons that he taught us about life. I can just hear him say, “Thankfulness is the secret to happiness,” or “There’s no better feeling than feeling better.” From my dad, I learned to appreciate simple things, to be content and to work hard. Dad has been a wonderful example to all of us. His self-sacrifice, generosity and positive attitude have shaped the lives of his children and grandchildren. We love him dearly and are blessed that he’s still with us. Happy Father’s Day, Dad. You’re the best!
Posted on: Sat, 15 Jun 2013 16:47:05 +0000
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