Fatherly inspiration key to learning the art of grace
After all these years, my dad inspires me still.
As I write this, the almost 89-year-old fellow is fighting to get back onto his feet as stenosis, bad knees and general old age are wearing him down.
But though his body shows wear and tear, his mind remains as agile as his sense of humor.
And as he fights his daily battles he continues to inspire his children.
The old saying “actions speak louder than words” applies perfectly to my dad.
He never was much for talking, but he is the biggest action figure I’ve ever known.
He worked long, hard hours every day at Bell Telephone and took overtime work almost every holiday I can remember to provide for us the best way he knew how.
He never did much for himself.
His greatest indulgences included a weekly case of Pabst Blue Ribbon and keeping a $5 bill in his wallet so he could get hot coffee on cold days.
His actions spoke clearly to his kids: “I’m not a sophisticated man, but I love you with all my heart and I will always take care of you.”
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Copyright 2022 Tom Purcell, All Rights Reserved. Credit: Cagle.com
