Father’s Day is a bit sad for me, since my dad graduated to heaven many years ago.
We were close.
He believed in me.
He thought I could do anything.
I wish everyone had someone like that. I got my ‘can do’ attitude from my Dad.
I was raised like a boy. I can’t really explain what that means, except that I wasn’t treated like a delicate girl, back in the day when most girls wore lace anklet socks and patent leather mary janes. Back then girls didn’t wear pants, they didn’t do sports, and they mostly were supposed to just smile and sit in the background.
I wasn’t raised that way. I was raised to climb trees and get back on the bike if I fell off, or if my brother ran over me (which happened more than you would think.)
Right before my Dad died, he found a nice little property in the country and bought it. He loved his little farm. I personally didn’t ‘get it’ at the time. Why would anyone leave a perfectly good city to move to the country? I get it now. He adored the fresh air, the sound of the birds and the cattle. He loved the quiet. He was at his farm, when the time came for him to leave this earth. Later, much later, we bought our own farm.
I think he would be surprised, but pleased to know we own our own farm now. He loved land, and being in the country. He loved the smell of the hay after the rain cleared, and the sound of the frogs late at night. He would have been right at home had he ever visited Cedar Hill. I hope he knows we have a farm. I like to think he does.
What a touching post, Anita! Your dad raised a special girl! Funny, I grew up the same way. I was always outside climbing trees and learning how to build an electrical motors. My Dad is an electrical engineer. It sounds like we have been blessed by our Dads! Sending you hugs on this Father’s Day! I know your dad is smiling down on you now!
Anita, this is a loving tribute to your dad. I am the oldest of 7 and like you was “raised as a boy.” Dad coached our girls’ softball team, showed me how to change a tire, among other things. I found this quote that sums it up: “He didn’t tell me how to live; he lived and let me watch him do it.” Have a great day!
Anita, I’ll bet your dad is smiling from the back porch of his own farm, high in the sky today. 🙂
And my brother ran over me with his bike too! One of those big wheel cruiser kind, with fenders…I remember standing in the tub and my mom spraying Bactine on me after washing the scrapes. I thought I was the only one!
I never thought of your type of upbringing as being raised as a boy. However, my experience was similar. My own father believed both his kids, my brother and I, could do anything, be anything. All kids should be raised with love and confidence. It’s all you really need.
A lovely heartfelt post, Anita. I should think your dad not only knows, but is smiling down with pride.
Very sweet post. I bet he would be very happy and would love spending time at your farm.
Oh I think he is looking down and always right by your side, smiling with the fact that you love the same things that he did…I miss my dad too…I learned so much from him…life’s simple lessons are always the best . . and I always remember my dad saying to me that we should never make our lives too complicated…to enjoy life’s simple pleasures.
Anita,
I’m sure he is right by your side as well as in your heart! Ask him for signs of his love, he’ll
be sure to give them. I know my son johnny does all the time. He passed three years ago at the age
of nineteen. They are always ready to be there for us!!!!
Ann
Anita,
A lovely tribute to your Father and to whom you’ve become through his love!!!
I think he knows and approves of Cedar Hill Farm, dear friend!!!
Fondly,
Pat
Hi Anita, I completely get where you are coming from because that is where I am from! 😉 I too rode bikes, motorbikes, hiked, climbed trees, ran backhoes and tractors, helped Dad tear apart tractor engines to fix them, shot guns and bow and arrows, etc. Does the term “monkey swing” ring any bells. Sigh. What good times. My Dad never said you can’t. Just showed me how. My Dad is still living and at 82 is building another airplane! Let the good times roll. Dad is always laughing and joking about something. Isn’t it interesting how you sit to jot down a line and the words just flow and you realize there is a grin plastered across your face as you remember. Thanks for the memories!