Archives
6:58:00 AM EDT
Feeling Grateful
Gentleman ~ Gentle Man
"There goes the last foreman who will ever be respected in this factory!" Sentiments felt by all as he walked out of the breakroom for the last time after a retirement party in his honor. He doesn't remember what he said in his goodbyes to everyone, his quivering voice and tear filled eyes said it all. In his 44 years there he had shown respect and was given respect in return. Jimmy's words rang so true, respect walked out the door with him.
In the early morning hours long before daylight Dad would walk the mile long lane behind our property to Grandma & Grandad's to milk Old Bessie and feed her and Cricket our pony. He would then carry the milk home for us. Once home he would walk down the steep hill and pump water from the well into two, five gallons buckets and carry them back up. If it were wintertime he would also pack in two buckets of coal for the pot belly stove to keep us warm. As we grew older and as our family grew we would assist in these chores also.
Dad worked six days a week for the factory and many Sundays were spent working for the owner of the factory doing finish work for the interior of his home. On those Sundays, Dad would take the oldest three of us kids with him to give Mom a break. He did this extra work to provide for his family.
I remember many nights Dad coming home from work and never sitting down to eat supper because something was wrong with the car and he would work on it nearly all night to get it ready to go to work the next day. In the winter he would take the battery out at night and sit it beside the pot belly stove to warm it up in hopes it wouldn't let him down the next morning.
No matter how hectic life was for he & Mom they always found time for "US". One of our special treats was going to go cart races on Sunday nights a few miles from our house. They would load all of us in the station wagon and we would spend a family night together.
Dad and his brother are the only surviving members of their family. After Mom passed away they became closer than they have ever been before. Each day they would talk on the phone for hours reliving memories of their past. Little more than a month ago Dad hadn't heard from Uncle Cliff for a couple of days and became worried. Dad called him and found that he had been sitting out in his building for two days crying. Uncle Cliff's kids and grandkids live in PA and are wanting them to move back there with them. Uncle Cliff was torn between leaving his brother to be with them. Uncle Cliff asked Dad how he felt about it. My Dad's response, " Cliff if that were my kids and grandkids I'd go." Uncle Cliff told Dad he had no idea how much relief he felt when Dad said those simple words. This past week Dad went to visit him, most likely it will be the last time they see each other. Sometimes when you love someone dearly you have to let go for the greater good. It doesn't mean you love them any less, it means you love them more.
I being a single parent, my Dad never thought of Terri as being his oldest grandchild, she has always been his youngest daughter. She has always been the youngest sister to my siblings. Grateful, can never express the feeling in my heart for all that has been given to me & her.
My Dad is a gentleman and a gentle man and I thank him!
HAPPY FATHER'S DAY DAD, I LOVE YOU!!!!!!!
Written by sugerb6 Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | 
digg this
-
Okay I'm back again. Thanks for the long comment. Our church will allow members to remain members of the Masons, for ins. purposes, but not attend meetings. Oh well. I have family members who are mason and great guys. I have heard a lot, but KNOW NOTHING sorta like Shultz on Hogan's Heros. (Probably before your time).
I was asked by a fellow sailor once to join, but I never got around to it. the Shriners do a great work in charity and health areas expecially. They along with manhy others help her and over seas. I was jolted to reality by Mort's comments that the UK is also hated among the third world. Canada and also Australia are good to help but it is not appreciated over the world.
Hope all is well. jack (Again on this entry you get an A+). -
I'm new to your journal, got it from Chili's Sauce after you posted a comment about American Bandstand. Glad to meet you...let's dance! ((wink))
Karen
http://journals.aol.com/howiseeit101/how-i-see-it/ -
a lovely touching entry great one take care mort x
-
What a great entry. I love the family history. It is great to know of men who gave it all they have. It used to make work! I know there are more detail, but you painted a great picture. Thanks. .......... Jack
6/21/08 8:13 PM