Happy Father’s Day, Daddy.2008
My Daddy: George R. Mitchell April 23, 2009- July 26, 1976
I think that Father’s Day Should Be Changed to Daddy’s Day! It Takes A Special Man to Be a Daddy.
I came back today to my father’s grave because I want to remember. I struggle to understand all of his knowledge. They are of some comfort in these days when I try to think not of my loneliness, but of the things he did for me and my brothers to make us better responsible adults.
For all the stories and experiences I shared with my father, I’d never considered his actions as anything special, but simply, what any decent man would do. When I mentally examined all the stories he’d imparted to us over the years, the ways to treat people, the ways to pray and the ways to show respect to every living thing, I realize how valuable his words and actions were.
As a child, your parents seem frozen in time, unchanging, and their continued existence is taken for granted The conversations I had with my father, even from a very young age were his contribution in raising us, and they figured inestimably into making me who I am now. I learned a great deal by my father’s example and have tried to measure up. I learned from him that honesty is the best medicine.
Neither my brothers nor I would be where we are in this world without his guidance and without the sacrifices he made.
Dad, thank you for teaching us the importance of aligning your actions with your words.
When we were young children you made sure we knew our relatives on both sides. I have fond memories that I will treasure for my life of traveling on holidays to see grandparents; cousins; aunts and uncles–if only to share one meal which guaranteed lots of love. You created family memories for us when we were children, and you continued to do so in our adulthood.
And let us not forget friends. Some of the funniest pictures from my childhood are from the parties you and mom had with your friends at our house.
You encouraged us to play with friends; invite them over to spend the night; and respect them. Our childhood was rich with friends, thanks to you. Every time I talked to you and mom, you reinforced for me the importance and value of friendships. So, thank you Dad, for teaching us about friends.
I shudder to think where I would be had I not been raised with the value of education and of learning.
Early on, we learned that good grades came from studying, and you praised us for them. You or mom were always involved in our schools, and helped us with our homework.. You instilled in us the drive for excellence, and always doing our best.
You have also shown us that learning occurs throughout our lifetime. I thank you Dad, for showing me the importance of education and life long learning.
Dad, you instilled in us the foundational principles and values of the Christian faith. Honor your Mother and Father; respect your elders; do not lie, steal or cheat; jealousy has no place; accept others; do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I could give you many examples of this. I strive in my life to live by these values.
In many instances, your actions showed me that all people are created equal. As I see daily the prejudice that still exists in my community, I am so very thankful that you showed me there is no place for it.
You have showed me the role of faith in many ways, and how our faith guides us through our life. So dad, there are so many things I have learned from you.
Dad, I really miss you. I love you. I know that we had a good relationship, and I know that you knew how I loved you.
So than Happy Father’s Day, Daddy.
