Saturday, June 18, 2011

What Daddy Does Best




It is a wise father that knows his own child. ~William Shakespeare



Recently I heard a talk-show where callers were encouraged to phone in and explain instances of how they were like their father. I was shocked to hear some saying how they wished they were NOT like their father. Ouch!

For those who have never yet had the privilege of knowing my father, I will share some ways he, as a parent, has sheltered me.

I remember when we moved to a new city I just had to have some privacy so I could soak in the sun’s rays. Dad, being the ‘do for others whenever’ dad that I love, went to the store and bought one [big] section of privacy fence for his seventeen-year-old daughter. He fastened that thing right to the top of our silver Skylark Buick (in lieu of the pick-up truck he had always wanted!) to cart it home. Hilarious, when I think back.

I WANT to be self-sacrificial just like my dad

I AM just like dad - I have the nail cutting chore around here for our family. So, guess what I tell them? “Papaw used to cut my nails with his pocketknife scissors!” (Because it seems more challenging, harder and frankly, downright scarier using scissors, I opt for clippers – in my hands those are scary enough!)

I am reminded of my daddy when my daughter takes her shoe off, props her foot in my lap and demands, “Rub my foot!” Oops. This has come back to bite me…I am sure my daddy is chuckling, thinking, “Payback time!”


 I KNOW what love is because of my dad -- I am one who never had to wonder all the time if God would love me, comfort or take care of me. I had an earthly father that showed God’s love through his own life. I am sure when we become parents, we don’t stop to think how this will help build the character of our grandchildren by the way we live in front of our own children. Dad would stay up so late in the evening for his special alone time, relaxing in the old blue lazy boy and also kneeling there in prayer before heading to bed; after giving of himself to his family and work all day.  

I can count on one hand the times my father spoke angrily or spoke out in frustration to or about my mother. This teaching and guiding -- letting me help with chores (whether it took longer or looked worse after I had helped) has showed that he loved me by doing and finding things I would eventually come to enjoy and/or need to do later in life.

    “Lord, I pray I can use these examples
       as stepping stones in my own way
          as I am raising my children
to become good little missionaries for You.”



Dear Dad,
Thanks for sheltering me with your gentleness, compassion and self-sacrificial love. 

                                                                                                   Happy Father’s Day!
                                                                                                         Love, Molly
                                                                                        Aka Melanie Lynn (Kuhn) Clemens

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Personalized Cards: Free through Shutterfly

Ethan signing his name

Cards ready? Check!

Shutterfly Mug

Happy Father's Day!

Tableware packages for Father's Day
Tied with Love from It's Always a Party at the Parkers




20 comments:

Anonymous said...

Lovely, Melanie. You have been blessed and are now a blessing. Joy to you and your family this Father's Day weekend!
Miss Kathy

koralee said...

What sweet idea for Father's day...have a good one. xoxo Thank for visiting me the other day.

Sr Crystal Mary Lindsey said...

Hello Pamela, You are very blessed to have had and known a father. I guess like many of of life blessings, he was taken for granted, and yet as you grew older you realised his greatness. So good..
My own father was not around much, often working away from home. Then when I was eight my parents broke up. I found him again when I was eighteen, yet so much was missing. I believe he loved me..he would hug me sometimes, but he never told me he loved me, or any of my brothers and sisters.. I hold him special in my heart. Its been almost thirty years since he went to Glory (gave his heart not long before) But I loved him. My mother is now ninety three and cleaning out her desk a few months back I found a negative of two people. She must have overlooked it. I developed it and was thrilled to see the pair of them as a young couple.. That photo has been enlarged and holds a place of honour in my home. At last I have a father I can see... and two parents, it makes me so happy.
Much love Crystal

Saleslady371 said...

Melanie, these pics are wonderful. My dad was a detailed guy and careful. I got my melancholy temperment from him!

Renee Ann said...

Such a beautiful tribute! You are blessed.

Misty said...

Such a blessing it is to read of a wonderful father/daughter relationship. You can feel your love for him jump off of the page.

Thank you for sharing and allowing us to walk down memory lane with you.

Blessings to you and your father!
Misty

Ginger~~Enchanting Cottage said...

What a great tribute to your dad. Our granddaughter is always asking me to rub her feet.
Blessings,
Ginger

Stephanie @ henry happened said...

Such great memories! I love that you inherited the finger clipping job (me too!) but I can't imagine doing it with scissors!

Anonymous said...

Melanie, I enjoyed this post; the sweet memories and pictures are wonderful!

I hope each of you enjoy the week ahead.

Write My Essay said...

WOow.. that such a wonderful post. how have you pass great time. that's look super cool. enjoy the sweet memories with lovely pics.

Cindy said...

A beautiful tribute. Your dad sounds much like mine. How wonderful that we never had to wonder if our Heavenly Father could love us, because we had been so loved by our earthly father. What a blessing a good dad is.
Hugs, Cindy

Nikki (Sarah) said...

your father sounds like he gave you so much...the best things in life. I never had a father like that....and it's so neat to read that some men truly shine...like your dad

becomingwomenofpeace.com said...

Your blog site is lovely and I thank you for your inspiring post about your wonderful father!
Abundant blessings to you & your family, Sheila

no spring chicken said...

I really ache for a world that doesn't value the importance of fathers. I know that there is a resurgence of understanding, due to the horrible statistics that stem from broken homes and checked out men. Our testimonies are so important. Testimonies of a Father in heaven that offers everything a broken earthly father couldn't give. But, also testimonies of rich, safe, loving homes directed by self-sacrificing earthly fathers. Thank you for this glimpse into just such a home led by just such a father.

Blessings, Debbie

Lynn said...

A beautiful tribute to your father, Melanie. You are blessed. I too had a father who always thought of others before himself, was so loved by so many because he "walked the talk" all his life.

Nicole said...

This was beautiful! I am following you back (finally)! Can't wait to read more.

Karen said...

I enjoyed this, Pam. What a great Dad.

Cathy said...

Thanks for sharing those sweet memories, Dear. Blessings ~

Charlotte said...

What a wonderful example your father was. Thank you for sharing with us.
Blessings,
Charlotte

Judy Whatilivefor said...

How wonderful that you have such a wonderful father who led by example!