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Thank you, Dad...

6/17/2018

16 Comments

 
by Gwen M. Plano
My dad was not a man of many words. In fact, if you wanted to know about his work in the CCC camps or his military service, you'd have to ask him directly. And, even then, he would not say much. But, if there was a job that needed to be done on the farm or any where else, my dad was on it. He was a living example of "show don't tell." 

Dad didn't trust words. Too many he knew were hurt by them. "If you love someone, you show them," he'd tell us. And he did. 

It wasn't until adulthood, however, that I understood my dad. He gave me and my siblings a gift not easily wrapped in pretty paper. And, as he neared the end of his life, I thanked him for this extraordinary gift.

Leaning over his lift chair, I whispered, thank you, Dad, for teaching me how to survive. He didn't respond, but tears welled and rolled down his face. I had received his gift and in doing so, I had embraced him. 

To all dads, thank you for your self-gift, spoken or silently offered. 
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16 Comments
john howell link
6/17/2018 06:14:01

Beautiful tribute, Gwen. Those tears were of love and to have you acknowledge your gratitude must have meant the world to your dad. Thank you for sharing this heartwarming memory.

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Gwen Plano
6/17/2018 07:35:05

Thank you, John. This is a memory I cherish. Happy Father's Day to you. ☺

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Val
6/17/2018 07:48:03

Dad was very reserved and rarely spoke his thoughts or wishes , he did however teach through his actions. Thank you Gwen for sharing. Val

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Gwen Plano
6/17/2018 08:18:12

Thank you, Val. He taught us well, didn't he. Happy Father's Day to you.

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Jan Sikes
6/17/2018 11:29:42

What an incredibly beautiful tribute to your dad, Gwen!

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Gwen Plano
6/17/2018 13:59:34

Thank you so much, Jan. ♥

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D.L. Finn
6/17/2018 12:07:02

That was beautiful Gwen. It really moved me and reminded of all those who showed me their love.

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Gwen Plano
6/17/2018 14:00:10

Thank you, Denise. Blessings... ♥

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Vashti Q link
6/17/2018 12:15:39

Hello Gwen! What a beautiful homage to your dad. My dad was similar to yours in that he was not a talkative man but he did work hard and showed us his love through actions. I loved, 'He was a living example of "show don't tell."' Very touching and heartfelt post. <3 xx

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Gwen Plano
6/17/2018 14:01:29

Thank you, Vashti. Big hugs... ♥

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Mae Clair link
6/17/2018 18:25:33

That is a phenomenal tribute, Gwen.
I only had my dad with me for 13 short years (he passed away of colon cancer when I was a kid), but he made an amazing impact on my life. A WWII veteran and an artist he taught me honor, respect, and how to dream.Thanks for the beautiful post.

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Gwen Plano
6/18/2018 06:09:04

Thank you so much, Mae. I see your father's gifts in you. How wonderful is that. ♥

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Julie Watson
6/17/2018 19:50:00

A lovely tribute to your Dad Gwen. I also had an amazing father and I miss him so much and like you, he taught me how to live life.

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Gwen Plano
6/18/2018 06:10:52

Thank you very much, Julie. Some of the sitcoms trivialize the role of fathers, and yet their impact is profound. ♥

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Natalie Ducey link
6/20/2018 20:49:54

Oh my...Gwen, this moved me deeply. A beautiful tribute to your dad and all dads who remain steadfast and humble in quiet wisdom and strength. Thanks so much for sharing. XO


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Gwen Plano
7/8/2018 08:43:29

Thank you so much, Natalie. Blessings... XO

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Everything can be taken from a man but one thing: the last of the human freedoms—to choose one’s attitude in any given set of circumstances, to choose one’s own way. ―Viktor E. Frankl, Man’s Search for Meaning


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