Falling Together
Lord, today I’m thinking about my dad. He was born 109 years ago this month. I remember when he lost his job at age sixty, fired just like that when a large conglomerate purchased the firm he worked for. He had no special training, had not even finished high school. At age thirteen he’d quit school and worked to help support his large family.
“Daddy”
It was not easy finding new work at an age when many people were about to retire. But he had to do something fast. He had a wife and children to take care of.
I recall Dad combing the pages of the Wall Street Journal looking for small businesses that were available to buy or sell. He hoped to put owners and buyers together. Within three years he was not only established in this new field of business mergers but he earned more money in commissions than he ever earned in his previous career. God, you blessed him beyond anything he envisioned.
I asked him how he kept his wits and his health during this time of great stress. “I leaned on Jesus,” he said. “He’s a good friend to have.” My father gave all the glory to you, Lord, the one he knew as the author and the finisher of his life and work.
His example cast a light on my path. When my life was about to fall apart years ago, I looked to him and to you, and fell together instead. Thank you for the gift of my father on earth and my father in heaven.
Oh what a blessing to have a godly father. I love that sweet picture of him. Lovely tribute, Karen!
Thanks, Kristi.
Dear Karen,
I too, am one of the fortunate ones to have a Dad
like you! He was such an inspiration to all seven of us “kids”! We knew how fortunate we were and we thanked God for him. Dad taught me so many things that are good just by his example. He was a minister so he always had a “job” but it was during the depression and we were very poor financially but we were wealthy with an abundance of love. We had a cow, chickens, and grew our own vegetables. We received mission barrels like so many of our church members but
he never complained even tho money was scarce!!
Thank you, Karen, for sharing this story. You are fortunate to have had him for a Daddy and I am fortunate too.
Love, Margaret
Love to you. Margaret
Thank you, Margaret. I enjoyed your sweet story about your wonderful father.
Thanks, Karen, for sharing that inspiring tribute to your dad. And now you are an inspiration to your children.
What a nice thing to say, Pam. Thank you.
Karen,
Thanks for sharing this inspiring story about your father. I was also blessed to have a father who looked to the Lord. In your case, and as the saying goes “the apple didn’t fall far from the tree” since I know how much you, too, lean on your Heavenly Father!
Thanks, Glenda. We were blessed for sure to have dads that turned to the Lord.
Gosh! Karen, My Dad was a miriad of personalities to me from being very strict to being playful. Always a good provider and my Mum was the one to keep home and family together….4 of us children and three of us born during the Second World War! Dad was a great man in The Masonic Order in N. Ireland and was the first to be the head of two lodges at same time. A non alcoholic and had that strict old Irish ethical nature. Taught us all to be respectful, independent and self reliant! Not always an easy family environment ….. but we all made it to wonderful productive and giving careers! Your beautiful writing today has brought back a flood of memories. Glad you had such a wonderful father and I was indeed blessed too. We are especially blessed with the constant love and guidance of our Godly Father who is constant and always with us! Keep on writing my friend as you have a lovely way of opening loving memories and giving us reasons for expressing gratitude. Namaste, Kathleen XO.
Thanks, Kathleen. I loved hearing about your Irish dad. He turned out a beautiful daughter in you.
Karen, that’s a beautiful tribute. Your father sounds like mine, a godly dad. What a gift! Interestingly, just from the photo I see a resemblance to Charles … both handsome, white-haired men. And I know you are that kind of Mom to your children, and grandmother to your grandchildren. Precious!
Thanks, Carol. It was nice to remember my father and his special qualities. I’m happy to know your dad was a beautiful example to you too.
Tender, precious memories of a very special man. I love the phrase, “fell together.” How true that is when you have Jesus to lean on. Thank you for sharing. This brought back memories of my dad.
Thanks, Michele. I’m happy to hear that you have fond memories of your father too.
Karen, I wasn’t blessed with a loving father like yours, or anywhere near a role model like yours … It took me decades to find our Lord Jesus on this bright side of the earth … but by God’s amazing grace, find Him I did … Thank you for sharing your beautiful touching story about your wonderful father’s faith, courage, and wit. And I’m trying to imagine what it was like to have a loving father… Jing
Jing, I’m sorry you did not have a loving father here on earth but I’m grateful with you that your heavenly father has given you all that you want and need and deserve.
Beautiful memories Karen, you we’re blessed by having a wonderful example in your father, mine was in my grandpa. My precious grandma would have been 103 yrs today. I’m so thankful for having them in my life. May God continue to bless you Karen! With love, and hugs, Walter, and Cathy Hopper
PS Donna Poole sends her love
Cathy and Walter and Donna, I send my love and regards to you too. Thanks, Cathy, so much for sharing your sweet memories of your grandparents who were loving examples in your life.
Wow, what an inspiring story, Karen!
Thanks for your comment and affirmation, Columba.
Karen, thank you for your inspirational thoughts. I especially like the verse from the Psalms you quoted at the end.
Nancy, so good to hear from you. Thank you for your kind comment.
I miss Bapa. He has been a long-standing source of inspiration to take business risks and to love well.
–Julie
Thanks for remembering Bapa, Julie. I think of him often these days and appreciate more and more what he went through and how he triumphed.
Love this post Mom. I remember you telling me this story years ago. Amazing he did that at age 60 so many years ago. What an inspiration to never give up! Love you, -Jim
Daddy was an inspiration, for sure. I appreciate him more and more the older I get. Thanks for your post, dear son.