A Tribute to the Fathers

 

My sister and I were very blessed to have the most wonderful father. One of my all time favorite parties was a Birthday Tea on a Sunday afternoon in honor of my father for his 92^nd birthday.  The hardest part was compiling the guest list, comprised of his nine decades of friendships. My sister and I worked for weeks on the guest list to try to think of voices from the past that Daddy would enjoy hearing.  He had fought in a war, taught Sunday School, but most of his life was spent as a carpenter building houses, remodeling kitchens, and genuinely building friendships through the years.

 Our birthday party day was a cold March rainy afternoon but that did not stop guests from driving for miles and filtering in out of the cold.  On this gray damp day we had a cheery warm fire roaring in the living room and Daddy seated in a big wing back chair. He had a new suit on, and a pink rose boutonnière pinned to the lapel of his jacket. Some guests were friends and family that we had not seen in years, some were from church and some were from the hardware store that he still saw on a regular basis. 

The day was full of emotion, and he was brought to tears as all of us were from the joy of the day… especially when he asked to read a poem.  My mother had been gone for several years, and I am sure he missed her deeply still and was wishing she could be beside him on this day.  This sweet man had a crumpled up piece of paper in his Bible that he wanted to read and share the lyrics of a song that mother had saved. Perfect for a Birthday Tea, our 92-year-old father read…

DRINKING FROM MY SAUCER

I've never made a fortune

and it's probably too late now.

But I don't worry about that much,

I'm happy anyhow.

And as I go along life's way,

I'm reaping better than I sowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

I haven't got a lot of riches,

and sometimes the going's tough.

But I've got loved ones around me,

and that makes me rich enough.

I thank God for his blessings,

and the mercies He's bestowed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'cause my cup has overflowed.

I remember times when things went wrong,

My faith wore somewhat thin.

But all at once the dark clouds broke,

and the sun peeped through again.

So God, help me not to gripe about

the tough rows that I've hoed.

I'm drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

If God gives me strength and courage,

when the way grows steep and rough.

I'll not ask for other blessings,

I'm already blessed enough.

And may I never be too busy,

to help others bear their loads.

Then I'll keep drinking from my saucer,

'Cause my cup has overflowed.

- Recorded by Jimmy Dean, 

Author unknown

Here at Magnolia Hill, with weddings every week, I have had the honor of meeting some very special fathers. Wedding day, and with a full heart, Daddy is on the porch waiting for his beloved daughter to walk out the door, hold tight to his arm and begin a walk down the aisle. Here are just a few of our very special dads, and memorable wedding moments....

Dad waiting on the porch

A kiss from Dad

Getting ready to step into the carriage

 

A little help from Dad, stepping into the carriage.

On the way to the altar

Bagpipes lead the way

Just before the doors open

Best Man Dad, and tears of joy

Remembering Dad, a piece of his shirt

A special reception chair for dad

Father - Daughter Dance

So dear to our hearts....fathers.