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 92nd 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....
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| Dad waiting on the porch |
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| A kiss from Dad |
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| Getting ready to step into the carriage |
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| A little help from Dad, stepping into the carriage. |
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| On the way to the altar |
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| Bagpipes lead the way |
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| Just before the doors open |
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| Best Man Dad, and tears of joy |
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| Remembering Dad, a piece of his shirt |
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| A special reception chair for dad |
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| Father - Daughter Dance |
So dear to our hearts....fathers.
