Today’s post honors Owen Hendrick, written by his daughter Toni Hendrick.
I remember my father brushing my mother’s hair when I was little. He was gentle and would spend time braiding and caressing her long, wavy locks. This is probably my favorite memory and most peaceful. Unfortunately, they aren’t always this sweet…after my mother passed away, my dad wasn’t sure how to deal with his own grief and was at times, distant. We are still rebuilding the close relationship we had when I was a child. “Forgiveness is such a simple word but so hard to do when you’ve been hurt.” This is a simple lyric in a great song by Kellie Pickler. We are both learning to forgive one another.
I do love my dad and am so thankful for his patience (except when trying to teach me to drive) and life lessons….as they say, “give a man a fish and he eats for a day; teach a man to fish and he eats for a lifetime.”
My dad loves to fish – every bit of the experience he wanted to make sure I learned; I could bait a hook, catch ‘em, clean ‘em, cook ‘em, and eat ‘em almost as good as he could. Fishing was something we shared while I was growing up and we both enjoyed it – well, I liked riding in the boat more but we would have to stop in between rides to see if anything was biting. He came to all my sporting events, watched my FFA initiation (and laughed), and encouraged me to always do my best.
Daddy was a practical man; he wanted to make sure I was prepared for life: could check and change my oil as well as change a flat if needed….which has helped me several times. My FATHER is a great guy who tries to do the right thing, help others, and learn from his mistakes. I’ll admit I wasn’t the perfect daughter…I’ve been told I was just like him growing up although I didn’t get into nearly the trouble he did as a teen. 
I have lots of fond memories but I always loved it when daddy brushed mommy’s hair; definitely a memory worth cherishing. Thanks dad!
A note from James: I can relate to Toni’s pain. My FATHER died when I was six. I can look back now and see my Mother’s grief. I didn’t know it as a boy, but I can clearly see her grief today as a man. I firmly believe that as parents we are responsible for our children’s well-being, no matter our circumstances. As children, more so as adult children, we need to forgive, walk in grace and mercy, and honor our parents. But, I will advocate for the child every day…they need us active in their lives and we have a responsibility to be there for them!
LIKE us on Facebook at http://facebook.com/FATHERsTie
