Many people have asked me
what my dad was like.
I have two answers to this – how
he was and how he is.
First I will tell you how he
was.
Dad was without anger but
able to get angry when necessary. I never felt his discipline through spanking
but through reason and expressed disappointment at my actions. Trust me – a
spanking would have been better.
Dad was a hard worker,
sometimes working 2 or 3 jobs to make ends meet while we were growing up.
He let us know what he did
and why so we would see the value in a job done well and not resent his absence
from us.
Dad was a God fearing man,
who I never saw sin by conventional standards, never heard him swear, or do
anything purposely to hurt another person.
Dad was generous with the
time he had left over. He was a loving father and stepfather, a good husband, a
trusting friend and valued employee.
That’s how he was… now I’m
going to tell you how he is.
Dad is disciplined and
educated – he was a military man who did his job with finesse and showed talents
from riding in the mounted cavalry to being the mess cook for his reserve unit.
Never one to be second best, he was also not someone to pull rank on
others. You can see military precision
with human touch personified in my sister Mary Beth.
Dad is gentle and
compassionate – dedicated to his church, his God and his faith. He goes to
church on Sunday, observes the sacraments and is a fixture in his pew, at his
time, with his family. You can see his example and values at work in my sister,
Elizabeth.
Dad is easily humored. He
loves the company of men and women, preferring women I think. He is a faithful
and loving husband. He is as comfortable in the audience as he is as the star –
the focus of attention from others. If you want to see what I mean, look at my
brother, Kevin.
Dad is energetic, happy with
his nice home and well groomed yard. (even if it is us children who groom it.)
He loves his children so hard that he hurts when they hurt. He encourages them
to be more than just someone’s kids. He is strong in will to the point of being
stubborn. He doesn’t tolerate stupidity or laziness, and is the person you know
will follow through 100%...even if you are only requesting 50%. His zest for
life and family is magnified when you look at my sister Elaine.
Dad is a writer and reader –
a philosopher and psychologist. Dad is there with an open ear and open heart
for his family and friends as well. Dad delights in a good meal. Dad enjoys a
gathering with his whole brood as well as a private gathering at one of our
homes. He is a lover of music…a follower of his favorite comedy shows from the
past... an appreciator of drama, comedy; plays and movies.
I would like to say you can
see this by looking at me, but you can see all this by observing and talking to
any of us. Dad is not proud or vain but we are, and with very good reason.
We’re Freddie’s kids.
