Tuesday, June 15, 2010

A Father's Day Tribute to Mr. Fix It

With Father’s Day quickly approaching, I’ve noticed that many bloggers are showcasing their masculine creations, honoring the men in their lives. I decided it was time for me to head to my Hideout and create a special card for my own dad… the true Mr. Fix It!








Before I go further, let me say, you have my complete permission to read no further! This blog post will be long, because there are so many things I’d like to say about my dad. If you choose to read further, thank you!


A Tribute to My Dad

My parents had two daughters; no sons. I am the younger of the two, Daddy’s little girl. I always adored my dad, in the wide-eyed wonder that only a girl can have for her daddy. He was (and is) my dad, yes, but also my rock and my hero!

I remember when I was in second grade. I truly believed my dad could fix anything. One day at school, in my childlike innocence I voiced that thought on the playground during recess. One of my peers mocked me and suggested I was wrong. With my adoration of my dad and the need to defend his honor among my peers, I declared that I was right. Later, when we returned to the classroom, my peer took a Kleenex from the box, tore it in half and handed it to me with the hurtful words, “Here! Have your dad fix that.” I was crushed… for just a moment. Then I remembered all the things my dad could fix and decided this mere peer was “dumber than dumb.” My dad remained Mr. Fix It in my mind!

A few years later (and several moves later – did I mention we moved a lot when I was growing up? We moved every 3-6 months, so by this time I’d long left behind that dumber than dumb peer. Yay!)… but I digress! A few years later, my dad finally decided I could learn to drive a motorcycle. Yes, we had motorcycles. The first one my dad bought was a Triumph that he brought home in a trash can. The previous owner had torn it apart piece by piece and was going to fix it but he couldn’t remember how to put it back together. (I don’t know… maybe the previous owner was Dumber than Dumb’s dad???) My dad, Mr. Fix It, was able to put it back together!!! Anyway, my dad spent hours teaching me to drive our little white Honda 150 motorcycle. I was 10 or 11 years old at the time. I loved that bike. A short time later we moved and my new driving area was rolling hills in the field behind our house. I’d take the little white Honda out on the hills, but I was afraid to shift down and it would die part way up the hill. I’d honk my horn, and my dad would come to my rescue! Mr. Fix It would jump on another motorcycle and come flying over the hills to my side. My hero!

When I was in High School, my dad began the tradition of giving my sister and me a Christmas present. Until that time (except once when I was young and wanted an expensive doll that my mom wouldn’t buy for me, so my dad did) my mom was the one who did all the Christmas shopping. The first year my dad gave us a gift all by himself, he gave us the softest thermal blankets. I loved that white blanket. It was warm, yet lightweight. I loved snuggling up in it. For many many years whenever I wasn’t feeling well, that was the blanket I’d grab. It always seemed to make me feel better. (Who am I kidding? I still have the blanket… it’s my security blanket.)

Less than two months after graduating from High School, I married my High School sweetheart, squelching my dad’s dreams for me to attain a college education. But he never voiced criticism or dissatisfaction. His love was (and is) unconditional. Three years later, my husband became ill. The prognosis was not good. He had leukemia and was dying. During the eleven months that the illness raged, my dad was a source of strength to me. He did so much to help! Perhaps the best thing he gave me was his presence. Sometimes I would see the hurt in his eyes, but mostly I saw his love. And I leaned on him and his strength. After my husband died, I sought solace in my parents’ home. I suppose I was hoping that my dad could fix my heartache, my pain. But in fairness to him, this was something he could not fix… not because my second-grade peer was right, but because only time and the merciful love of my heavenly Father could heal my broken heart.

As a 23-year-old widow, I went to college. (I’m sure that made my dad proud.) It wasn’t always easy. I depended on my parents a lot and appreciate them more than they know. During my college years, my dad fixed my car – regularly! He made sure I had a dependable vehicle to travel to/from school. Without my personal Mr. Fix It, I might never have graduated. About a year after graduating from college, I married again. I think I may have heard my dad breathe a sigh of relief… after all, now someone else would be maintaining my vehicle. (Honey, my dad and I both love you!)

My dad is in his later seventies now. I am so thankful that he has good health. And he’s still fixing things. A few years ago he restored the 1953 (I think) GMC pickup truck that was my great-grandfather’s vehicle. It sure is pretty. My parents take it to Antique Car Shows and it has earned many trophies! My dad is currently restoring an old Corvair Convertible (1961, maybe???) that was my sister’s first car. Some days he gets frustrated with the process, but we are all so proud of his progress. He’s doing well and before long that Corvair will be earning some trophies of its own.

But in my mind, the real trophy goes to Mr. Fix It. Remember, he’s my dad, my rock, my Hero!

Happy Father’s Day, Daddy! I love you!!!


Challenges I've entered this card in are:
The Town Scrapper (Father's Day)
Kah-Wink-e-Dink (Father's Day)
Pearl Tree Designs (Father's Day)
Simple Doodles (Father's Day)
The Pixie Cottage (Father's Day)
Tellen's Place (Father's Day)
Daisy Doodles (Father's Day)
Magical Crafts (Father's Day)
C.R.A.F.T. Challenge (Father's Day)
Paper Cutz Challenge (Father's Day)
Tanda Stamps Challenge (Father's Day)
Drunken Stampers (Father's Day)




Image: Karen's Doodles Mr Fix It Car
Ink: Copic markers
Cardstock: Stampin' UP! Riding Hood Red and So Saffron
Designer Paper: from my scrap file
Embellishments: red brads and Karen Foser Mini Screw brads

46 comments:

MiamiKel said...

Oh My word, I am wiping my eyes and blubbering like crazy from crying! Your poignant post is just the most beautiful post I've read in a long, long time - seriously, this should be in an inspirational magazine for all to read and share! Your testimony of love and family is just so rewarding - and you are so very blessed to have him in your life still! God is good!

Now your card - LOVE IT!! What a terrific image, and if this is going to dad, Iknow he will enjoy every minute of it ~ it's PERFECT!

Thanks for the heartwarming story, my wonderful friend :)

x0x0x

April said...

Don't feel bad, Kel, I can barely see to type. A father's love is so joyous. This was a beautiful tribute to your father and if I had he address i would send him a crd too, because every child needs a father like this!!

Oh?? You made a card too?

Huggz!!

Anonymous said...

Oh Jeanette - this is so beautiful. I too have tears in my eyes. You are so blessed to have such a presence in your life and I know your dad feels the same.

Incredible card and thank you so much for sharing such a wonderful piece of yourself with us.

Barb said...

Jeanette--what a great story and awesome tribute. I am sure your dad will be so surprised and happy to receive this entry along with the card!

Thanks so much for sharing--Barb

Michelle said...

What a beautiful tribute to your dad.

Love the card!

Unknown said...

this is a great tribute, beautiful

Courtney said...

This is a great card! Thanks for playing along with us this week at KWED. Good Luck!

~Courtney~
KWED DT

Kristen H said...

Thank you for sharing your wonderful story about your dad! This card is awesome! Thank you for playing at KWED this week. We hope to see you again!

Kristen

Melina said...

Whoa...Jeanette...I'm wiping my eyes too! Your story reminds me so much of my own dad. Thank you so much for sharing this with us and your dad is going to love his tribute and card :)

Marlene said...

What a beautiful tribute to your dad! He sounds like such a cool dude! Love your card, too.

dweatter said...

Wonderful card Jeanette...even more wonderful a story!! I am go glad you had this relationship with your father. Beautiful tribute my friend!!!!

Suzi Mac said...

Hi Jeanette, a beautiful card and tribute to your Dad. Thank you for joining us at C.R.A.F.T. this week. Good luck in the draw.
Hugs
Suzi x

cheryl said...

oh wow,this really is beautiful the card,too but the tribute,you have made to your dad really is heartwarming hun,and you are so blessed to have a dad like that wondeful card and from reading your post,i know he will just treasure,it,hugs cheryl x
oh sorry got so carried,away forgot,to say bless you for playing at the pixie cottage this week,love hugs cheryl xxxxxxxxxx

Holly Young said...

Jeanette your post has brought tears to my eyes. I had a dad who could fix anything too. He invented things and taught me patience. I am the fifth of six daughters he had, so I'm sure by the time I arrived he had had a lot of practice learning that patience! I so wish my father were still here. It is wonderful that you are able to share your love for him with all of us. Tell him I said Happy Father's Day too!

Alicia said...

Great card! Thanks for sharing your story about your dad. Thanks for playing with us at Tellen's Place!

Hugs,
Alicia

Do What You Love said...

What great memories you have of your Dad, Mr. Fix It and what a great card! I love the paper and that image is perfect for those wonderful memories! Thanks for joining us at Tellen's Place! :-)

Katie said...

Great card and what a wonderful tribute :)
I'm sure Mr Fix It will love it!
Thanks for playing with us at The Pixie Cottage.

sue law said...

What a fabulous image! Great card...sorry I have to admit that I didn't read the whole of your post, my battery is about to die..but I can say that read the last para...and I know how you feel as this is so true of my own dad...

Thanks for joining in with our Tanda Teaser this week, and we hope to see you again soon!
sue
x

Anonymous said...

What a great card and so fitting.Lovely tribute - he sounds a remarkable person.Thanks for joining us at Pear Tree designs.
Lisa x

Unknown said...

A lovely card thanks for playing at Tellens Place
Luv Jane xxx

Sheena said...

I was completely unaware that I needed a good cry today :) Thank you so much for sharing this story Jeanette! Wonderful card too ;)

Anonymous said...

Hey, Mom! Guess what? I'm crying. You can make fun of me now.

CuddlyBunny said...

Super card, great story telling and AWESOME dad!

:: BlueInks :: said...

Okay, I got so engrossed in the story, I forgot what the card looked like - I am sure it is great too! LOL

I am so glad that you have great memories of your dad. I do as well and feel very fortunate.

Just think over the years how many times Dumber Than Dumb went to get a Kleenex and the box was empty - karma baby! ;)

Anonymous said...

Great Card! Thanks for joining us this week for our challenge at the Pixie Cottage!
~Pam

Davi said...

We have have those wonderful fix it dads sure are blessed arent we?? :) thanks for joining us at the Pixie Cottage.

Karen said...

LOL, great fun image, thanks for joining us at Pear Tree Designs.
xx

Donna said...

rrrr what a lovely story! Lovely card too

Thanks for joining us at Pear Tree Designs and good luck

Donna xx

Tamdsgns said...

Wow! You Are very blessed! Great card and thanks for sharing your wonderful story!

Linda Ledbetter said...

What a wonderful tribute to your dad! He sounds like an amazing man, and I enjoyed reading about him. This card is just perfect for Mr. Fix It, and I'm so happy you shared it with us at Drunken Stampers!

1CardCreator said...

Lovely story about your Dad and your card certainly does pay tribute to him. Thanks for playing along with the Kahwinkedink challenge, hope to see you back again! ~Diane

Lesley said...

Great card, I love the image! Thanks for taking part in the Magical Crafts challenge xx

Patty Gorka said...

I loved reading your story, it was so touching and so meaningful. Your card is great as well and I love the image you used!

Lola said...

OMG what a lovely story. I wish I had such a dad...and your appreciation of him is wonderful!

Rose said...

what a beautiful life story!! and a super card too!! thanks for joining us on SD :)

Jaspere said...

This is awesome...it just pops...

artish said...

i so hope your dad reads your blog or that you print all of that out for him and put in his card.
great card, by the way, but i love your writing.
i'm glad you shared at the pixie cottage so i got to come read.

Joanne Gilch said...

The story was so heart warming, sorrowful in part and now I forgot why I was here in the first place..LOL Oh yea, the card...lol. I just love the colored part that is your Dad in the white car that is the unconditional love HE has for you! oh, and before I forget....thanks for joining Daisy Doodles challenge.

Clare Lloyd said...

Great card. Good Luck and thanks for joining us at Pear Tree Designs this week.

Clare

Unknown said...

Lovely card and words about your Dad. So nice to read.

Thanks for joining us over at Pear Tree Designs Challenge Blog.

Good luck.

Lou x

Helen Dooley said...

ok first- I dont think your daughter is the only one grying. I know I can hardly see the keys. But ha ha we knew her time would come, I told mih=ne that and now hahahaha.
Second- really great card! Im sure he will love it.
Third- please hug your dad for me. He sounds like some of those great dads out there. Unfortunately my dad went home to his Lord 2 yrs ago, but he was my rock and hero too. I think little girls are supposed to feel this way about there Daddy's. And I am so glad you shared this story. Thanks you so much for playing along on PCC this week. HUGS~

Audrey Ernst (hippieaud) said...

Jeanette, thanks SO MUCH for sharing this WONDERFUL story. You are so FORTUNATE to have such an AMAZING father who stuck by you through thick and thin. He will truly appreciate this BEAUTIFUL card:)

The Crafty Goat Girl said...

Lovely card, great colours! Thanks for joining this week over at PTD, hugs Heidi (DT) xxx

Rhonda said...

Great job! Thanks so much for playing with us at Daisy Doodles Creative Challenges.

Amanda said...

A great card, and so lovely to read the words about your Dad.

Thanks for playing along with us at Magical Crafts and do join us agin soon!

Amanda

Unknown said...

great card, love the image!!! thanks so much for playing along with SD.
Trish