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"If the new American father feels bewildered and even defeated, let him take comfort from the fact that whatever he does in any fathering situation has a fifty percent chance of being right." -- Bill Cosby




"Daddy's Teachings"
by Angie Ledbetter



"A wise son heeds his father's instruction..." Proverbs 13:1


Many people in many ways have blessed me throughout my life, but none compare to having been reared by the best of parents. My Dad has always been there for his children, friends, coworkers, and anyone in need of his many talents, but that is not what makes him unique. What lifts him above the crowd of other good people is his humility and his ability to just jump into a situation and do what needs to be done at any given moment. It's an automatic reaction on his part; like breathing to the rest of us. And my simple words of platitude will always be insufficient in describing and thanking him.

Daddy made sure we had all of the things we needed, not necessarily the things we wanted so that we didn't become spoiled adults. He taught us to be self-reliant members in good standing within our church and community. He taught us fairness by handing down punishment and praise in equal measure as we merited them. He taught us love and selflessness through many acts of personal sacrifice, by spending time with us, and by never failing to show that he was proud of us. Daddy taught us strength by being strong. We knew we could counton him at all times without fail. He showed us consistency by never waiving under any type of influence or pressure from what he knew to be good and right. He taught us faith by living the Gospel daily. Dad taught forgiveness byforgiving us daily and by never holding a grudge against anyone. We learned honor by witnessing his honorable behavior, and character by the same method.He also taught us patriotism and the definition of "gumption" by being patriotic and the very definition of a man with a strong worth ethic. Living examples of these wonderful virtues and the Golden Rule taught us, not lecturing or pop-psych experimentation.

Outside the home, Daddy made sure we were involved in good, clean, healthy activities - many of which he was himself a volunteer or participant in such as scouting, sports, and religious education. He is a leader of men. He is firm, but fair. He does whatever it takes to get the job done. If that means getting up at 3:00 a.m. to deliver milk so that he could attend college during the day and working other odd jobs to support a wife and four children, so be it.

Before I make him sound like a drill sergeant, I'll add that Daddy has his softer side that shows itself at unexpected moments. How many Dads would get down on the floor and play jacks with their kids? Not many. All of these things and more he still is to his four children, grandchildren, and many "surrogate" children.  

I can only hope to infuse my own children with some of these
characteristics. Daddy's shoes are some big ones to fill, but they are also one-size-fits-all because he'd never expect to be anyone's role model or boast that he was better in any way. This Father's Day, I will take a few minutes to write down my thoughts about the precious gifts he's imparted to me, and hopefully he'll realize how much he means to me.

I will also get him a brand new set of jacks.



Angie Ledbetter
AngieDLed@aol.com
© 4/01


Angie is a mother of 3 who holds down several part time jobs. She is also a freelance writer when time allows between church ministry work, scouting, and her childrens' activities. Angie previously wrote the poem "Mircales" for 2TheHeart. We look forward to more from her!


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The Letter Box:


This is my first week on 2theheart. It started with two incredible
stories by Susan Fahnke. "Daddy Hands" is unforgettable. I have a six month old son and can only imagine what you went through. All the "Dad week" stories have been prefect since this is my first Father's Day! I am also a writer (I'm working on ut, anyway!) and hope to someday have my own stories on 2theheart.Thanks for a week of truly inspiring stories.
~Michael Deerfield


I loved "Planting a Memory" and my family decided that this is something we'd like to do for both my father and father-in-law this Father's Day. It was a beautiful story and sparked us to create our own "planted memory". Thank you!
~Lorrie & Frank Williams
Georgia


Dear 2TheHeart,
The stories today were great! I'm not a dad yet, but they both showed me that I can be a dad to kids who need a good role model. I look forward to stretching my wings - thanks for two excellent stories.
~Lon,
San Leandro, CA


Oh susan,
I am just now getting to email that is backed up terribly from my being absent. I just read the "Voice Mail From Heaven" account of how God's graciousness was provided when you needed it the most. And He will continue to provide these gentle, wondrous, loving little gifts of Angel's presence in your life for as long as you live. Bless your heart. My heart just overflowed with pain as I read along, and I cried along with you from the wonder of God's timing and goodness to meet the deepest need in your life at just the moment you needed it. What an incredible journey grief takes us on. And how wondrously the path is cleared before us as we make our way, knowing the Lord has miraculous "markers" and guides along the way, until safely we have reached our appointed destination.

Angel's presence will linger on forever. Her very essence breathing
inside your heart, and flowing into every corner of your world until
that day when you'll be reunited. When the giggle-parties continue in your own little corner of heaven. God Bless you today.             
Warmly,
~Linda Carlson

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