What I learned
from our father:
Anyone that ever
knew dad knew that he never had a problem with shedding a tear. But looking
back I don’t remember him crying very often because he was sad. He cried
because he was happy or proud or just filled with emotion. It’s ok to cry –
that’s what I learned from our father.
When I was in
high school dad and I were in the grocery store and a woman was in front of us.
Her child was running around and the woman was getting frustrated. She looked
at dad and said kids today are so stupid. Dad’s expression was devastated. He
didn’t say a word he just shook his head in disappointment. Words can hurt –
choose them wisely – that’s what I learned from our
father.
When I came to
visit a couple of years back dad and I were driving back to the house. A young
man was walking along the road and dad made a U-turn and pulled over. He asked
the young man if he needed a ride – I was in shear panic thinking that dad
shouldn’t be picking up strangers but dad never hesitated to see if he could be
of some assistance. The young man politely declined and said he lived close by
but thank you anyways. Always help a brother in need – That’s what I learned
from our father.
He was so proud
of his children, his grandchildren and great grandchildren…. But he was
extremely proud of our mom. He talked to me quite often about what a wonderful
wife, mother and friend Esther is. He respected her and told me how much he
appreciated all the wonderful things she did for him. There is no greater gift
in life then the gift of love – that’s what I learned from our
father.
Dad would stop to
point out a flower, a butterfly or just admire the beautiful sky. Appreciate
the little things in life – that’s what I learned from our
father.
Dad and mom both
taught us these life lessons not always by words…. But by the actions that were
shown on a daily basis.
To this day I
know that Dad believed it was always important to make others feel loved - more
than him feeling loved.
That’s what I
learned from our father.

I am in the process of digitizing some of Dad's sermons that are on tape. I sat down to hear a little as I have it playing in the other room and this sermon is titled The Sound of Music.

Part of the sermon he talks about the heart beats around 60 times a minute. So if music is played at more than 60 beats per minute, you become active. Anything slower and you become relaxed. That is why people like slow music in church.

Then he says- If you take all the people who sleep in church and lay them end to end...  They will be much more comfortable.

Thanks Dad, I needed that out loud laugh.

Please listen to some of the sermons under the Audio Gallery. Check back as I will keep posting more when I have time. 

Through the southern states like Texas, where sleeping on a picnic table('cause there was no room (at the inn) in the trailer or the car),  with the bugs falling out of the tree making it impossible to sleep.  Dad, to tired to drive, but let his 18 year old son & 16 year old daughter command the car and trailer with all inside, went on down the road continuing the journey. All the way down to the Florida Keys, up the Eastern seaboard to New York, NY.  With nerves of steel dad manuevered our temporary home through those busy streets, (even tried to park it, in vein) just so we could see the Empire State & United Nations Buildings, with a ferry ride past the Statue of Liberty and Niagara Falls.  We visited the Liberty Bell and used our bodies as bait to catch Leeches in Conneicut.  Mom & Dad knew because of our aging family that this would probably be the last summer vacation we would all get to share, with all of us together.  It's only one of the experiences we shared, to become as close as we are, not only because of the size of the car but because of the love we all shared.  Don't forget in Tacoma, Washington we picked up our 18 year old cousin Markus and brought him to So Cal with us. Now we were 9, three states worth.  Four on the front seat, four on the back seat and Rene our youngest on our laps or the back deck and who was on the floor boards, was that Allan? 
Love you Mom and will always miss you Dad...

PS. Catch a big rainbow first chance you get. Trout that is...