This Sunday is Father’s Day.
Some of us have them around to celebrate with; to buy them shonky gifts or, to make even worse ones, or as I used to do; to buy the same old Scorched Almonds from Darrell Lea just to see if: 1. they were surprised, and 2. I had any change left over for some Bo Peep lollies for myself.
And some of us only have the memories.
I’m going to share with you the page I wrote for my Dad’s eulogy. Sounds a bit melancholy, I know, but I guess if you are playing along with me here, I’d like you to know what an amazing father he was to me.
Lessons From the Heart
Some people in the world try to teach others by lecturing or instructing, and some just quietly clear their throat, take a pause, and gently lead by example…
When you brought me home a new book every Friday, no matter what kind of day you’d had, I learnt to value intellect, and to deliver on promises made.
When you quietly sat back and taught me to drive, without yelling even once, I learnt the value of calmness and patience.
When you would put down whatever you were doing, to help me with my homework, I realised the gift of letting children know they are more important than anything else.
When I cheated on your Rubik’s cube to get ten dollars, and you found me out, and just quietly said you were disappointed, I learnt to value of integrity and honour, and never cheated again.
When you took me on the Mad Mouse even though we were both terrified, I learnt to face my fears, and that sometimes we can lean on each other when things get tough.
When I saw all the things that you would quietly do for others, without need for accolades or repayment, I saw how wonderful things come from bringing happiness to the lives of others.
When I saw how you looked at my Mum, and I heard the phone ring for her every day, I learnt what it is to love someone with all your heart.
When I saw you hold our tiny babies, so tenderly and so naturally, I realised how much you sacrificed to be part of our family.
When I saw the joy you had guiding and playing with our children, I saw that unconditional love really does exist.
When I saw your silent suffering and the pain behind your smiles, I understood what true courage is, and how much you loved us, to try and spare us from your agony.
When I saw you take your last breaths, I learnt that the most important thing on this Earth is to live fully and love completely, and then to let go.
Thank you, my wonderful teacher.
Happy Father’s Day to you all.
…Pop over tomorrow for Father’s Day, Present
This is so beautiful <3 xxx
Thanks Heather. xx
Alison your post is beautiful. You look very much like him. It sounds like your dad was a remarkable man and a treasure lost. You know the good ones leave us first.
Thank you for sharing.
Thanks Katrina… He was pretty awesome.