The Fun of Being a Father

The top things a teenage daughter (and son) doesn't want to hear from her dad.

1. “Let me explain what 'deductible' means on car insurance.”
2. “Your mom’s almost ready. Where are we going on our double date?”
3. “Seems to me your last year’s fancy dress still has some life in it.”
4. "I signed us up for the 'pairs karaoke contest' this Friday night.”
5. “We ate possum toes like popcorn when I was a kid.”
6. “Let's get ice cream, my treat! Just let me grab my jar of coins.”
7. “I am proud that you decided to keep the family unibrow.”
8. “You don't need to go shopping after all. I picked out a purse for you on my way home.”
9. “I ran into Bobby at the grocery store. I told him that you're really hoping he'll ask you for a date.”
10. “By the way, I had to borrow your deodorant yesterday.”

Here are five benefits of being a grandfather:

1. A chance to feel young again and a sense that your name, character, and family will extend beyond your lifetime.
2. The sheer joy of being related to such adorable and talented grandchildren.
3. Feeling useful through supplying advice, family history, and some financial support.
   
4. Taking personal pride in a grandchild’s performance or character.
5. "Spoiling” the children is a hoot! And it's a pleasure you may have denied themselves as parents.
   

And for great tips on honoring dad this Sunday, think about these:

• Once you have a good cache of memories, think of a meaningful way to honor your dad:

• Write him a letter and read it in front of him and the whole family.

• Buy a book of blank pages and write one item you’re thankful for on each page: “Thanks, Dad, for teaching me how to throw a curveball.” “Thanks for the evenings playing chess together on the front porch.” Encourage other siblings to contribute.

• Write a “Dad Quiz” with questions like “What was dad’s first car?” and “How did dad propose to mom?” Give the quiz to the whole family.

Some of my very favorite quotes and saying about dads:

My father used to play with my brother and me in the yard. Mother would come out and say, "You're tearing up the grass."
"We're not raising grass," Dad would reply. "We're raising boys." ~Harmon Killebrew

He didn't tell me how to live; he lived, and let me watch him do it. ~Clarence Budington Kelland

It is much easier to become a father than to be one. ~Kent Nerburn, Letters to My Son: Reflections on Becoming a Man, 1994

And one that's always been a special one to me:
Any man can be a father. It takes someone special to be a dad. ~Author Unknown


Blessings.

I Salute Our Military!



A mother asked President Bush, "Why did my son have to die in Iraq?"

Another mother asked President Kennedy, "Why did my son have to die in Viet Nam?"

Another mother asked President Truman, "Why did my son have to die in Korea?"

Raising the Flag on Iwo Jima, by Joe Rosenthal

Another mother asked President F.D. Roosevelt, "Why did my son have to die at Iwo Jima?"

Another mother asked President W. Wilson, "Why did my son have to die on the battlefield of France?"

Gettysburg National Cemetary

Yet another mother asked President Lincoln, "Why did my son have to die at Gettysburg?"

And yet another mother asked President G. Washington, "Why did my son have to die near Valley Forge?"

Then long, long ago, a mother asked . . . "Heavenly Father, why did my Son have to die on a cross outside of Jerusalem?"

The answers to all these are similar -- "So that others may have life and dwell in peace, happiness and freedom." --unknown


I thought the magnitude and the simplicity of these questions--and the answer--were awesome.



Here are six great hints for ways to honor a military person. Try it and see the look of appreciation on his/her face!

• Frame medals and awards - use curio cabinets or shadow boxes
• Create a tribute to their service - Make a notebook filled with poems and tributes from others
  
• Display their uniform - fold it neatly into a shadow box.
  
• Record their stories - Ask them to share their stories. Your children & grandchildren will thank you!
  
• Wall of memories - Frame pictures, shadow boxes filled with memobilia, flags in shadow boxes, poems. Black and white adds a nice touch.
  
• Notes of appreciation - Ask friends of the military person to write short notes about him and place in a small album. Makes a great gift to the person!
  

And the answer to the trivia question from yesterday (which one person expertly knew) is "Damascus!" Here are a few trivia items about the military. Interesting.

1. How did the military salute originate? Some believe it originated in Roman times when assasinations were common. A citizen who wanted to approach a public official had to raise his hand to prove he not no weapon.
2. What is the silver dollar custom? Probably began in England. It is a custom of great honor. The first enlisted soldier who salutes a newly commissioned lieutenant gets a silver dollar from the grateful officer. It is more than just about the money; it's a sign of respect and a love of duty.
   

A quick reminder: this would be a perfect time to order one of Donna Fleisher's "military" novels. Check out my May 4 blog interview with Donna to get her address.

I was hard pressed to pick a quote for today.
This one gave me goosebumps. My imagination took off thinking of it. How might we apply it to our own lives?

Hard pressed on my right. My center is yielding.
Impossible to maneuver.
Situation excellent. I am attacking.
--Ferdinand Foch at the Battle of the Marne

Blessings.