Thursday, June 01, 2006
Welcome to June! Hard to believe we've entered the 6th month of '06. Seventeen days from now is Father's Day. I'm presently reading a couple of books in the evenings: Tim Russert's Wisdom of Our Fathers: Lessons and Letters from Daughters and Sons (a follow-up to his best-seller, Big Russ & Me) and Karen Spears Zacharias' Hero Mama: A Daughter Remembers the Father She Lost in Vietnam - and the Mother Who Held Her Family Together.Since I have nothing better to blog today, I'm going to share a letter from Russert's book. A story I think just warm the heart. You be the judge.
Brian Baker shares this memory of his dad, Bob.
My dad is the biggest New York Giants fan alive and has had season tickets for over forty years. In 1990, he took me to the NFC Championship game against the 49ers. He had four tickets, and he planned on selling the other two.What about you and your dad ... any lessons learned that you'd want to share?
We got to the game early to tailgate, and as we were pulling into the parking lot, I noticed that tickets were being scalped for hundreds of dollars. My father was going to make a killing, which was good because business had been difficult and he could really use the extra money.
We tailgated for a couple of hours, during which Dad must have had twenty-five different opportunities to cash in on his tickets, but he made no effort at all to sell them. I realized that he would probably get top dollar closer to kickoff, and I watched him carefully, hoping to learn a thing or two.
As the start of the game approached we headed for the stadium entrance, and my father continued to pass up selling opportunities. I remember thinking that maybe he was getting greedy. But he was looking around and finally saw what he wanted - a father and a young boy who needed tickets. My father explained that he had two extras and was just asking what he paid for them.
"Are you serious?" the man asked.
"Yes," my father replied. "Now let's go in before we're late for the game."
I did learn something that day - something about having principles and doing what is right. I know today that my father got more enjoyment out of seeing that father and son watch the game right next to us than if he had sold each ticket for a small fortune. In doing so, he taught me a lesson I'll never forget. [pp.39 - 40]
Comments:
<< Home
I remember not wanting to get my license for the fear of which parent would have to take me out "test driving" Since my parents had already bought me an old Volkswagon I had to learn to drive it! Of course it was stick shift!
I knew my Mom would be a nervous wreck and figured Dad to be a yeller and afraid he would make me frustrated and nervous with his cursing!
I finally decided that if I ever wanted to learn I had to just do it.
My Dad amazed me! He was so patient and a wonderful teacher. I can't remember how many times I stalled at stop signs and had people behind honking. I even tried to get out and make him drive but he calmed me down and told me to not to worry about those people they could just go around! I am still amazed to this day as to what a wonderful teacher he was and how patient he was.
I knew my Mom would be a nervous wreck and figured Dad to be a yeller and afraid he would make me frustrated and nervous with his cursing!
I finally decided that if I ever wanted to learn I had to just do it.
My Dad amazed me! He was so patient and a wonderful teacher. I can't remember how many times I stalled at stop signs and had people behind honking. I even tried to get out and make him drive but he calmed me down and told me to not to worry about those people they could just go around! I am still amazed to this day as to what a wonderful teacher he was and how patient he was.
What a wonderful story, Greg! That sounds like something my dad would have done, had he been a sports fan, which he wasn't. His "hobby" was farming. He was a school teacher and always preached and ministered to small rural churches, as well. He was always being "taken advantage of" by people, at least in my eyes. One notable event was when he let a family move into a little house he owned on his "farm". Joe had a drinking problem and got a burr under his saddle about something my dad's cows had done. Even came out waving his shot gun around, threatening to shoot Daddy one time. I thought for sure Dad would throw him out after that, but he didn't. He was too concerned about Joe's wife and children and where they would go if they were evicted from that little house. Eventually Joe ended up setting the house on fire, burning it to the ground. He ended up in prison over something else and Dad continued to minister to him and his family through it all. That story never did come to a satisfactory conclusion, at least in my eyes. After my dad died, though, I saw the method in his madness. Hundreds and hundreds of people came and stood in line for hours to pay their last respects to "Big Jack." I heard numerous stories of simple things he had done over the years that had made an impact in their lives. It dawned on me that, all through the years, when Dad was seemingly being taken advantage of by people, he was simply "being Jesus" to them. What a novel concept!
One day as we left a restaurant my dad realized that the cashier had overpaid him his change. That would have made the meal practically free.
Moment of Truth time. Did he turn around and return the money? Did he mutter something about how the service was lousy anyway and continue to the car?
Let's just say Russert wouldn't have used my story in his book but the lesson was learned just the same.
Moment of Truth time. Did he turn around and return the money? Did he mutter something about how the service was lousy anyway and continue to the car?
Let's just say Russert wouldn't have used my story in his book but the lesson was learned just the same.
My dad taught me honesty and to work hard. He also showed me that tenderness can sometimes be covered up with gruffness; you just have to look beneath the surface. I remember my 13th birthday. I was sick with the flu. On his way home from work, he stopped and bought me a set of salt and pepper shakers that were white kitties. I still have one of them, sitting proudly in the curio cabinet. It's yellowed with age now, but I wouldn't take a million dollars for it.
Obviously, you're reading the wrong books. Where's the good American capitalistic system that sells at the price the market will bear. You ain't gonna make it too far in that funeral home bidness reading stories like that!?!?
Seriously, that's a great idea. The next time I go to a Giants/49'ers playoff game I'm going to use that strategy!
Now get on down to Florida for camp.
Peace.
Seriously, that's a great idea. The next time I go to a Giants/49'ers playoff game I'm going to use that strategy!
Now get on down to Florida for camp.
Peace.
I don't have any similar stories to share, but do thank you for sharing this one. When your family of origin is a broken as mine was, then there aren't many Rockwell moments to report. There is great incentive, however, to make those memories with my own children. Blessings to you and yours, -bw
Connie:
I didn't know your dad other than by name and by association with you, but I do remember dropping by his farm one day when I was doing something w/ Jan's dad. Your dad was on the tractor, singing "Victory in Jesus" at the top of his voice! He and Aldon talked for a few minutes and your dad told me (a young preacher-to-be) most of his sermons were worked out on that tractor. As we drove away Jan's dad told me "Jack is one of the finest Christian men I've ever known."
Thanks for sharing your story.
Glenda: The more I get to know your dad (usually through hospital visits) the more depth I see in him. I was genuinely touched that he wanted me to pray with him my last visit.
Tom: Always appreciate it when you weigh in on a topic. Interesting response!
Judy: If I had a million, I'd offer it to you just to see if you'd part with those kitties!
Bill: Great perspective. Very similar to mine. I have very few good "father memories" but that made me very intentional in making those moments with my children. Thanks for sharing in the response. I always look forward to what you have to say ... both in this site and our emails.
I didn't know your dad other than by name and by association with you, but I do remember dropping by his farm one day when I was doing something w/ Jan's dad. Your dad was on the tractor, singing "Victory in Jesus" at the top of his voice! He and Aldon talked for a few minutes and your dad told me (a young preacher-to-be) most of his sermons were worked out on that tractor. As we drove away Jan's dad told me "Jack is one of the finest Christian men I've ever known."
Thanks for sharing your story.
Glenda: The more I get to know your dad (usually through hospital visits) the more depth I see in him. I was genuinely touched that he wanted me to pray with him my last visit.
Tom: Always appreciate it when you weigh in on a topic. Interesting response!
Judy: If I had a million, I'd offer it to you just to see if you'd part with those kitties!
Bill: Great perspective. Very similar to mine. I have very few good "father memories" but that made me very intentional in making those moments with my children. Thanks for sharing in the response. I always look forward to what you have to say ... both in this site and our emails.
I was just telling my wife last night some things about my dad (who she never got to meet). From time to time, growing up in the CofC, somebody would teach something that just made NO sense to me. I was a relatively smart lad, so I couldn't figure out why everyone around me was nodding their heads in obvious agreement while I was trying to make the same leap in logic that everyone else was.
When I would ask my dad about these things, he would ask me what I thought...and encourage me to trust my instincts. He taught me that there is more to understanding the Bible than listening to others. He taught me that our most valuable study comes from the Spirit.
On another subject, we were also talking last night about a wedding we are going to in Long Beach this month. About halfway through the conversation I said, "Wait! Long Beach!" After Lisa stared at me for awhile I said, "Greg!"
I think we are going to be there June 23-25 and I'm pretty sure I know which church I would like to attend while there. I'll be in touch.
When I would ask my dad about these things, he would ask me what I thought...and encourage me to trust my instincts. He taught me that there is more to understanding the Bible than listening to others. He taught me that our most valuable study comes from the Spirit.
On another subject, we were also talking last night about a wedding we are going to in Long Beach this month. About halfway through the conversation I said, "Wait! Long Beach!" After Lisa stared at me for awhile I said, "Greg!"
I think we are going to be there June 23-25 and I'm pretty sure I know which church I would like to attend while there. I'll be in touch.
WOW! I love that story. My Dad was as ruff and gruff as they come, but he could also be so compassionate with people. He grew up very poor and never forgot his roots. I could never name all of the people that came through our home that he helped. He would give you his last dollar, and did to me many times, I learned later in life. I still miss him so much, especially when I see a John Wayne movie. I still dream about him every once in a while. I even still get excited when I see his old pick up truck around town, for just an instance I think there's Daddy. As for the football story, we were tail gating at Auburn and hopeing to find some good tickets for not too much. I had set a limt as to what I would pay. It was time for the game & still no tickets when a man came up to me and said I have been watching you & your family, you seem to be good people, so here are four tickets for face value. I knew the Lord had blessed me that day as he has many times. I hope I always come across as being good, although I know there are times when I dont. Thank goodness Jesus understands and still loves me.
Thanks to you and Janice for coming last night. It was good to see you both. Thanks for your encouragement and I am so blessed to know you!
Great story. My Dad was one of those people (as you know) that could best be described by the phrase, "what you see is what you get." He was honest and open to a fault. Not a bad trait to have.
Greg, Thanks for passing along that "snapshot" of my dad! Aldon Hendrix was a fine man, as well. He had that same kindly, calm demeanor that I associated with my own father.
Puckster: Regarding camp, see my response to your blog!
Steve: What a wise response! Do you and Lisa need a place to stay in Long Beach? We can save you motel expense ... have plenty of room. Let me know.
Sharon: I remember your dad so well, though we had little contact with him. He was one of those men Aldon had tremendous respect for as one man to another man. And they defined "men!" Other than he didn't "go to church" I always heard good comments about your dad.
Auburn? Why would you even want to watch an Auburn game??
Steve: What a wise response! Do you and Lisa need a place to stay in Long Beach? We can save you motel expense ... have plenty of room. Let me know.
Sharon: I remember your dad so well, though we had little contact with him. He was one of those men Aldon had tremendous respect for as one man to another man. And they defined "men!" Other than he didn't "go to church" I always heard good comments about your dad.
Auburn? Why would you even want to watch an Auburn game??
I think I could say my faith grew from hearing God's word over, and over, and over again through my father's sermons. Even though I didn't appreciate all the weeks, and weeks, and weeks of gospel meetings during the summers when most children were having vacations. I do appreciate what my dad did to teach others, and my faith has brought me through the many blessings and trials that have come my way with much ease.
I would like to say I think you have been a wonderful example of a compassionate, encouraging, and loving father. You have also shown Joshua and Jessica how to admitt mistakes and ask forgiveness when needed. A lot of children do not get this kind of up bringing. Sad to say some like my mother hardly ever got a compliment from her father and needless to say never an apology.
Post a Comment
I would like to say I think you have been a wonderful example of a compassionate, encouraging, and loving father. You have also shown Joshua and Jessica how to admitt mistakes and ask forgiveness when needed. A lot of children do not get this kind of up bringing. Sad to say some like my mother hardly ever got a compliment from her father and needless to say never an apology.
<< Home
