Honoring The Honorable On Fathers' Day ...

Nearly a century ago, in the Big Bend hills of Washington, darkness settled over a lonely family farmhouse. A father sat at the kitchen table, his head bowed in sorrow amid the doleful moans of March winds. About him huddled his sobbing children, as the howling winds outside splayed great streaks of powdered snow across icy window panes. Suddenly the youngest tore himself from his father's grip and darted out into the stormy night calling for his dear mother. Yet the only sound penetrating the dense blackness was that of the maddened tempest. Hastily, the father gathered the young child back into the safety of his arms, and for more than the two decades, William Jackson Smart, alone, kept tireless vigilance over his motherless children ... This poignant experience in the life of Mrs. John Bruce Dodd of Spokane, Washington, who was then Sonora Louise Smart, was the inspiration for Fathers' Day which materialized through the devotion of this father, and the father of her own son, John Bruce Jr., born in 1909. Through the observance of the love and the sacrifice of fathers everywhere, her idea of Fathers' Day emerged in 1910, through a formal Fathers' Day petition asking for recognition of fatherhood ... Fathers' Day is celebrated in diverse ways. For younger children, socks, or brightly-colored ties or handkerchiefs are popular gifts among a myriad of other items. Others treat their dads to baseball games, quiet dinners, cookouts or other outings consisting of various activities. Some give their fathers cards or call them on the phone to let them know they're being thought of. And tragically, for various reasons, some dads aren't given as much as a second thought. If you love and appreciate your father, by all means let him know just that this Fathers' Day, no matter how small the gesture ... it will mean more to him than you could imagine ... I never had the privilege of getting to know my 'real' dad very well, and it seems he had little interest in getting to know me. However, my great grandfather took it upon himself to stand in as my father. And although he passed away when I was but five years of age, he demonstrated to me all the attributes of what a genuine father, and man, should be during those five short years. I still think of my grandfather often, and the positive influence he had on my life continues on to this very day. He and my grandmother had little money or worldly goods, but they both had a wealth of love, and they certainly were pleased to share that love with me ... I love you Grandpa! ... Happy Fathers' Day! ... If you would like to share a story, or pay tribute to your father here at TheOldBarbershop, please feel free to do so, we would be honored if you did ... also, let's remember that Saturday, June 14th is Flag Day, a day for all Americans to celebrate and show respect for our flag, it's designers and makers. Our flag is representative of our independence and our unity as a nation ... one nation, under God, indivisible. Our flag has a proud and glorious history. It was at the lead of every battle fought by Americans. Many people have died protecting it. It even stands proudly on the surface of the moon. As Americans, we have every right to be proud of our culture, our nation, and our flag. So raise the flag today and every day with pride! ... "Walking With Grandpa" --Rodney O. Hurd "I like to walk with Grandpa, his steps are short like mine. He doesn't say, "Now hurry up!" He always takes his time. I like to walk with Grandpa, his eyes see things like mine; a birdie bright, a funny cloud, a penny that really shines. Most people are in a hurry, they do not step and see; I'm glad God made Grandpa patient, and almost as young as me." --sja