I have a lanyard for my work badge.
Evan likes to play with it. He calls it "Daddy's necklace".
The other day Jana and Evan came to my office to have lunch. Evan started begging Jana to give him "Daddy's necklace". Thinking quickly, she clipped the badge from his Sunday School class to his shirt. He
stuck out his chest with pride.
Evan just wants to be like me. He follows me around the house, intensely interested in whatever I'm doing - from dishes to taxes to restroom breaks.
He looks to me as his daddy, his friend and his role model.
I was sick the other day. I was lying in bed, miserable. He climbed up into the bed, laid his head down on the pillow next to me and placed his hand on my cheek.
"Hi, Buddy", he said.
Am I training him well? Do I encourage him enough? Do I set clear boundaries? Do I live up to the trust he blindly gives me?
My dad is the best dad anyone could ask for. He has very large shoes to fill.
Am I making my shoes big enough?
.
Showing posts with label dad. Show all posts
Showing posts with label dad. Show all posts
Thanks - A Father's Day Letter to a Father From a Father
This was written by my dad for his father-in-law, my grandpa. He asked me to post it here.
--
I knew who Ray and Elizabeth Sage were. My family went to the same church as the Sage’s while growing up. I knew Jane, their youngest daughter, who was my age. The first time I remember meeting her was in a Sunday School class.
One day, I was invited to go water skiing with Ray, Jane, Jim and Gordon Meiners. I had never been water skiing before, and I thought it was a lot of fun. More importantly, I saw Jane with a new set of eyes and I was smitten. Several years later on May 25, 1974 I married the love of my life, and Jane and I have enjoyed a wonderful marriage ever since.
As I look back over the years I see how Ray and Elizabeth’s life has influenced my life and attitudes in many ways. You never know the impact your life has on others, or the legacy that is passed on from generation to generation.
A few months after Jane and I were married, my mom and dad went on a sabbatical to Hawaii. My dad drowned while snorkeling. He had never learned to swim, and even though he took a swimming class at the university before going, this was his time to go. I was just beginning to know my dad as a grown-up to grown-up. My mom and dad had taught us Christianity by what they said and by how they lived their life, but I never had my dad as an adult. In many ways having Ray as a father-in-law filled that gap as a good role model for me.
When Jane and I were dating in high school, the pastor of our church told Ray he was concerned about seeing Jane and me walking to school with our arms around each other. Ray’s response was, “Would you like us to switch churches?”
They always took interest in our family and what was going on with our kids. Every Saturday to this day they call to talk. When Jane and I started having kids, Elizabeth would spend a week with us and help out with all the things that Jane usually did, so she could recuperate quickly. Ray incorporated my business in 1995 at the usual cost to me: one necessity (That is one beer). This is how supportive Ray and Elizabeth have always been of me.
In our early years of marriage, we couldn’t afford much of a car. Our cars usually had high mileage, and were well-used. We lived in Phoenix and would make the drive back to Las Cruces once or twice a year. Ray and Elizabeth gave us three cars over the years, which helped us out tremendously. Their generosity extended far beyond cars. When I would say something about how much they had given, Ray would say they enjoyed it. Another expression he would use is “It’s only money”.
Lastly, Ray is completely devoted to Elizabeth. I have never known anyone to have a marriage for 71 years and counting. Elizabeth says the secret is to keep breathing. Ray is kind and considerate of Elizabeth. What an example!
I can only hope the legacy of generosity, devotion to wife and family, sense of humor and following God will continue to trickle down to our children and grandchildren.
That is a true legacy.
How was your Father's Day?
.
--
I knew who Ray and Elizabeth Sage were. My family went to the same church as the Sage’s while growing up. I knew Jane, their youngest daughter, who was my age. The first time I remember meeting her was in a Sunday School class.
One day, I was invited to go water skiing with Ray, Jane, Jim and Gordon Meiners. I had never been water skiing before, and I thought it was a lot of fun. More importantly, I saw Jane with a new set of eyes and I was smitten. Several years later on May 25, 1974 I married the love of my life, and Jane and I have enjoyed a wonderful marriage ever since.
As I look back over the years I see how Ray and Elizabeth’s life has influenced my life and attitudes in many ways. You never know the impact your life has on others, or the legacy that is passed on from generation to generation.
A few months after Jane and I were married, my mom and dad went on a sabbatical to Hawaii. My dad drowned while snorkeling. He had never learned to swim, and even though he took a swimming class at the university before going, this was his time to go. I was just beginning to know my dad as a grown-up to grown-up. My mom and dad had taught us Christianity by what they said and by how they lived their life, but I never had my dad as an adult. In many ways having Ray as a father-in-law filled that gap as a good role model for me.
When Jane and I were dating in high school, the pastor of our church told Ray he was concerned about seeing Jane and me walking to school with our arms around each other. Ray’s response was, “Would you like us to switch churches?”
They always took interest in our family and what was going on with our kids. Every Saturday to this day they call to talk. When Jane and I started having kids, Elizabeth would spend a week with us and help out with all the things that Jane usually did, so she could recuperate quickly. Ray incorporated my business in 1995 at the usual cost to me: one necessity (That is one beer). This is how supportive Ray and Elizabeth have always been of me.
In our early years of marriage, we couldn’t afford much of a car. Our cars usually had high mileage, and were well-used. We lived in Phoenix and would make the drive back to Las Cruces once or twice a year. Ray and Elizabeth gave us three cars over the years, which helped us out tremendously. Their generosity extended far beyond cars. When I would say something about how much they had given, Ray would say they enjoyed it. Another expression he would use is “It’s only money”.
Lastly, Ray is completely devoted to Elizabeth. I have never known anyone to have a marriage for 71 years and counting. Elizabeth says the secret is to keep breathing. Ray is kind and considerate of Elizabeth. What an example!
I can only hope the legacy of generosity, devotion to wife and family, sense of humor and following God will continue to trickle down to our children and grandchildren.
That is a true legacy.
How was your Father's Day?
.
Amazing Grace
For Evan, On His First Birthday
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.
That's my father's favorite hymn.
That saved a wretch like me.
I can't sing it. I get choked up, thinking about my dad. Never have been able to sing it. I've always just mouthed the words.
I once was lost, but now am found.
Your mom and I didn't think we'd be able to have kids. At least the doctor said so.
Was blind, but now I see.
And yet, you're one today.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear.
A year ago I became your dad. I was overwhelmed. Excited. Scared. Helpless.
And grace my fears relieved.
You made it easy. You slept through the night by the time you were barely two months old. And you giggle a lot.
How precious did that grace appear.
Now I can sing it, but only to you. Even humming it when I'm putting you down for the night has an instant effect on you. You quit fighting sleep, and lay your head down in acceptance.
The hour I first believed.
I want many things for you in life. I want you to learn, play catch, marry your sweetheart. But what I want most is for you to know your real Dad. And I want you to one day soon quit fighting and bend your knee in acceptance.
Of His grace.
Happy Birthday, Evan. We love you.
.
 |
| This is what happens when Dad dresses you for the day. |
Amazing grace, how sweet the sound.
That's my father's favorite hymn.
That saved a wretch like me.
I can't sing it. I get choked up, thinking about my dad. Never have been able to sing it. I've always just mouthed the words.
I once was lost, but now am found.
Your mom and I didn't think we'd be able to have kids. At least the doctor said so.
Was blind, but now I see.
And yet, you're one today.
T'was grace that taught my heart to fear.
A year ago I became your dad. I was overwhelmed. Excited. Scared. Helpless.
And grace my fears relieved.
You made it easy. You slept through the night by the time you were barely two months old. And you giggle a lot.
How precious did that grace appear.
Now I can sing it, but only to you. Even humming it when I'm putting you down for the night has an instant effect on you. You quit fighting sleep, and lay your head down in acceptance.
The hour I first believed.
I want many things for you in life. I want you to learn, play catch, marry your sweetheart. But what I want most is for you to know your real Dad. And I want you to one day soon quit fighting and bend your knee in acceptance.
Of His grace.
Happy Birthday, Evan. We love you.
.
Space Invaders Caption Contest
 |
| "We come in peace. With weapons." |
1. What's going on here?
2. Which one's my dad?
Give me your best captions!
.
The Kind of Dad I Want To Be
My dad came to every one of my little league baseball games.
My dad is the reason I'm a Christian. He didn't beat me over the head with his theology. He quietly demonstrated his faith, every day.
My dad was always there for me when I needed help or advice. Still is.
My dad has a great sense of humor.
My dad loves my mom in thought, word and deed. Always has, always will.
My dad is patient.
My dad is generous.
My dad is kind.
I want to be this kind of Dad for my son, Evan. So many men grow up without strong and supportive dads. This generation has been called "The fatherless generation".
Not for Evan.
Click here to support the efforts of The Mentoring Project, a wonderful organization doing something to stop the fatherless generation.
What did your dad do to make an impact on your life?
If you're part of the fatherless generation, what was missing from your childhood that a mentor or father figure could have provided?
.
My dad is the reason I'm a Christian. He didn't beat me over the head with his theology. He quietly demonstrated his faith, every day.
My dad was always there for me when I needed help or advice. Still is.
My dad has a great sense of humor.
My dad loves my mom in thought, word and deed. Always has, always will.
My dad is patient.
My dad is generous.
My dad is kind.
I want to be this kind of Dad for my son, Evan. So many men grow up without strong and supportive dads. This generation has been called "The fatherless generation".
Not for Evan.
Click here to support the efforts of The Mentoring Project, a wonderful organization doing something to stop the fatherless generation.
What did your dad do to make an impact on your life?
If you're part of the fatherless generation, what was missing from your childhood that a mentor or father figure could have provided?
.
Funny Things My Dad Says
My dad is the best man I know.
He's my example for how to walk with God, be a good husband and raise your kids right.
He also has a knack for saying unintentionally funny things.
One time we walked into Home Depot. Dad walked up to the first employee he saw, a woman, and asked, "Which end is your plumbing on?" Mom and I walked away quickly, choking back laughter.
He's also got a habit of pronouncing certain words incorrectly, or Canadian-ly, as the case may be.
He's not 'sorry' about something, he's 'sorey'.
He doesn't want you to 'wait' for him. He wants you to 'waint'.
He doesn't look at our family photo 'albums'. He looks at our 'alblums'.
He doesn't want 'onions' on his pizza, he wants 'ungyuns'.
But as much as I give him a hard time for his word usage, I still want to be like him. If I can be half the man my dad is, I'll consider myself a success.
I just hope the language skills don't catch on.
What? Hold on, Honey. I'm blogging. I know you want me to put that funny picture in the photo alblum of me crying while cutting the ungyuns, but you'll have to waint. Sorey!
What funny things do your folks say?
.
Manliness Scorecard
Need a way to gauge your manliness? There's an app scorecard for that.
This may or may not be based on events that transpired yesterday. I'll let you believe what you want to believe.
1. Getting home early to start that yard work project your wife has been asking you to do. +1 point
2. Bringing your dad so you can do a project together. +1 point
3. Bringing your dad because you have no idea what you're doing. -1 point
4. Cutting your hand while working on the project. +1 point
5. Running around the yard, yelping 'Owie, owie owie'. -2 points
6. Continuing to work nonchalantly as though you don't notice that blood is dripping off your hand. +4 points
7. Letting your dad take over while you go find a Band-Aid. -1 point
8. Asking your dad to kiss it to make it all better. -25 points
9. Finishing the project and then getting dinner started so it's ready when your wife gets home from work. +3 points
10. Finishing the project and then letting your wife make dinner while you write this blog. -3 points.
Scoring Key:
Positive points - You're a real man. Your name might be Knox McCoy.
Negative points - You're a wuss. Probably related to me.
Anything to add?
Any guesses on how I scored yesterday?
.
This may or may not be based on events that transpired yesterday. I'll let you believe what you want to believe.
1. Getting home early to start that yard work project your wife has been asking you to do. +1 point
2. Bringing your dad so you can do a project together. +1 point
3. Bringing your dad because you have no idea what you're doing. -1 point
4. Cutting your hand while working on the project. +1 point
5. Running around the yard, yelping 'Owie, owie owie'. -2 points
6. Continuing to work nonchalantly as though you don't notice that blood is dripping off your hand. +4 points
7. Letting your dad take over while you go find a Band-Aid. -1 point
8. Asking your dad to kiss it to make it all better. -25 points
9. Finishing the project and then getting dinner started so it's ready when your wife gets home from work. +3 points
10. Finishing the project and then letting your wife make dinner while you write this blog. -3 points.
Scoring Key:
Positive points - You're a real man. Your name might be Knox McCoy.
Negative points - You're a wuss. Probably related to me.
Anything to add?
Any guesses on how I scored yesterday?
.
The Tale of Ye Olde Faithful
This is a guest post from my mom. Why? Because she's awesome, that's why.
Oh, and I won the bet.
--
Do you remember going to Twisters and ordering soft ice cream? They used to have it, you know, but they don’t anymore. I think I know why, and I think it has to do with my husband, Charlie. Here is his story.
One day a few years ago Charlie and I were eating at Twisters with our three teenage sons, Ricky, Robby, and Joseph. We had finished eating and were having such a good time that we decided to get dessert as well. Soon we each were licking a soft ice cream cone. We were getting more and more merry, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
As usual, the boys were cracking jokes right and left. The butt of most of their jokes was Charlie and his lack of hair.
The banter was fast and furious around the table, and sounded somewhat like this:
“Hey, Dad took off his hat. Give me my sunglasses.”
“Yeah, Dad, it looks like you ate one too many hard boiled eggs.”
Charlie tried to defend himself.
“There are only so many beautiful heads in this world. The rest have to be covered with hair.”
“I’m not bald. I just have a very wide part.”
“Well, Dad, at least you don’t have the problem of finding hair in the sink.”
“You boys make fun, but you just wait. You know what they say, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.’”
By this time everyone had gotten so silly, that we were laughing at anything anyone said. While this was going on, Charlie choked on his ice cream. He tried to talk, but no sound came out. He signaled with his hands, but the boys just thought this was all the more hilarious and provoked him to laugh further.
Charlie again tried to speak, but he was simply laughing too hard.
Then amid our laughing, we noticed something odd begin to happen. The ice cream started coming out of Charlie’s nose. This of course made us practically roll on the floor. The boys continued making their wise cracks, but I was a little worried. The ice cream kept coming and coming. It was like the soft ice cream machine.
We looked up and saw several of the Twisters’ employees standing to the side and observing. They weren’t talking, just watching. Soon the ice cream coming from Charlie’s nose was like a volcano! It just kept coming.
I said, “Guys! Dad’s in trouble here.”
They stopped laughing, and it seemed the entire restaurant got quiet and went in slow motion. With the calm, Charlie was able to quit laughing and gain some control. How could he keep his dignity after this? We got up and left the restaurant, all somewhat embarrassed.
When we got home that night, Charlie didn’t feel well. He had a tingling sensation throughout his legs and arms. He and I both thought it was perhaps because he had been without oxygen for so long.
It was many months before Charlie felt comfortable enough to darken the door of Twisters again. We pointed out to him that fast food restaurants have a high turnover rate in employees and that probably no one would be there who would remember him. The day finally came when he was willing to go.
As we studied the menu, we noticed that there was no longer any soft serve ice cream. We asked the waitress about it. She said she didn’t know anything about it, just that the Twisters Corporation had discontinued offering it at all their restaurants a short time before.
We thought with lawsuits so prevalent nowadays that Charlie’s ordeal must have had something to do with it. But all turned out fine in the long run. As Charlie says, “A good man always comes out a-head on top.”
Oh, and I won the bet.
--
Do you remember going to Twisters and ordering soft ice cream? They used to have it, you know, but they don’t anymore. I think I know why, and I think it has to do with my husband, Charlie. Here is his story.
One day a few years ago Charlie and I were eating at Twisters with our three teenage sons, Ricky, Robby, and Joseph. We had finished eating and were having such a good time that we decided to get dessert as well. Soon we each were licking a soft ice cream cone. We were getting more and more merry, laughing, and enjoying each other’s company.
As usual, the boys were cracking jokes right and left. The butt of most of their jokes was Charlie and his lack of hair.
The banter was fast and furious around the table, and sounded somewhat like this:
“Hey, Dad took off his hat. Give me my sunglasses.”
“Yeah, Dad, it looks like you ate one too many hard boiled eggs.”
Charlie tried to defend himself.
“There are only so many beautiful heads in this world. The rest have to be covered with hair.”
“I’m not bald. I just have a very wide part.”
“Well, Dad, at least you don’t have the problem of finding hair in the sink.”
“You boys make fun, but you just wait. You know what they say, “Hair today, gone tomorrow.’”
By this time everyone had gotten so silly, that we were laughing at anything anyone said. While this was going on, Charlie choked on his ice cream. He tried to talk, but no sound came out. He signaled with his hands, but the boys just thought this was all the more hilarious and provoked him to laugh further.
Charlie again tried to speak, but he was simply laughing too hard.
Then amid our laughing, we noticed something odd begin to happen. The ice cream started coming out of Charlie’s nose. This of course made us practically roll on the floor. The boys continued making their wise cracks, but I was a little worried. The ice cream kept coming and coming. It was like the soft ice cream machine.
We looked up and saw several of the Twisters’ employees standing to the side and observing. They weren’t talking, just watching. Soon the ice cream coming from Charlie’s nose was like a volcano! It just kept coming.
I said, “Guys! Dad’s in trouble here.”
They stopped laughing, and it seemed the entire restaurant got quiet and went in slow motion. With the calm, Charlie was able to quit laughing and gain some control. How could he keep his dignity after this? We got up and left the restaurant, all somewhat embarrassed.
When we got home that night, Charlie didn’t feel well. He had a tingling sensation throughout his legs and arms. He and I both thought it was perhaps because he had been without oxygen for so long.
It was many months before Charlie felt comfortable enough to darken the door of Twisters again. We pointed out to him that fast food restaurants have a high turnover rate in employees and that probably no one would be there who would remember him. The day finally came when he was willing to go.
As we studied the menu, we noticed that there was no longer any soft serve ice cream. We asked the waitress about it. She said she didn’t know anything about it, just that the Twisters Corporation had discontinued offering it at all their restaurants a short time before.
We thought with lawsuits so prevalent nowadays that Charlie’s ordeal must have had something to do with it. But all turned out fine in the long run. As Charlie says, “A good man always comes out a-head on top.”
Life Lessons
Winners Never Quit
Mom: What's wrong, Honey?
Me: My baseball team stinks. We never win!
Mom: Well, you're just trying to have fun.
Me: It's not fun! I hate losing all the time. I should just quit.
Mom: Winners never quit!
Me: Of course they don't. I wouldn't quit if I was winning, either. But if they did quit, then maybe I could win!
Hard Work Builds Character
Dad: Go pull some weeds.
Me: Why?
Dad: It builds character.
Me: I have character.
Dad: You need to build some more character.
Me: My younger brothers should go build some character. I have enough character!
Dad: You can never have enough character. Now go pull weeds before you get a spanking.
Me: Are you coming with me?
Dad: Nope!
Me: But you need to build character!
Dad: I have enough character.
Don't Take Advantage of Others
Drunk Old Guy in the small town cafe my family was eating lunch in: Oh, there's the kids! I see the kids! God loves the kids!
*Stumbles over to our table*
Drunk Old Guy: Hi kids! Do you want somethin' ta eat? Here's a dolla...a dollar for each of you's!
*My older sister and younger brothers timidly accept the bills. Mine has already been transferred to a safer spot, hidden under my plate.*
Mom: All right kids, give the nice gentlemen his money back.
Siblings: Ok, here you go.
Me: What money?
*The old guys' friends are helping him to the door*
Mom: The dollar he gave you. Give it back.
Me: I don't think he gave me one.
*Mom points to my plate. She never fell for my magic tricks, either*
Mom: Now.
Me: But he gave it to me!
Mom: Give. It. Back. Now!
*I grudgingly follow the Drunk Old Guy to the door*
Me: Here you go, Sir.
Drunk Old Guy: It's the kids!
Drunk Old Guy's Friend: Here, take this. The kid's giving you your dollar back.
Drunk Old Guy: Such a sweet kid. Hey everbody! The kid's givin' me a dolla!
Mom: What's wrong, Honey?
Me: My baseball team stinks. We never win!
Mom: Well, you're just trying to have fun.
Me: It's not fun! I hate losing all the time. I should just quit.
Mom: Winners never quit!
Me: Of course they don't. I wouldn't quit if I was winning, either. But if they did quit, then maybe I could win!
Hard Work Builds Character
Dad: Go pull some weeds.
Me: Why?
Dad: It builds character.
Me: I have character.
Dad: You need to build some more character.
Me: My younger brothers should go build some character. I have enough character!
Dad: You can never have enough character. Now go pull weeds before you get a spanking.
Me: Are you coming with me?
Dad: Nope!
Me: But you need to build character!
Dad: I have enough character.
Don't Take Advantage of Others
Drunk Old Guy in the small town cafe my family was eating lunch in: Oh, there's the kids! I see the kids! God loves the kids!
*Stumbles over to our table*
Drunk Old Guy: Hi kids! Do you want somethin' ta eat? Here's a dolla...a dollar for each of you's!
*My older sister and younger brothers timidly accept the bills. Mine has already been transferred to a safer spot, hidden under my plate.*
Mom: All right kids, give the nice gentlemen his money back.
Siblings: Ok, here you go.
Me: What money?
*The old guys' friends are helping him to the door*
Mom: The dollar he gave you. Give it back.
Me: I don't think he gave me one.
*Mom points to my plate. She never fell for my magic tricks, either*
Mom: Now.
Me: But he gave it to me!
Mom: Give. It. Back. Now!
*I grudgingly follow the Drunk Old Guy to the door*
Me: Here you go, Sir.
Drunk Old Guy: It's the kids!
Drunk Old Guy's Friend: Here, take this. The kid's giving you your dollar back.
Drunk Old Guy: Such a sweet kid. Hey everbody! The kid's givin' me a dolla!
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