Sentimental Sunday: Father’s Day 2014

Edward A. McMurray, Jr., with his daughter, 1955. — *Edward A. McMurray, Jr., with his first daughter, 1955*

There is a sadness in my heart today because on Father’s Day, I have no dad here to visit or call, none to cook dinner for, to hug, to tell him I love him. There is no father-in-law, nor grandfathers, or great-grandfathers left in my family either. I am thinking of them so much today though, so it is a Sentimental Sunday, and I appreciate all that they gave to me of themselves over the years to make me who I am today. I feel that one truly and fully understands the sacrifice of a father for his descendants once one has their own family. Even after being a parent for so many years, I still think of the events, wisdom, love, genetics, even quirks imparted by these paternal ancestors, and the light bulb goes on and I say, “Wow. They cared so much that they would even ___.”

This care and love extends to their participation in the military, too. Most were not fathers when they enlisted, but they already had that ‘take-care-of-the-future” thought strongly in their minds- enough to risk their very lives for it. Thankfully, none of my paternal ancestors gave their life in a battle to protect our freedoms, although some were wounded, either physically or mentally. All were changed by the horrors of war, but still went on to become fathers, hoping that future generations would be able to live more peacefully.

How can “Thank you, I love you.” ever be enough to say on this day, or ANY day???

A father is… PROUD.

Lloyd Eugene "Gene" Lee with his son Robert "Bob" Lee, winter of 1936. Bobbie was four years old. — *Lloyd Eugene “Gene” Lee with his son Robert “Bob” Lee, winter of 1936. Bobbie was four years old.*

A father is… a TEACHER.

*Edward A. McMurray, Jr., with his first grandson, about 1989.*

A father is… LOVING.

Bob Lee and son, 01 JUN 1959. — *Bob Lee and two-day old son, June 1959.*

A father is… FUN.

*Irving I. Cooper and his first grandchild, Feb. 1962.*

A father is… a HELPING HAND.

*George A. Roberts with his grandson, about 1926. Caption written by his grandson.*

A father is… PROTECTIVE.

*Dr. Edward A. McMurray, Sr. with his son, about 1924.*

A father is… a PROVIDER.

*1954- Edward A. McMurray, Jr., feeding daughter.*

A father is… A BUDDY.

A father is… SURPRISING.

*G. W. Helbling in his garden, August 1934. I had not know that he loved roses and gardening until I saw this picture, long after he passed away.*

A father is… LOVE.

Thank you, Dads.

Notes, Sources, and References:

1) Family photos in possession of author.

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