My dad has always been a romantic. While courting my mom, he knew she was out with her mother and would have to pass his house on their way home after dark. When he saw them coming, he stood in the lighted window on the second floor and played Schubert’s “Serenade” for her. My mom said she knew right then that he was the one for her!
Through 50 years of marriage, they had their struggles, but they never showed any disagreement in front of me or my six siblings. Dad always held the door for mom and his three daughters. He made sure he walked on the street side of the sidewalk when walking with one of us and gave us Valentine’s hearts every year. I never had any confusion about who I was or whether I was loved. We had to work hard and our parents would not tolerate back-talk or slacking. I am grateful for my generous parents, their perseverance, the faith they passed on to us, the small gestures of respect for each other, the time they devoted to their family, and the service they gave to church and community.
My dad is still bewildered when anyone praises him for something. He just thinks he’s done what he had to do. What a man!
Elaine
My Dad: What a Man!
