Dawn broke with a muted light. The kind of light that does not rouse the world with any sense of urgency. These kind of mornings, come “softly and tenderly” like the old hymn says Jesus calls. Even the birds sing more gently on such mornings. They do not chatter this Fathers’ Day morning, but instead sing in hushed verses-all except the purple martins. The martins sing in cheerful trills, as only they can.
It gives me great joy to write, that there is finally and at long last, no wet paint in the old farmhouse. Of course this is a short lived affair, but the most of the painting is behind me. I have been painting for weeks-at night before school was out, and since then, every day. The farmhouse, is as old as it has ever been, but painting has not hurt it. I have also painted an old wardrobe and the china cabinet, a stark white. I do have a table left, if the spirit moves me, as well.
The yard has been neglected because of all the ruckus in the house -and all of Farm Life can attest to that. I plan to work outside, this week. There is still the barn, too. There is a bit more, for Kyle to do. I will clean up behind him and then paint roses on the stair case. Hopefully by then, I will spend some time with Lyla, by the laughing river.
I have a huge pot of chicken simmering now and another pot of butter beans. I still have a cake to cook, and cornbread to fry, at the last possible moment. It is Sunday- not just any Sunday-but Fathers’ Day, after all . . .and Daddy loves chicken and pastry.
After Sunday Dinner
Mama and Daddy came in the back door, just as the last piece of cornbread had been taken up. The simple meal was relaxed and easy, much like the morning light had been. I had fixed a cake, that I know Daddy especially likes- a cinnamon raisin cake. I added diced apples today as I had two that needed to be used. It was good enough that I talked him into taking some home.
Daddy, does not like a lot of fanfare. He has never craved attention and has always shunned “big productions” made about him. He is the reigning patriarch of four generations now and none of us want to disappoint him-not because he “rules the roost” with fear, but because, he has made himself worthy of our respect. He has never had to convince us of that. Daddy “wears his sermon, in his shoes.”
Daddy carried a lunchbox to work for over thirty years. I simply can not fathom that. His days were long as he often worked “overtime” and it was an hour to get there, and an hour to get back home. I remember that when Daddy left to work night shift, we would wave good-by from the front door. Mama would blink the porch light and daddy would honk the horn, as he drove off. It meant ” I love you.” We would all blow kisses -and we did so every time. We never needed to call a repairman for anything , from bicycles to the stove, when I was growing up- Daddy could fix everything and all of that meant “I love you” as well. We could always depend on Daddy and I think that may have been the loveliest thing of all. I think it is safe to say, that I did “grow up privileged”. I would just as soon sit in the shade of the sycamores, with daddy, today, as anybody, I know of.
I have always lived a simple life-but I came from extraordinary people-and my own father, is one of them.
Dear Diary, I am glad for mornings with soft light and I am glad for the humble kitchen table, in the old farmhouse . . .especially on Sundays, when Mama and Daddy are there. . .because it means “I love you”, too.
thank you-I have been blessed with a loving family. visited your blog and going all the way back to Part I of the Hayes sisters! what I saw, I loved-can’t wait! I am at part 8 already! loving this!
What a lovely tribute to your dad! I never stopped to think of it, but we rarely had repairmen in our house. My dad could fix almost anything, too. Thanks for causing me to realize that.
I think we both grew up in a wonderful uncomplicated time, mothers tended house and did all the necessary things for children and men were dependable, protective and fixed a lot of things. What a beautiful time to be a child.
Very nice story of your day – Father’s Day. You made a special Father’s Day dinner, everybody enjoyed it and even the last piece was taken. Your dad is a hard working, dependable, able man. You’re blessed with a father who can fix everything. You painted a lot!! Still have the barn to do?
we are still working on that barn! maybe we will finish this week??? I am blessed. My whole family is a blessing! thank you-I haven’t seen any posts from you-am I still missing them?
Treasure the moments with your precious parents! My parents loved ‘Softly & Tenderly’ – they sang it to me over the phone when they asked me to come home from Africa & a dear family friend sang it 8!years later @ Papa’s Memorial celebration. 💜🙏💜
From the title to the last line, my heart thrilled to this piece. It seems our dads were of the same sort. You could have written this line about my father: “Daddy, does not like a lot of fanfare. He has never craved attention and has always shunned “big productions” made about him,” I had forgotten how humble my dad was and how happy to live far from the limelight. Thank you for reminding me. Your writing brought tears to my eyes.
Oh there is just so much love here. I know only too well what it is like to be focused on one aspect of life only to turn around to see so much needing attending elsewhere. What you wrote about your father put a huge lump in my throat. I so thank you for this dip into simplicity and Love. 💕
you precious soul-thank you! Daddy is 82 yrs old and is doing well, tho he has really slowed down. He is probably my best friend, xx love Michele-oh I am so glad you are following! thank you!
Hi Rabbit Patch! I am behind on my reading and didn’t realize that I had missed at least four of your wonderful posts! So sorry!! You have really accomplished quite a lot this past week! I love your post about Father’s Day… the cake sounds delicious! And the post about your oldest son is so very sweet and loving…and it sounds like he is also sweet and loving!
I have been behind too! Just getting caught up! I have worked so hard , it is raining today-and i do not plan to do much. The cake is a favorite and so simple. My son is precious and you are too!! thank you for all the time you spent in the rabbit patch anf leaving nice thoughts! love Michele
Your mention of the kitchen table reminded me of the old wooden kitchen table in the house I grew up in. It was painted white, and went from the kitchen to the basement, where it was used to fold laundry. Then, it moved to the back porch, and finally I got it. (I can’t remember when!) I stripped off all the paint, and discovered it was oak. I used it as my dining table for years, until Mom died, and I decided I’d rather keep her cherrywood table and chairs, and didn’t have room for both.
It’s funny how many memories a single object can hold. Now I have only the memory of the object, but they’re sweet ones.
Your recollection of goodbyes as Father went off to work brought to mind similar memories.
My father would leave for work a short while before the school bus stopped at our house, affording us the opportunity to wave goodbye daily.
As his car left the driveway, my mother would blow kisses and speak aloud to the glass that separated them.
“God bless you.”, she would say, “and be careful on the road.”
She did this consistently, every weekday of my childhood that I can remember.
I recalled this tale at her funeral, during her eulogy, and wished for all those present that they heed this advice, then sent her home to her reward.
“God bless you, mama. And be careful on the road.”
now you make me cry-such a tender and beautiful memory-what a lovely image, I now have your mother. You made me love her. There things are what we recall as adults. Thank you-again so beautiful
A delightful post, filled with love and the wonderful father that you have, You are very lucky. Well penned.
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thank you-I have been blessed with a loving family. visited your blog and going all the way back to Part I of the Hayes sisters! what I saw, I loved-can’t wait! I am at part 8 already! loving this!
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Thank you, I hope I continue to keep you interested in my offerings. Thank you for following. ☺
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I have a feeling you will! and it is my pleasure to visit with you.
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What a lovely tribute to your dad! I never stopped to think of it, but we rarely had repairmen in our house. My dad could fix almost anything, too. Thanks for causing me to realize that.
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I think we both grew up in a wonderful uncomplicated time, mothers tended house and did all the necessary things for children and men were dependable, protective and fixed a lot of things. What a beautiful time to be a child.
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Very nice story of your day – Father’s Day. You made a special Father’s Day dinner, everybody enjoyed it and even the last piece was taken. Your dad is a hard working, dependable, able man. You’re blessed with a father who can fix everything. You painted a lot!! Still have the barn to do?
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we are still working on that barn! maybe we will finish this week??? I am blessed. My whole family is a blessing! thank you-I haven’t seen any posts from you-am I still missing them?
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My last post is A tribute to My Dad. After answering comments I’ll make another post. https://theshowerofblessings.wordpress.com/2017/06/18/a-tribute-to-my-dad/
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thank you-
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You’re welcome!
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Freshly came out from the oven. My new poem. https://theshowerofblessings.wordpress.com/2017/06/19/gray-jays-nest/
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Treasure the moments with your precious parents! My parents loved ‘Softly & Tenderly’ – they sang it to me over the phone when they asked me to come home from Africa & a dear family friend sang it 8!years later @ Papa’s Memorial celebration. 💜🙏💜
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oh my-what a beautiful memory! makes me cry-Thank you for sharing that-what a precious thing!
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From the title to the last line, my heart thrilled to this piece. It seems our dads were of the same sort. You could have written this line about my father: “Daddy, does not like a lot of fanfare. He has never craved attention and has always shunned “big productions” made about him,” I had forgotten how humble my dad was and how happy to live far from the limelight. Thank you for reminding me. Your writing brought tears to my eyes.
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awwwh-it is very endearing to have such a humble dad-It does not surprise me, that our fathers had the same spirit. thank you always xx love Michele
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Oh there is just so much love here. I know only too well what it is like to be focused on one aspect of life only to turn around to see so much needing attending elsewhere. What you wrote about your father put a huge lump in my throat. I so thank you for this dip into simplicity and Love. 💕
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you precious soul-thank you! Daddy is 82 yrs old and is doing well, tho he has really slowed down. He is probably my best friend, xx love Michele-oh I am so glad you are following! thank you!
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I told you I found a way to get over here. I really love it here! And your Dad … You are one very lucky woman! He’s a treasure, Michele. 🌹
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He is a treasure Amy Rose-thank you. I am glad you found a way to the rabbit patch-your presence is appreciated-thank you xx love Michele
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💞🌈🎁💞
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Lovely Michele! Monica
Monica S. Ferrari 252-975-1698
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Hi Rabbit Patch! I am behind on my reading and didn’t realize that I had missed at least four of your wonderful posts! So sorry!! You have really accomplished quite a lot this past week! I love your post about Father’s Day… the cake sounds delicious! And the post about your oldest son is so very sweet and loving…and it sounds like he is also sweet and loving!
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I have been behind too! Just getting caught up! I have worked so hard , it is raining today-and i do not plan to do much. The cake is a favorite and so simple. My son is precious and you are too!! thank you for all the time you spent in the rabbit patch anf leaving nice thoughts! love Michele
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Your mention of the kitchen table reminded me of the old wooden kitchen table in the house I grew up in. It was painted white, and went from the kitchen to the basement, where it was used to fold laundry. Then, it moved to the back porch, and finally I got it. (I can’t remember when!) I stripped off all the paint, and discovered it was oak. I used it as my dining table for years, until Mom died, and I decided I’d rather keep her cherrywood table and chairs, and didn’t have room for both.
It’s funny how many memories a single object can hold. Now I have only the memory of the object, but they’re sweet ones.
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what a sweet story-and memories can crop up around a ll sorts of objects-thank you always love Michele
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Your recollection of goodbyes as Father went off to work brought to mind similar memories.
My father would leave for work a short while before the school bus stopped at our house, affording us the opportunity to wave goodbye daily.
As his car left the driveway, my mother would blow kisses and speak aloud to the glass that separated them.
“God bless you.”, she would say, “and be careful on the road.”
She did this consistently, every weekday of my childhood that I can remember.
I recalled this tale at her funeral, during her eulogy, and wished for all those present that they heed this advice, then sent her home to her reward.
“God bless you, mama. And be careful on the road.”
Seek peace,
Paz
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now you make me cry-such a tender and beautiful memory-what a lovely image, I now have your mother. You made me love her. There things are what we recall as adults. Thank you-again so beautiful
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