Jun

17

What’s Special about Your Dad?

Posted by maureen

June 17, 2007 |

In 1909, Mrs. John B. Dodd of Washington first proposed the idea of a “father’s day” to honor her father, William Smart. He was a Civil War veteran and raised six children by himself after his wife died in childbirth with their sixth child. So there goes the misconception that “father’s day” was created as a selling ploy by the greeting card manufacturers! Here are some of the things my kids might not know about their dad as a younger man and new dad:

  • He broke his leg and had to wear a full leg cast for months but still walked to school and back once he was on crutches
  • He won first prize in physics that year despite missing most of the school year (he read the text books at home by himself)
  • He left school at sixteen and has worked ever since
  • He used to walk three miles to see me in the evening and often walked home as well because he missed the last bus home!
  • He was the first one in my family or his to get a college degree (he did it by a combination of evening school and co-oping)
  • He earned his college degree while working and raising four children
  • He was at the birth of three of our children before it was fashionable for dads to stay (I had them at home and the midwife made him work hard !!)
  • At times he worked a Saturday job in addition to his regular work to help make ends meet
  • We had to sell our car (our only one) because we needed the money and so he took the car to a car auction and sold it that night. Only problem was that he didn’t realize that they wouldn’t pay cash but would mail the check. He had no money and no way of getting home and so walked and thumbed the ten miles home!!
  • He didn’t own a new car until he was 32
  • He got the opportunity to come to America by his hard work and determination…and give us a wonderful life!
  • And as they say “the rest is history”

………. …..and he thinks his kids rock!!


Comments

1 Comment so far

  1. gmack on June 17, 2007 11:12 am

    Here’s one that my Dad probably doesn’t know. One of the best childhood memories I have was walking hand-in-hand with my Dad to the local fish and chips shop. Forget the toys, birthday cakes etc… that simple thing of walking with my Dad was the best. I remember it like it was yesterday. Happy fathers day Dad.

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