Sunday, June 15, 2014

Paperclips, Tomatoes, and Fathers

I've got news! We're moving. Yuppers. We sold our house and are packing like maniacs to get out of here on time. Because of that, I don't have a brain left, so I invited a very special friend here to share her thoughts for Father's Day. 

Take it away Kelley Hicken!

I know a man who repaired a broken windshield wiper in the middle of a hailstorm with nothing but a paperclip. While his ingenuity earned him the title “MacGyver,” the memory that stands out most is his calm endurance. I call this man Dad, and he has taught me that I can be at peace even when life’s storms are pummeling me.

I know a man who always grew the first ripe tomato in the neighborhood. He had a sixth sense for what it means to nurture and reap a bountiful harvest. I saw it in his garden as well as his devotion to his family. I call this man Grandpa, and he taught me that what I give attention to will grow – whether that be a tomato plant, an idea or a relationship.

I know a man who impregnated his then 15-year-old girlfriend. After agonizing over the decision, he agreed to place the child for adoption. He later went on to serve in the military and continues to work to be a good example to his son. This man is my adopted son’s birth father. He taught me that being a parent means letting go of my selfish desires to provide the best opportunities for my kids, even when it hurts.

I know a boy who will someday become a father. He has an overwhelming love for all people, and has shown me what it means to love someone more than myself. Because of him, now I know how my dad feels about me. I call this boy my son, and he has awoken me to a sense of global responsibility because I want the world to be a better place for him.

I know a man who reads books on how to be a gentleman. That says everything you need to know about his values. I am eternally blessed to call this man my husband, and he teaches me that every small decision we make shapes our character. It’s never too late to be kinder, healthier, or to achieve our dreams.

To all the men out there who influence others in a positive way – thank you.

Happy Father’s Day!
 
Kelley Hicken recently published Bojo the Boogery Bugger, a picture book about a cat who is allergic to everything. However, her deepest love for writing centers on YA fantasy, and her current (never-ending) novel might actually kill her. She thrives in the gorgeous Pacific Northwest with her husband and two kids.


Do you have an wonderful memory of a father you'd like to share? Who are you celebrating today? 

60 comments:

  1. Your post is very uplifting. I miss my dad very much, but I celebrate his life. He still guides me through the tough times.

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    1. Thanks, JJ. Sorry your dad's not with you, but I love how you still feel connected.

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  2. What a heartwarming read. Thanks for sharing your thoughts on this beautiful day!

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    1. Of course! Thanks to Crystal for letting me take over for the day. :)

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  3. Hi Crystal - good luck with the move .. Hi Kelley - thanks for these lovely stories - I keep thinking about my parents now both have gone and the lessons they taught me through love ... Cheers Hilary

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    1. I'm sure days like today are bittersweet when your loved ones have passed. Thanks for the kind words.

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  4. Thank you, Kelley, for such lovely words to focus thoughts today. Thank you, Crystal for sharing them here, and all the best with your move ...

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  5. What beautiful memories to carry with you! Thanks for sharing them.

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    1. I always say I have a terrible memory, but when I sit down to write about people I love, it's amazing how much floods back. Thanks for reading!

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  6. Great guest post! Good luck with your move. Moving is never much fun, but it's always well worth it once you're in your new place.

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  7. You have some fine men and fathers in your life!

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  8. That's a wonderful, heart-warming post, Kelley. Your life is indeed richer for knowing these people.

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  9. This was beautifully woven together, Kelly. You took me back to my own memories with my grandfather when he would show me how to pick the ripe tomatoes from his little, yet plentiful, garden. Crystal, good luck with your move and happy Father's Day all!

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  10. What a beautiful way to show how much the men in your life mean to you by something they do or how they act. You are indeed lucky to have all of these wonderful people in your life. Great post Kelley!

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  11. What a lovely post about fathers of all kinds!

    And Crystal, congrats on selling your house! Good luck with the move!

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  12. Such a beautiful post. There are so many fantastic fathers out there and they were honored today.

    Good luck with the move, Crystal.

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  13. Hope everything goes well with the move, Crystal! Time to pull out the time stopper, eh? ;)

    And what a beautiful post, Kelley!

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    1. YES. Totally time for that, but I think it got packed away in one of these boxes. Grr.

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  14. Beautiful post. I like the way you introduced each person.

    Best of luck with the move, Crystal.

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  15. Lovely! Good fathers are so often unappreciated.

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  16. I'm glad fathers get a day of their own. They need the spotlight for all they do.

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  17. What a lovely story. And Crystal, good luck with your move.

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  18. My children's biological parents are my heros!

    Good luck packing Crystal.

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  19. Congratulations on the move, and best of luck with the packing. This was a lovely and touching blog post to fill the void while your brain is otherwise engaged. I really liked it. Thank you Kelly :)

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  20. I am celebrating my father for all that he has done.

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  21. Sensational title and absolutely lovely story. I now need to know how to fix a windscreen with a paperclip.

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    1. Crystal picked the title. :) Good luck with that engineering feat, Juliette.

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  22. Neat guest post:) Also, glad you got your house sold! :)

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  23. What a beautiful post Kelley :) it's nice to meet you!

    And you're moving Crystal? Don't leave!! I can change!!

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  24. What a heartwarming post! You have some great men in your life. Nice to meet you too.

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  25. I loved the description of the different men in her life - esp. the adopted son's father. And the husband who's reading a book about being a gentleman... man, too bad he's taken!!

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    1. Ha! Margo, that's awesome. Sure, he's taken - but he has an older brother in WY who is (inexplicably) single and just as awesome. Just sayin'... :) Thanks for reading.

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