I wrote this a couple of weeks ago to read at my Dad’s funeral on the following day.
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Yesterday morning, I was sitting down to figure out what I was going to say today. I didn’t know if I was going to speak or not. Then it hit me. “What would my dad do?”
As many of you know, my Dad was not a “loud” man. He was not the “life of the party.” No, he quietly went about his work and his way.
One time I heard him introduce his company, Trade & Transactions as being a “throw away” paper. He didn’t have a lot of pride, nor much of an ego. He simply “spoke” with his actions.
My dad didn’t teach me how to do things. He didn’t sit me down and show me step by step how to fix something. He simply did them with me by his side. It was up to me to pay attention enough to learn for myself. No one really taught him how to do things, but somehow he figured things out. I guess that was probably his most valuable lesson to me, “you can figure it out on your own!” After all, if I depended on him for things, how would I do those things when he is gone?
My dad didn’t teach me how to be a good husband and father – he demonstrated it! Could he have done better? Absolutely. The thing is, he never considered himself to be the “best” at anything! I believe, that he always strived to improve – quietly to himself.
My dad didn’t seek recognition or awards. He simply did what he thought was the right thing to do. He showed me how to be sincere and genuine!
My dad did not teach me how to die with grace and dignity – he demonstrated it! As many of you know, for the past couple of years, he could not speak. As time went on, he could not move his hands or his arms. But, what was the one thing that he COULD do until the very end? Laugh and smile. Yup, the last thing to go in my dad’s aging body, was his smile!
Once again, he taught me not through words, but through his actions!
Today, when we greet each other, we do not need to attempt to say the comforting words, but rather let’s just exchange a big smile – for my dad!
Yup, that’s what my dad would do today – smile!
Written, Fri, Mar 17, 2017
A beautiful tribute. Smiles do warm the heart and so today will be filled with smiles. Thank you.
Thanks Pat it is a nice tribute. Love you
My father was similar. No one taught him. He and I learned to do things together, I.e, plumbing work electrical work, gas pipeline placement or any houaehold repair job. He had no parental support in this area and thus he and I learned together. Economic neecessities of life. Smiles were particularly great after the job was successful. Pat, you and your father are quite similar in nonverbal manners of self expressions. Facial expression. SMILES
Fantastic tribute Pat. I’m really glad to have met Ralph (and be comforted knowing that the nut hasn’t fallen far from the tree). Keep smilin’.