Running a farm and having 5 kids roaming around would prove to be a challenge for most people but that was just what life was for my father. Between him and my mother, they ran a dairy farm to make a living and provided for the children they had. Not only did my dad manage this, but he also took the time to bond with us all in unique ways.
One of my fondest memories as a child was when my dad would need a particular tool to fix something in the barn and would ask me to run up to the machine shed to get it. He would literally time me on his wrist watch and made that mundane task into a fun game for me. Instead of telling me to get him something, he made it engaging and rewarding for me. I can thank my father for my driven nature to race against the time that would tick away on the clock during races. He made me a better athlete/runner without even knowing it!
Another first that my father taught me how to do was whistle. While milking cows dad would always be humming a tune, making up songs or whistling. I was daddy's little girl so I naturally wanted to hum, sing & whistle like him. The only thing I couldn't do was whistle. Dad would stop in the middle of milking to take 2 minutes here and there to show me how to do it. Before long, I was whistling right along side of my daddy.
Being a farmer meant working 24/7 and 365 days a year. My father would work from before sun up until long after sun down. He was always fixing something, doing crops or milking cows. There was never a lazy day in his life. That is just how my dad is...working, working, working. I attribute my hard working attitude, determination & drive to my dad. He provided an awesome example for me to follow. I wouldn't have been able to do half of the things I've accomplished without that "can do" spirit I gained by watching him.
I could go on and on about all of the things my dad taught me through the use of his hands, heart & mind. Even though I've grown into a young woman and he gave me away at my wedding last fall, I will forever remain daddy's little girl. He is always going to be closest to my heart. I've strived to make him proud of the person I've become and I hope that he appreciates the qualities I posses came from simply being his daughter. I am grateful for his guidance, respect & love that has always remained strong.
You never truly understand the love your parents have for you until you become a parent yourself. I can full heartedly say I now know the overwhelming emotion of love you feel for your own and how my parents feel for me. I can only hope that my son feels for me the way I feel for my parents. I want to be able to teach him all of the things my parents gave me through my childhood: the ability to love with everything you posses, be honest, gracious, accepting, hard-working, dedicated, persistent, humbled, determined and lend a helping hand when it isn't asked of you.
{Dad: I treasure the incredible bond we share and want to thank you for always being there for me. You and mom have always been my biggest supporters and fans. I am blessed to have had the childhood you provided and the wonderful life lessons that came with it...all the love in my heart!}
The lyrics to the following song have always stuck with me and remind me of my dad. You can tell a lot about a person by their hands. His have years of stories from being a husband & father that are beatiful memories for me and my family.
xoxo
bj
I remember Daddy´s hands, folded silently in prayer.
And reaching out to hold me, when I had a nightmare.
You could read quite a story, in the callouses and lines.
Years of work and worry had left their mark behind.
I remember Daddy´s hands, how they held my Mama tight,
And patted my back, for something done right.
There are things that I´ve forgotten, that I loved about the man,
But I´ll always remember the love in Daddy´s hands.
Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.
I remember Daddy´s hands, working 'til they bled.
Sacrificed unselfishly, just to keep us all fed.
If I could do things over, I´d live my life again.
And never take for granted the love in Daddy´s hands.
Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love in Daddy´s hands.
Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin´.
Daddy´s hands, were hard as steel when I´d done wrong.
Daddy´s hands, weren´t always gentle
But I´ve come to understand.
There was always love .....
In Daddy´s hands
