FATHERS DAY 1986




We learn so many things from our Fathers.

They are the co-builders of our foundations.

I remember what I learned from my own Father.

Respect.
The value of money
Responsibility
How to stand on my own two feet

This photo is one of my own children learning from their Father.

We were young parents with a very limited amount of money to raise three children, own a home and a car on one basic income...his.

I took various jobs here and there to help fill in some of the gaps,

but our intent was that we would not leave the children's care to anyone
else.
This meant HE would have the job during regular hours
and I would take whatever I could during the hours he was home
to be with them.

This often meant we would meet at the driveway
and kiss hello and good-bye
as I quickly brought him up to speed on the goings on of the day.

He took his suit off, put his briefcase away and began his second job. Dinner, baths, etc.

I would call from whatever job and check in on everyone.

It worked very well.

But the little birds would need things or want some things that all children do.

So THIS dad signed up for a daily paper route.

We will call this job number three.

Every morning, way before the sun even thought of coming up
the daily newspaper would arrive at the corner.

I would hear them, but it was HE that got up and went out to start
the process of counting and rolling and putting in the car.

He would come back in and get the 'not so happy' children up to come along as he drove them to the designated spots
and they would run the papers to the doors.
So did he.

All this took place usually in the dark, cold, rain, snow, whatever.
More dependable than the postman
was this crew in the Chevy Cavalier Wagon

This was not the end of it, however.
They had to go back later that day or after dinner to collect the money from all of the folks who did not leave the money out each week.

That was not fun, either, but the bill had to be paid.

The small profit then would be portioned out to each child and they had to put some in savings and some they were able to use for the items that we could not really afford on our income.

Special sneakers, certain additions to collections, etc.

This Father showed these little birds that there is always a way if you want something.
They didn't understand then the hardship and sacrifice it was for their Father to teach them this lesson....

......but they know now for certain, as adults.
They had/have a wonderful Father who still, to this day, would do whatever he could to help them, help themselves.


I know they will wish him a Happy Father's Day from their hearts.

And far, far away,
with vivid memories such as these,
I send similar Father's Day wishes to the father of my little birds......
our little b
irds.

5 comments:

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

We do what we have to do to take care of our little ones don't we?
John worked two jobs many times throughout our marriage.
I babysat and worked various places to help.
But he really manned up and took care of us. I miss that.
Love Nita

~Red Tin Heart~ said...

p.s i love the video you have posted on your side bar! so dang funny.

Ragamuffin Gal said...

Great List ~ Happy Summer Blessings! Katie

Ryan said...

Great post Mom!! I sat and stared at the picture for a while..remembering. We were taught well by our parents. Good job indeed! :)

Rella said...

..and let's not forget the tradition of bringing back coffee and donuts from Dunkin Donuts on Sunday morning after the route....and with everyone taking a section of the paper, all five of us would enjoy Sunday morning in our bedroom. :) Kind of fun.