फठेर्स DAY

HERE WE ARE...FATHERS DAY 2011! Wow. I thank GOD that we still have our dad with us. It has been a heavy year for the first male role model in our lives. 5 kids. 2 sisters and 2 brothers.

Pop has diabetes and has a heart condition. He is stubborn about his meds. He hates that one of the side effects is dizziness. I as son must take care of my papa. I must also not badger or force him to take his medicines. He will do what he wants. I may be 48 years old, but I am still his son.

Dad is 88 years old and God-willing will turn 89 this 4th of July.

Dad wants to travel to Central Mexico in August. My brother and I take care of him, my mom, and an aunt who suffers from Alzheimers. WE must honor and respect his wishes. We are not the boss of him!

This year we could not afford to get him anything. Tough times economically.

As I left him this morning to go to work I gave him a hug and wished him a happy fathers day. Pop said thank you and then said " May GOD always bless and protect my children."

Uttering those words took me back to one of his stories. Dad is a great story-teller and lecturer. A whooping was better than a lecture growing up. A lecture from Dad was something else. I remember them all. He can make a point.

Dad lost his father when he was 13 years old. My grandma raised him as well as she could. Grandma did a fantastic job. Pop can cook! He is a hard worker and taught us the importance of work!

Dad once told me he asked GOD to let him live long enough to see us all as adults. He did not want us to grow up without a father. That is quite tough as per Papa.

Anytime Dad would go out of the country he would tell me that I was in charge. That was when I was about 8 years old! Wow! I thought I was way over my head! Of course I was the 3rd string quarterback. My MOM was actually the 2nd string QB and she was in charge! Being eldest was quite an experience growing up!

The hug was like a treasure to Pop.

I hope YOU all enjoy your Fathers Day and thank GOD if you are fortunate to have your Paternal Figure still with YOU.