Sunday, June 21, 2009

Great Fathers I Have Known

This man pictured here with three of his six grandchildren is my Father. His name was Tom. He was one of the most honest men I have ever known. He could always see his way clear through a storm with truth and guide those around him to safe port. Yes, he was a sailor. A Marine Geologist to be exact. He used to map the ocean floor. This man loved the ocean and he loved his family.
To thy own self be true....these words I heard my whole life...it is truly the best advice I ever received from him.
This man raised my sisters and myself to be strong and happy women and to choose good men for our own husbands...and for that I thank you Dad.
My Dad passed away ten years ago last January. I gave his eulogy...it was one of the proudest moments of my life...here is a bit of what I said to honor him on that morning.
" Thank you Dad for tide pools and abalone dinners, motels with swimming pools and drive~in movies, camping trips and new sandals each summer, Balboa Park at Christmas and jumping into the pool with all of our clothes on. For A&W memories and you and Mom coming home early on New Year's Eve. For the high standards you raised us with and the respect you made us give ourselves...for the "Golden Rule" and for a family of Bears. For your great laughter and making me believe that everything would be alright. For freedom when it was my time to go leave and a door always left open. For happy hands and for our Mother...you are truly "One of the Good Guys". I love you Dad."
My Father ~ Tom {September 11, 1931 ~ January 20, 1999}
With such an amazing example of a Father...I just knew that I found "One of the Good Guys" when I met and married the Father of our children.
I love you Don...Happy Father's Day!
I hope that all of the Dads in our lives have had a wonderful day!
Smiles ~ Ramona

5 comments:

Darlene said...

Good Morning Ramona,

What a beautiful eulogy and it sounds like your Father was a wonderful man. How wonderful that you too found an amazing man to marry. Hope y'all had a wonderful Father's Day. We just swam and ate all day and hubby loved it.♥

Beca said...

Dad's really are great aren't they?

cherry said...

What a wonderful man...love all your memories! Hugs, cherry

Anonymous said...

Hi Ramona! What a precious post! Love your pictures and all the happy faces!
Sweet memories and more memories to make!
BE a sweetie,
Shelia :)

Ms. Tee said...

That was such a beautiful tribute to your dad. So sweet of you, too. :)