Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Father's participation so important

I just saw this commercial again last night. It makes me laugh every time I see it. Even more so, it remind me of the importance of a Father's influence in his children's life.






I have been blessed beyond measure with a Daddy who adored me and I him. He would drive all the way home from work just to pick me up to go buy groceries. Sometimes he paid for me to ride the horse outside...sometimes, he explained, you don't get to do everything you want. It was never about the money. He was trying to teach me discipline.





He taught me to ride a bike. We bowled together in a father-daughter bowling league. He was there for my spelling bees, choir performances...he even camped with the Girl Scouts. Mother was the Leader and he got roped in!

We sang together in church (he loved it, me...not so much); however, what treasured memories I have of our practicing and laughing.



I was sure I had the most handsome Daddy, the smartest Daddy...well, you get my drift. I adored my mother but I was definitely a Daddy's girl. We watched the Dallas Cowboys together, my favorite cartoons and never missed Bonanza!





Are you as old as me? Does this song take you back?



I had to take Daddy to the Nursing Home yesterday. They like to call it a Retirement Center. To me, it's still the nursing home. He asked to go. My heart breaks that my strong, wonderful Daddy is having so much trouble. When did I become the parent?



I'm hoping it is only temporary...that he will grow stronger and return to his home.



I'm thankful for Mr. Dumpling. He and Daddy love each other as son and father...and he is there for both of us. Please remember all of us in your prayers.





19 comments:

Stacey said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh Judy...I can't imagine how you must be feeling now. I am a daddy's girl too! You know, your dad may have wanted to go so he could make things easier for you. That's just another way he shows you his love.

I hope he will strengthen up - many people do!

southerninspiration said... Best Blogger Tips

Aww, that must have been difficult. I'm sorry. I agree with Stacey that he wanted to make things easier for you. Bless his heart.

Suzanne

Happy To Be/ Gl♥ria said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh Judy I feel your pain girl..when I had to put my Mama in the home it just killed me..But she was so better off with peeps just like her ALS..I didn't see by Dad growing up only came into my life in my 30's and was too late by that time..But will tell you I was a Mama's girl from the get go..I adored my Mama...broke my heart when she died 1 1/2 year ago..Prayers coming your way dear friend..we are all here for you...hugs and smiles Gl♥ria

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

This is such a beautiful post! Made me remember how grateful I am not just for my amazing dad, but also for my hubbie who means the world to our four boys.

So sorry about your sweet dad. I am not looking forward to that day with my parents.

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I will keep you and your dad in my thoughts and prayers. You are blessed to have such a wonderful father who has given you so many precious moments.

Lois Christensen said... Best Blogger Tips

What a beautiful post and tribute to your father! I was also a daddy's girl. I use to say as a little girl that I was going to grow up and marry my daddy! I lost my dad last May and it has been the hardest thing I have ever gone through. Seeing my father at the bottom of those stairs and praying over him and pleading with God to restore him still haunts me. I pray you will have many more wonderful memories to share with your dad!!!

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh Judy,this breaks my heart.I will pray for you and your wonderful Dad.I am so sorry,my dear....Ann

Keetha Broyles said... Best Blogger Tips

I don't think I'd ever seen that commercial before - - - I LOVED it.

I know it wasn't easy to take your father to a care facility and leave him there, but lets hope this turns out to be a wonderful chapter in his life. I believe sometimes in a great facility, they actually find friends and fellowship. My sister's F-I-L spent the last several years of his life in a care facility and he loved them and they loved him - - - it turned out to be a win-win situation.

This post was wonderful.

Glenda/MidSouth said... Best Blogger Tips

I am so sorry. I know it must be so hard on you. It is wonderful that you have so many wonderful memories growing up. Oh yes - I remember the theme song well.:) The commercial is cute - had not seen it before
Glenda

Nancy said... Best Blogger Tips

What a post! I sat and literally laughed OUT LOUD...laughing til I almost cried as I watched that precious commercial...and then as I read your memories of your daddy and how you hated to take him to the retirement home, there were the other kind of tears in my eyes. The world would be a better place if everyone could have daddies like ours. I will be praying for you and your family...I'm sure that only the Lord can help with pain like this. Love you!

Lisa said... Best Blogger Tips

Your sweet Daddy raised a gracious, caring woman. Have never seen that commercial! What a hoot!
Thanks for being you and sharing your world with us.
PS I remember "Bonanza" too. And had the biggest crush on lil' Joe.

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh, you have me crying! What a wondeful parent he was to you, and how wonderful that he is still able to make wise decisions. This was such a beautifully written heartfelt post. I will be praying for all of you. laurie

Glenda said... Best Blogger Tips
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Nola said... Best Blogger Tips

Oh Judy, I will keep you and your Dad in my prayers. I have been where you are, so I know how it breaks your heart. I hope he gets strong enough to go back home. I was able to bring my Dad home to live with us the last two years of his life and I will treasure that time for the rest of my life. I was always a Daddy's girl, and the last two years were the best (and the hardest) times. It is the hardest thing in the world to see the roles reverse and for you to become the caregiver. Just remember it is hard for him, too. The loss of independence is so tough, and guys don't show emotions like we do; keep strong and do what your heart tells you.

GratefulPrayerThankfulHeart said... Best Blogger Tips

Dear Judy, Tough stuff you are dealing with ~ remembering you both in my prayers.

Glenda said... Best Blogger Tips

Judy, you do have a wonderful daddy and one of the finest men I know. And I'm so glad he knows the Heavenly Father who can help him during these difficult times in ways that we can't. This blog is a real tribute to him!

Jewel Sauls said... Best Blogger Tips

Judy, I know this is an emotional time for you right now! How lovely that you, Mr. Dumpling and your dad all have such love for each other! ((HUGS)) Jewel

Anonymous said... Best Blogger Tips

I think that you are very special, and you obviously have a very special Dad who is still trying to look out for you with his decisions.

My Dad wasn't in my life too often, but you really had me walking down memory lane with the Bonanza reference. I think it came on every Sunday night, and it is one of the few things that we did together.

Miss Janice said... Best Blogger Tips

Judy Bug...I laughed so hard at the "cheeleading video"...then...now, I'm so sad for you. I totally feel your pain girl! My daddy has passed away...but I totally know what you are feeling! I was such a daddy's girl...big time. My heart goes out to you. I still have my mama and she will be 86 in April...but, one day she might have to go in a nursing home. My prayers are with you!