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November is when we're supposed to stop and take a look at our lives and what we are thankful for in those lives. I've been reading my mother's writings lately. She's been keeping a journal since I was a teenager, and, writing anecdotes as the occasions arise. I found something she wrote about my "other" dad which I wanted to share with you. I will let her words speak now as I can't write how I feel better than she did.
Happy Father's Day
By Sue F. Miller
You became a grandfather never even having had children. You were with me.
You held out your hands for your daughter whom you had just met...She was in labor,
feeling most sick. There was no bowl, no container. You searched. There was nothing.
You cupped your hands for her to use...she did not need it but
you were there.
That's a dad.
We moved to our camp school. It was a mess. You went right to work. Suddenly, we had hot water and you built a kitchen in our house, which was office and living space. When the roof leaked, when the refrigerator died, when the plumbing went on the blink, you fixed, repaired, and scrounged for parts.
You cupped your hands again and made things work.
That's a dad.
More grandkids came and you dived right in to be a part of the birthing teams.
We drank champagne after the mighty efforts concluded. Wonderful babies. Proud grandparent.
That's a dad.
Now, most of the physical work is done; the kids are older, the grandchildren becoming adults...
You teach them how to deal with their cars. You teach them how to fix bikes, computers, golf, and gardening. You go to court with them for driving violations. You help them learn to pick themselves up when they fall down. You pass on your wisdoms.
That's a super dad.
Happy Father's Day, Dad. You have all our thanks and love.
And you did not know but,
That's a dad.
My mother wrote this in 2013 and I'd never read it before. Now, with that first grandson, my first son, I read it and cried, so incredibly grateful to have had a second dad who has touched my heart with his generosity, ferocity, love and gentleness. My father had Parkinson's while my children were growing up and they didn't get to know him as well as I would have liked, but Greg, my other dad (my sister calls him our "bonus" dad), has filled up the spaces that would have been empty had he not fallen in love with my mother, and us. My mother is right. That's a dad.
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| Sue and Greg Miller, my parents |
The November question for us is:
November is National Novel Writing Month. Have you ever participated? If not, why not?
I have! I've done it at least three times. I didn't always finish my goals, but did at least twice, so I know it can be done. Anyone who hasn't tried it, you should give it a try. It's so helpful in setting goals and keeping them, and it's fun to do it with so many others.
Please visit our co-hosts this month and thank them for helping us all out!
and me of course!
