Sunday, June 20, 2010

My Hero


This is a drawing of my Hero. The original photo was taken by my younger brother Mark, who is a photo journalist in The Dalles. In the actual picture, Dad is tenderly looking down at his first born grandson, cradled there in his arms.
.
Dad was on his own very early in life. The eldest of nine children, at a mere 18 years old, he was drafted into the US army. He was still a kid, really, when he took part in the Battle of the Bulge in WW2, parachuting down behind enemy lines.

Dad was captured by the Germans, miraculously, for nine months, he survived unspeakable conditions as a prisoner of war in a Nazi prison war camp. Bad Orb was the worst of them--Dad was 96 pounds, only skin and bones, when he arrived back home.

He is the father of six children. I am the eldest. Dad built a home for us with his own hands. All his life, he worked very hard to provide for his family. 

Dad loves birds. He whistles to them and they sing back. He's an honorary bird. They trust Dad--sometimes to the point of perching upon his shoulders.

Children of all ages are drawn to him. They know he loves them. Dad has a special way with people, too. He charms everyone he meets with a cheery comment and a twinkle in his eye. People always smile when Dad is around.
 
I have been blessed by the gentle strength, wisdom and love of my earthly Father. Because of Daddy, I see God as my dear Heavenly Father, who loves me unconditionally, disciplines me in love and who watches over me and my family every day of our lives. Because of Dad's loving example, I am able to call my Heavenly Father, Abba Daddy. 

A true hero will often say, "I'm no hero, anyone in my place, would have done the same thing." Not so. A true hero's unselfish deeds, often in the face of grave danger, are accomplished by instinct, their actions born from a nobleness of heart.

Today Dad must wear a brace because his neck hasn't healed from the accident last July.  The bones are still broken.  The miracle is he can still walk, sit, eat--he still has all movement intact.  Though this is a constant hardship for him, he still keeps going on. 
 
May God always and ever bless our Hero. Our father. Our Daddy. Our Hero.

11 comments:

Clytie said...

Amen. I've always loved this picture of dad - and your tribute is perfect!

Tammie Lee said...

Oh Beth, this is such a loving way to honor your father and his gifts to you, your family and others who know him. I hate that he has experienced such hardships.... I can not even imagine. Your art is beautiful of him.
And how perfect for fathers day!

Tess Kincaid said...

Aww. I see from the wonderful drawing that you share his smile!

sharalyns said...

Beautiful. :-)

Megan Coyle said...

What a lovely post and picture. Glad to hear that your father is able to move about - and I hope that he heals soon.

Lois said...

A lovely tribute Beth!

Woman in a Window said...

What a man, Beth. I'm glad you shared this with us. I'm sorry though, that he still suffers from last year's accident, but I remember it happening, I remember the fear, and I am grateful for his healing as well as he has. I wish him some respite from the pain.

Hope the day was beautiful. I'm sure you all shared it and it was full of love.

Your drawing is gorgeous. Hope he has this framed.

xo
erin

Deann said...

I love this picture it is so precious. You can look at it and tell how much you love your Dad.
I hope the week is treating you right. Love you.

Anonymous said...

Beth,
What a beautiful writing you did about your father. And yet with everything he has been through in his life, and he is still here?
He must be one strong man!
And a HERO he is...
Your drawing is precious.
Wow how you captured his true features is amazing. He looks so sensitive and loving..
go figure..
Hugs, Darlene xo

Sunny said...

A lovely tribute to your Dad and a beautiful picture.
A Dad is so special, I miss mine very much.
☼ Sunny

Kathie Brown said...

You can tell that your drew this with love. I can't believe the detail. I am so glad that you had such a wonderful father. Mine was not so good and has been gone from my life since I was 7. It doesn't make me sad anymore. It makes me happy when someone like you has a good one. I'm so glad you love and appreciate yours. It is amazing that he could live through such horrid conditions and still come out with a tender heart. I wish all children could have a father like yours.