Dad and Donna Marie

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I am thinking of my Dad on my Birthday, September 4. He was a proud Pop!

As a father shows compassion to his children,
    so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him.

Psalm 103:13

That’s my Dad in the photo. I was named after him, his name is Donald. My Dad grew up in NEPA and moved to Connecticut for jobs. He did return when my Mom needed to care for her Mom in Scranton. He got a job as a fork-lift operator for Cocoa-Cola. We always had coke syrup in the house to use as an elixir when we were sick. It tasted good, not sure it worked.

My earliest memories of my dad were in Connecticut. He was a smoker. When we went to the petting zoo one time, a goat came up to him when he knelt to pet it. The goat ate his cigarette! I was amazed. That little goat just chomped away on that tobacco and paper! He was an awesome wood worker and made many items for me as a child. A step stool with a horse head on the ends, a small chair for my small (then) frame, a rocking horse for my enjoyment. All were passed to the next generation, and are gone. His greatest work out of wood was a 16′ motor boat. He named it, and hand lettered the sides; ‘Donna Marie’.

When the circumstances of life brought them back to PA, life got hard. My Dad began to drink…too much. When I was 14, he had a severe car accident. He was never the same, and died 2 years later. I still miss my Dad. He was a fun and talented guy. I had plans to learn more from him.

I think of the fact that he was supposed to teach me to drive.

He was supposed to be there to be the role model for my perfect husband.

He was supposed to be proud of me at high school graduation, walk me down the aisle at my wedding, hold my sons in his arms. All the milestones that families enjoy together, my Dad was ripped right out of the photo!

I don’t want this to sound like a depressing blog, though it is maybe for me, I want the Dad’s who read this to know something critical! YOU are important in your child’s upbringing, and well being. Only you can fill the shoes that will get your child on the right path in life. Please be there.

My Dad had a smoking addiction that may have affected his health in later years and shortened his life. But it was the drinking addiction that did him in. Both of these, as well as many other habits we acquire over the years to ‘self medicate’ when life gets rough, have the potential of ripping you out of your child’s picture of your family.

My granddaughter finished college this year. She and her Mom and Dad and brother took trips and photo’s together to remember this sweet time. That will always be in her heart. It made my heart so happy to see that.

I remember when my husband and I stood with each of our sons for many proud moments. These are foundational moments in your child’s life. Every picture reminds me of the fact that I do not have a picture like that with my Dad!

So Dad’s, please be careful, please take care of yourselves. Remember your Prince and Princess need their King Dad, no matter how old they get. Please do everything in your power to be sure you stay in the picture. You are loved!

Do you have a story about your Dad? Please share it!