FATHER FIGURES

"Someone once said that every man is trying to live up to his father's expectations or make up for their father's mistakes....”

― Barack Obama, The Audacity of Hope

What memories do you have about your father? Was the relationship a fond memory, a nightmare, or a fleeting one? Being the youngest child in my family, I don't remember seeing a lot of my father. We moved from state to state as he followed the job market. He started in the automobile industry in the Midwest, and when I was nine, we moved to California and the aerospace industry. He was a design engineer and we always moved to where his next job was. I know he loved me, but I don't think I ever appreciated him until I was an adult, looking back. He was easy to smile, and he gave me a love of books and reading.

My career for twenty-seven years, was teaching speech and drama, and my students had a way of opening up to me. I realized how lucky I was to have the Dad I had. I also realized that many kids were fortunate enough to have uncles, teachers, older siblings, that stepped in to provide that nurturing, guiding quality for them. 

No matter what your experience was with your own father, none of us would be alive without one. I may have had a few issues with my dad, but I certainly miss him now that he is not alive anymore. Love them while they are here.

“We can't always do what we want in life," answered her father, "so we do the best we can.”
― Beverly Cleary, Ramona Forever

Who do you nurture? Who nurtured you? The gift is to honor those who nurtured you, by passing that nurturing on. Also, remember to nurture yourself as well.

Love and Light,

Rev Sandy Smith

 

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