11/18/16

My Father's Hands


It's funny but when I think of my father the first thing about him that comes to mind are his hands. The hands that built furniture, remodeled many a room, made countless Thanksgiving dinners, and could fix any broken toy handed to him. My dad was definitely a "Mr. Fix-it" (and make it even better) kind of guy. 
Joined with my mother's hands, my father made the vow of the most purest love and devotion to her for just over 60 years. 



My father's hands were not those of someone who could ever "take it easy". His hands worked very hard to keep our family under a secure roof with plenty of food on the table. He sometimes worked two jobs and occasionally had to leave his family overnight just to make that little bit of extra money needed for Christmas or special vacation.



My father's hands taught me how to throw a ball, kept me safe while sledding down our driveway, and held the back end of my 2 wheel bike steady as I learned to ride without training wheels.



With the exception of this one photo above, my father's left hand, for as long as I can remember, never dawned a wedding ring. This was due to the type of jobs he worked. His hands were those of a mechanic and heavy equipment operator which made them very strong.


My father's hands tore down drywall and installed kitchen cabinets in both of my childhood homes. His hands put up new roofing, built stone walls and created the most beautiful and prolific backyard vegetable gardens you have ever seen.


As a boy my father's hands played football, basketball and, from what I understand, he was an incredibly talented baseball pitcher. In adulthood his hands held many a fishing rod, bowled brilliantly and swung one mean golf club. While enlisted in the US Army during the late 1950's, my father's hands became those of an expert marksman.


My father's hands raced cars, steered boats, and even taught me how drive when I was only 14.



My father's hands also clapped and clapped a lot. He had the hands of both a coach and of a cheer leader. 


My father's hand shook my husband's when they first met, and held mine tightly as I was about to marry my Mr. Rosemary Lane.



My father's hands embraced his new grandchildren when they came home to be our "forever" family.




My father's hands are what I see when I look down at my own. The length of my fingers and the shape of the nail beds are undeniably his. I am so very happy and extremely proud to have hands like my father, hands that did so much for so many years. They are a constant reminder of the amazing qualities and abilities I have always admired in the incredible man I called dad.



His hands of 82 years are now at rest, and my father is in the arms of our Lord.

Thank you dad for all you have taught me in your fatherly role. 
You are always with me, in my thoughts, in every sense of my being, and of course you are forever in my heart. I love you daddy and I miss you more than words could ever say.

Your baby girl...

24 comments:

  1. This is such a beautiful, loving post. I am crying as I type because I think the same thins about my own father and mother for that matter. Hard loving workers who helped us have wonderful lives.

    I am sorry for your loss, I can imagine that you do miss this wonderful man very much.

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  2. This is very sweet memories and I love family memories till we come to the line that said WAS and now gone.
    It's so hard to part with our parents and I always think why didn't I appreciate them more when they were still among us?

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  3. What lovely thoughts and memories. God bless you and give you comfort!

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  4. Wonderful memories! I'm sorry for your loss, Barbara.

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  5. What a beautiful tribute to your dad. I am so sorry for your loss.

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  6. Your post touched my heart. What a beautiful father. Thank you so much for sharing this lovely tribute and "inviting" me into your home and family. I can feel so much love. I am sure he is in heaven and have been told that his work on earth was very well done. He is experiencing God's heavenly rewards. My prayers will be with you.

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  7. So sorry for your loss. You have a sweet and wonderful family.

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  8. I'm so sorry for your loss. What beautiful pictures and memories you have. I feel very touched that you shared them with us. Hugs.

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  9. Well, I am bawling like a baby, Barbara. What a touching tribute to your dad. What a special man and I am so glad you had him through so many of your adult years. What a blessing that is for you. I am sure you were the pride and joy of his life, Barbara. And, although the pain of loss is hard, you will look back and smile through your tears as you remember all the wonderful moments you shared with him.
    God bless you...and your whole family. The path you are walking is not an easy one--but you have a heavenly hand to guide you now. xo Diana

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  10. Barbara, what beautiful memories that you shared about you Daddy. I am so very sorry for your loss. Praying for God's peace and comfort.

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  11. After my Dad died I was in line at a restaurant buffet shortly after he died, looking down to keep tears from flowing when I saw the hands of a person in front of me and I thought, OMG, those were my Dad's hands. When I looked up, there wasn't a man there at all. Strangely that brought me comfort. I hope your memories of the love your Dad showed to his family through the use of his hands brings you deep and happy memories.

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  12. So sorry to read this post. This is so beautifully written. He sounds like such a kind soul.

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  13. What a beautiful tribute to your sweet father who loved his family so very much. So sorry for your your loss Barbara. Prayers for you and your family.

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  14. So sorry for your loss. Your father sounds like he was an very interesting guy, and a great dad and grandpa.

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  15. Barbara, such a touching tribute you have written and shared to
    honor your father. I lost my beloved dad almost 7 years ago, my
    mom 14 years. I miss them more every day as I get older, but
    memories of times together are sweet. There is nothing like a
    father's love is there? Bless you.

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  16. Oh Barbara this is just so touching and heartwarming to your dad. What a beautiful tribute to a wonderful man. So sorry you have lost your hero. Hope all these wonderful memories will make the sadness and loss more bearable in the coming days for you and your family. This is just beautiful and made my heart feel closer to yours today. Hugs and lots of prayers.
    Kris

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  17. What a wonderful tribute to an obviously beloved man.So sorry for your families loss.

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  18. Beautiful! It brought me to tears. I lost my mother almost seven years ago. May God give you and your family the strength you need adjusting to life without him.

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  19. Barbara, this is such a precious tribute...such a loving way to remember your dad. I'm very sorry for your loss.

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  20. such a beautiful post and tribute to your Father. May God cover the sadness of loss with his Peace and Love.

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  21. That absolutely brought tears to my eyes. What a special man!!

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  22. I have a feeling your Father is smiling down from heaven as he reads your letter. Your post today shines light on the special bond between Father and Daughter.

    Marilyn (in Dallas)

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  23. Barbara, I loved reading about you and your father. This is beautifully written and it made me think of my own father.

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