My father had perhaps one of the happiest, fullest and most ideal family lives of all time. Perhaps one of the most touching moments of his life (at least through my eyes) came when he visited our new house Delaware in 2015. My daughter Millena was born in California in 2013 and had only met my dad a few times. It should also be noted that other than myself, my father and my brother Tom were the only other two men who could pick Millena up without her bursting into tears of dismay. When we arrived home from the airport and walked into the house through the garage, Millena was waiting bouncing up and down on her toes. At the sight of her grandpa, she burst into tears and ran up to him, jumping into his arms for one of the longest and most heart felt hugs in the history of the world! My father knows love, is loved, and will continue to be loved.
Memories
My father had perhaps one of the happiest, fullest and most ideal family lives of all time. Although he tried, he was not able to escape diaper duty! My daughter Milla was born when my parents were 83. To that date in 2007, my father had yet to change a diaper much thanks to my mother's perfection and desire to take care of her children & grandchildren. At this time, she reluctantly (but through necessity) turned the proverbial DUTY over to my dad, but at the same time kept a watchful eye and provided necessary and supportive commentary throughout the many processes as I was away at University and Vanessa was at work. Thanks Dad! While you never wiped my butt, you helped take care of my mess when I was away!!! Love you always.
My father had perhaps one of the happiest, fullest and most ideal family lives of all time. He was married for 68 years. Here is how I was told that he met my mother. My Grandma Lee was Reverend of a church with perhaps the largest congregation in Detroit during its time and my mother just happened to be a soloist. My father would sit some distance behind her and on occasion fire paper balls into her hair with a straw, as every young man does in church! One day my Grandma's maid decided to introduce the two... At 15, they each became the other's first and only loves. At 18 in 1942, they married. Together they survived WWII, fathered 5 sons, and enjoyed their family growth.
My father had perhaps one of the happiest, fullest and most ideal family lives of all time, but it also had frequent ups and downs as anyone could image... Around the age of 6 after a particularly rough day he packed his suitcase and decided to run away from home. Seeing the troubled youth, my Grandpa Lee decided to help with the decision and exchanged my Dad's clothes in the suitcase with with heavy rocks to help with the impending journey. My Grandpa silently watched my father leave with all the frustrated gusto a 6-year-old could muster. He waited patiently and watched. Eventually a sweaty and weary young man returned after rescinding his decision and making amends with the fact that he loved his family more than any burden he was carrying in his heart, on his shoulder, or in his hand!