April 4, 2018 at 5:30 p.m.
Duck Ponderings: Thinking of Dad
My dad worked multiple jobs while I was growing up --Cummins, farming, trucking, and picking corn. The Depression was difficult, never far from his mind, and he very much wanted us to have more including a college education. Due to his long hours providing for the family, our time together was limited yet seemingly always filled with memorable experiences. I particularly recall him holding me in his lap after being on a coal run for a neighbor. Black soot covered him, but it didn't matter. I was in his arms! After retiring from Cummins, he seldom missed a sporting event I participated in and even proudly received a softball trophy for being one of our most loyal fans. My fondest memory though would have to be restoring a 59 Chevy truck with him which I received from an uncle on my thirtieth birthday. It never would have happened without his expertise. Hour after hour, we worked on it from one end to the other. I learned a lot about my dad during that period of time-his patience, his ability to solve problems, his appreciation for bringing old things back to life, and his understanding of the importance of doing a job right. Even though all of these qualities are certainly impressive, the one that now stands out the most would have to be that he took time from his schedule day after day to make me and my old truck a priority. This Father's Day, I will not be able to take dad's gripping and loving hand; however, special memories will flow as I hold both of my daughters in my arms.
Below, you will find partial lyrics to two songs my sister, Sally, wrote to honor our dad. I suspect some lines will remind you of feelings for your dad.
"Thank You, Mom & Dad"
cdbaby.com/cd/sallywebster2 or iTunes
He can work for hours doing what he likes
Using his hands to fix our cars up right
He knows several things
That computers never will
Do we all know how much love
Daddy really shows
When we call he's right there to lend a hand
Maybe fixing toys or things that just don't spin
He can make broken things
Get up and dance around
Yes daddy fixes lots of things
And he fixes them with love
So let me take this time
To thank you very much
For all that you give
To each and every one of us
The love will shine forever
Even when the times get tough
"These Hands"
cdbaby.com/cd/sallywebster or iTunes
These hands may be rough
These hands may be tough
These hands have done a lot of work
These hands are the hands of dad
These hands have worked the land
These hands have a farmer's touch
These hands can fix a truck
These hands are the hands of dad
These hands are healing hands
These hands are loving hands
These hands have an angel's touch
These hands are the hands of love[[In-content Ad]]
