My dad was one of my greatest teachers in life.
He instilled in us hard work, love and compassion and being grateful for everything we have.
My dad was the oldest of 5 and was made the example in his household on how to tow the line. Kids were to be seen and not heard, you don’t talk back and you do as your told.
All my dad had to do was give us the look, and you quit what you were doing and behaved.
My dad was known as the enforcer. When my aunts or uncle’s were having issues with their kids all they did was say do I have to call Uncle Don and the kids straighten right up.
My dad parented the best way he knew how. He learned from his parents. And if I look at how my dad was raised to how we were raised I can see a huge difference.
My dad’s biggest wish in life was to be a dad. He had two beautiful children and 3 handsome grandson’s.
I can remember my parents usually working opposite shifts so that one would be home for us at all times.
My dad was the one to curl my hair on picture day, one time he burnt my ear so bad that it turned white but he is the only dad I know that would take the time to curl his daughters hair.
I never realized just how deep my dad’s beliefs ran in me until after he passed away.
We never questioned anything we were taught we were just be grateful for everything we got. Our parents worked hard and we could always tell when money was tight dad would edgy and remind us not to ask for anything.
We never lacked for anything, they always provided but he hated waste. It would drive him up the wall if we wasted food or drinks.
I realize now after hearing the stories of his childhood that there were times my grandpa didn’t eat because there wasn’t enough and this was my dad’s trauma response coming out with us.
Its funny that all these things as we grow up, come up and we never realize what it was like for our parents unless we take the time to ask.
I encourage you that if you parent is doing or saying things that perhaps don’t make sense to you to ask them what it was like for them growing up. I promise you its nothing your doing its things they are remembering from their childhood that they never processed.
Back then there was no help with mental health, the board of education was a stick your parents beat you with not a school board.
Remember this holiday season to give grace and find out what it was like for your parents or grandparents growing up. They might just surprise you and you will learn a ton.
What is some memory you have growing up about your dad that you now think to yourself I bet there is more to it than what I thought?
Our parents are our greatest gifts and teachers.
With love and gratitude,
Dorothy
Opmerkingen