I enjoyed another relaxing Father’s Day. Spent the morning with my dad, treasured two phone calls from my adult children, then met up with our best friends for dinner. Neither of our friends have dads still with them. Sadly, my boyhood buddy lost his dad last month and his mom three weeks later.
As a teenager, I remember fondly the memories of these two wonderful people. Their humor, their generosity, and they way they always seemed interested in me. As an adult, those same characteristics shined brightly as they always wanted to know how things were going for my children. It was always a joy to spend time with both of my buddy’s folks.
Still blessed with both my parents it is unimaginable to lose both parents in less than a month. His faith is strong and helping him cope. Last night he shared a post with me that truly captured the essence of his folks and the love they had for one another. It touched my heart and I thought it may benefit my readers if I shared a portion of it with y’all today.
” I have always had a love for music. One of my first memories I have of music in our household came from my dad. Vividly, I remember my father coming home from work one day and he immediately started moving all the living room furniture against the outer wall creating an open space in the middle of the room. When that task was completed he would then go find my mom and ask for her hand leading her into the living room. He would put a record on our hi-fi and they would begin to dance. Ed and Jane were Fred and Ginger. (In fact my Dad looked a little like Fred Astaire.)
My parent’s love for each other through movement on the living room carpet gave their four children the security and confidence that is needed to go on to boundaries beyond the backyard. The big band sounds of Glenn Miller and Tommy Dorsey highlight the memories I have of late 50’s and early 60’s. They actually wore down that carpet. We were not a wealthy family (being a family of educators) so the carpet would have to do. Over the years, that carpet became a worn path of love and tenderness. I guess that’s where the phrase “cuttin’ a rug” comes from.
Along with the big bands, I remember the crooning styles of Perry Como, the Rat Pack (especially Dean Martin), and even Eddy Arnold. How Roger Miller got in that mix I am really not sure. My Dad was probably more of a Roger Miller than an Eddy Arnold, but both could satisfy him depending on his mood. At times, my Dad could round up his herd for dinner with his “Cattle Call” or escape from pressures of his demanding job and hop the rails to be “King of the Road. “ How he ended up with Doris Day is still a mystery to me, but I am glad he did.
To this day I still put on some of that music, and I am taken back to that old house that used to be so big. That living room seemed as immense as a ballroom, but in reality, it must have really cramped their movements. My parents were still dancing into their eighties. Many times they were the last couple remaining on the dance floor. At wedding contests they were the winners chosen by how many years they have danced together in their married lives. They danced through their lives together, not as individuals, but as a couple doing life together. They showed their children how to be better parents and grandparents as well. My father passed away on May 17. Three days after he passed away my mom was admitted to a hospital. and soon after that, a hospice center.
At one point, she shared with her children that she had a vision of her husband. He was reaching out his hand and was summoning her. He could not go too long without his dance partner. My mom took his hand several days later. Their dance continues.
Psalm 149:3-4 says Let them praise his name with dancing and make music to him with timbrel and harp. For the LORD takes delight in his people; he crowns the humble with victory.
My parents were far from being religious people, but they prayed every day and had a relationship with Jesus Christ. They understood that he died for their sins. And because of that we know that indeed they are in heaven with their Savior. They are dancing and making music to honor him.
Praise God!”
Until next time….