Lessons I've learned from Dad.

I've heard it said that holidays can be the toughest times for families that have lost somone close.
My dad passed away this August. He taught us the value of working with integrity and ethics, took us to church when we didn't want to go, and loved our mom, but  never showed public affection. If they did, I ignored it.
For the holidays, he and mom tried to give us what we wanted. How they did it, I"ll never know. The last Christmas I remember with my dad, was when I was 17. I didn't expect anything as far as a present. My dad, asked me one morning on our way  to school what I wanted for Christmas. I couldn't think of anything, but I liked Garfield the Cat. On Christmas morning, Garfield was waiting for me under the tree. I thought "how thoughtful and sweet my dad is."  At holiday dinners, he would say a prayer and end up crying by the time he got to "Amen." I did it this year.  He was always thankful when the family got together. I think he enjoyed having the family around him, he was at peace when we were together.
I remember him being outside with my three brothers (or two) and working on one of the two cars. He would have his gray overalls on, his glasses so he could see and work hard at getting it back on the road. I never did go outside to find out about how to work on cars, mostly because that was" a man's job."
I moved away from home when I was young. If I could go back in time, I would stay around. My parents were always there for me when  I was in deep trouble or needed something.
My dad showed me where to go when I was in trouble. When I would feel alone or in dispair, I would drop to my knees. When I was a kid, I didn't want to go to church. I had to go. The only time we couldn't go was if we were sick; that didn't happen too often.
My dad was a quiet man. After dinner, especially at the holidays, he would go to his Lazy Boy chair and fall asleep within minutes.  He would snore and mom would wake him up with a comment about it. We all thought it was funny because we would start on who else snores in the family. That was almost a tradition too.
We never heard daddy say a bad word towards anyone. To describe my dad would to say he thought on things which were noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent or praiseworthy. He was truly a hard worker, loved his family, and taught his children the same.
I can't say he was perfect, but I can say he came close from what I could . see.
The other night, at the Palatka Parade, I saw this group that clogs. It took me back to a memory of my family. When I was about five years old, my family would go square dancing. I would have to go because the baby sitters where dancing too (my brothers and sister). I wanted to learn to dance like them. My mom always looked  pretty in her outfit. She reminded me of a ballerina. I wonder what my dad thought about how she looked. They were definitely in love in all the good and bad times.
I love you daddy and I miss you. Most of all, I thank you for all of the great times you gave me. My memories are rushing in and I will close with this.
If you have someone you have lost this year, you are not alone; treasure the good times, throw away the bad and enjoy your today.