In the spirit of Father's Day, I am sharing my thoughts on my similarities to my father. My father has always been a calm and patient person. While my mother has taught me a lot of things, I would not say patience is one of them.
When I was little, my father used to build lots of things for us. He had a workshop with lots of tools and gizmos (all very well-organized by the way). He took his time building things and always planned them out carefully so that they would be made well. He would study his Popular Mechanics and Handyman books before he started any project.
He built many things for friends and family members. He made furniture and also built us a sandbox, a family room and a beautiful playhouse when I was about 5 years old. I spent hours in that spacious house, hosting tea parties and baking pretend cakes.
In all my years as a kid, my father has rarely raised his voice or got angry at us. He only got mad at my brother once that I can recall. That incident involved a couple of men carrying a very heavy tree into our backyard and my brother did not move out of the way fast enough. I supposed he left all the disciplining to my mom, who had no problem yelling at us when we misbehaved.
Dad probably learned to be patient while he was in the army. He served in France and Italy during WWII and thankfully, came home unwounded. He met my mom at the Sears store in Los Angeles, where she worked.
Now, my father is 90 years old. He has diabetes and Alzheimer's and does not build things anymore. His tools are still in his workshop and they sit unused. Although he does not build things any more, he built a sense of calm and patience to our family. I am dedicating this post to my dad - thank you dad for always being so patient!
How are you like your father?
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Sharon Greenthal
I'm so glad you have such great memories of your father, now that he is not well and has had to give up his love of making things. I love that you are now making things and sharing them on your blog - it's a kind of tribute to him.
Organizedisland
Thank you Sharon, you are right, it is like a tribute to him. I miss him making things.
Generation Above Me (@TheGenAboveMe)
Hey, you and your dad share a similar smile. Thanks for writing up that character sketch out him. He sounds like a wonderful person.
Cathy Chester
Your dad gave you so many wonderful gifts, and you were blessed to have such a father. He passed on those gifts to you, and paying it forward is a tribute to him. How marvelous.
I will keep your dad in my prayers.
Organizedisland
Cathy, thank you so much for your comment. I really appreciate it and I know you are going through some difficult times with your Dad. My thoughts are with you as well.
Ginger Kay
It sounds like your learned a lot from your dad, about both patience and the importance of being organized and methodical. It must be difficult to see those tools and your dad unable to use them, but this was a lovely way to remember those earlier days.
Organizedisland
Yes, it is really sad to see all the tools waiting to be used, knowing he will not be using them.
Grown and Flown
I admire a patient person and how lucky for you that your father had that quality in abundance - thanks for sharing your dad's story with us.
Organizedisland
Thank you for your kind comment. I am truly grateful for what he taught me without even knowing.
Deanna Ostler
Such a sweet story about your dad. You are very lucky to have him in your life and to be able to see how the little less obvious things done with great love can add up to mean as much as the big things we are so used to measuring our lives by.
Organizedisland
Thank you Deanna! So true and thank you for commenting dear friend. 🙂
Alexis AKA MOM
what a wonderful post! He sounds like a GREAT dad!
Mine has taught me to keep going even when it doesn't look so bright.
Organizedisland
Oh I love that inspiration from your dad, Alexis. That can be really hard to do sometimes!
conniemcleod
My dad was a builder and fix-it guy too. While no one would ever call him a quite man, he too left the disciplining to my Mom. I know it's hard to see the Dad you knew slip away. You post is a beautiful remembrance of the wonderful man who raised you.
Organizedisland
Yes, it is tough to watch Dad grow older and more forgetful. Thank you for stopping by Connie. I appreciate your kind words.
Amanda Fox
Patience is a quality to be greatly appreciated. A patient and calm man, in my opinion, means a strong man. Wonderful Dad, wonderful post!
Organizedisland
Thank you Amanda!
afterthekidsleave
So nice that you remember your dad's kindness and patience--they've surely rubbed off on you!
Organizedisland
Thank you for your kind comment!
akaleistar
Such a sweet post!
Organizedisland
Thank you!