At not quite three years old—and for many years thereafter—I did what most children do—I took the best aspects of life with my parents for granted. Today, reflection suggests that my parents shared two powerful strengths, which profoundly affected everyone in our family:
Each conveyed the ability to express love and accept love in return.
My father, whose eyes shone with a joyful passion for life, had been famous for flashing smiles as bright as sunbeams at his wife and daughters. As for Mom, the depth of her love of family cast forth a glow as heartwarming as Dad’s expressiveness. I’d always felt welcomed to nestle in the gentle warmth of my lovely mother’s embrace, and unknowingly, I'd looked to emulate her womanly traits in every way.
Each time I’d looked up at my Dad, I saw much more than a male authority figure. I saw a handsome, blue-eyed, blond, solidly built, super hero, who, in all of life’s arenas, had seemed masterfully immune to defeat.
Each time I’d looked up at my Dad, I saw much more than a male authority figure. I saw a handsome, blue-eyed, blond, solidly built, super hero, who, in all of life’s arenas, had seemed masterfully immune to defeat.
In reality, Dad had tipped out at five-foot-six. Even so, his super sized spirit had far surpassed his height, and his playful imagination proved so engaging that it’s no wonder why I grew up laughing at his corny jokes, worshipping the ground he walked on, and eagerly obeying his every word. In addition to being my first playmate—Dad was my hero. (When I walk down the aisle and Will takes me as his bride, I'll take no issue with the verbiage: love, honor, and obey.)
No comments:
Post a Comment