I have some very fond and precious memories of my father. He was about two inches taller than I and weighed about 165 pounds. One of my first memories of him is of him crossing one leg over his knee and riding me on his foot, and singing a little ditty to me, one of them having a scary ending. I wish I could remember it. I have memories of growing up on a farm and working with him from the time I was 10 years old. He had a team of mules, old Jack and Kate, but when I was 10 he bought a team of horses called Maude (a mare) and Fred. I first learned to use a breaking plow, then a double shovel (which I hated), then a one row cultivator. I did not mind working, and Dad was careful not to overwork me, especially on hot summer days when were cutting and shocking wheat, or taking up loose hay and stacking in the loft of the barn. I am glad he taught me to work and to accept personal responsibility. He gave his six children no formal lessons in theology, but three times a day he bowed his head at the big table from which we ate, and thanked his heavenly Father for daily food and asked His blessings to be given us, including guidance and forgiveness. He served as a deacon for many years. His sojourn on earth was 96 1/2 years and he died of old age, leaving his posterity a legacy of love and faithfulness. I thank God for such a father; more affectionately known as Dad.
As I reflect back on my life I well remember when a sweet little girl was born in our home, whom we chose to name Lydia Anne, and I experienced the meaning of being a father. I was to experience the feeling twice more when Jim and Randy were born. Webster defined the meaning of the word but he did not try to define the feeling a father feels when he first sees his child or takes it in his arms, simply because there are no words to do so. Love, pride, joy, and a deepening sense of love and devotion to the child's mother, may be a good start in trying to express that feeling.
I thoroughly enjoy my children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, and have lived to enjoy having some great-great-grandchildren-so why should I not enjoy and celebrate Father's Day. Love never diminishes by the number it is bestowed upon.
Happy Father's Day to all. Have a great day!