Last night I talked to one of my brothers. He called to let me know that he had stopped in at our parents since he was passing through that area and found out that Daddy had a heart attack several weeks ago but is at home now and doing okay.
As you can imagine it was quite a shock to me to hear that, and I couldn't help but wonder why the three of us who have left the Amish weren't told about it.
When I think of Daddy I think of a strong healthy man who loved working. A constant whistle on his lips. He was one of the few people that can actually whistle while they are smiling. As a little girl I used to ask him to teach me to whistle the same way but even with all his patient lessons I was never able to master that art.
I can see him working in his woodworking shop where many beautiful pieces of furniture were crafted.
I can see him patiently training horses to be safe on the road with a family.
I can see him on his hands and knees crawling on the floor in the evenings with my little brothers perched on his back with a firm grip on his suspenders, enjoying their horse rides.
I can see him walking through the garden in the evening dusk hours with Mom as they looked at everything and loading his arms with vegetables to bring into the house.
I can see him pushing his chair back slightly from the table as he launches into stories from his childhood.
I can hear his voice as he sang all the songs he used to love so well.
I can hear his deep rolling laughter that seemed to bubble up from deep inside.
I can see him on the front porch swing after a long day of work swinging gently as he watched the stars appear in the sky and listened to the night sounds. Sitting next to him was a coveted spot for all of us as we sat quietly in the hushed evening and talked only in a whisper to not ruin the peacefulness.
These are the type of things I think of when I think of Daddy. I don't like to face the reality that he really isn't strong and healthy like he used to be. I know that having three of his children leave the Amish has not been easy for him but I would like to think he still walks around with his smiling whistle.
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I'm so sorry about your Dad, it's sad that they didn't tell you at the time. Hopefully he is ok now, and will be around for a long time yet, even if he has to take things a little easier.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your dad. I'll pray that he will soon be healthy and whistling again.
ReplyDeleteRegina
It's so hard to let our daddies go. I know because I did that almost two years ago. I still miss my dad every day. Some of my memories are very similar to your.
ReplyDeleteIf you don't hear news of your family, then did you hear about the terrible accident near Bellona that involved a number of Amish traveling in a van to an area farm? I think they were from the Jasper area and five were killed. It has been in the Rochester newspapers throughout the week.
I'm so sorry to hear about your dad Mary Ann. I'll pray for a fast speedy recovery for him. I know how difficult it is for you not knowing and finding out that way.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Angela
I'm sorry to hear of your dad being ill. Your post is a tribute to the kind of person he is so it's a shame he will never see it, but thank you for sharing it with us. We will keep your family in our prayers as the Lord is certainly able to touch your mom and dad both physically and spiritually.
ReplyDeleteI'm so terribly sorry about your Father...I pray for fast healing.
ReplyDeleteKaren
Sorry your father is in a weakened condition. Distance makes it more difficult for you, I know.
ReplyDeleteYou wrote a beautiful post. You need to print it off and send it to your father. I'm sure he'd treasure your kind words. He may be like my father and not express a lot verbally, but he'd appreciate knowing how you feel.
Enjoy your weekend to the fullest!
Beautiful essay about your daddy. I pray he has an excellent recovery, Nd for peace for you.
ReplyDeleteJoni
I hope your dad makes a quick and complete recovery!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about your dad. I'll be praying for him.
ReplyDeleteThis brings a lump to my throat because I know what you are feeling. Dads are the strong ones they are the ones we go to and know they can fix anything. to a daughter especially, they are big and strong and they protect us from any harm. when they get sick its frightening and punches the core of that safe place. I hope he is feeling better.
ReplyDeleteBlessings, Joanne
What a beautiful story you have told of a devoted husband and Father....I pray he is healed and his strength is restored...and that he feel the prayers you are surly sending up for him....both my parents have suffered heart attacks that required bypass surgery...thank the good Lord they are doing very well today.....I pray that your daddy may have many more years ahead to bless his family. I am sorry that you were not notified sooner. That must have been a huge disappointment for you. Blessings
ReplyDeleteHe sounds like an inspirational and kind man. Thinking good thoughts for him, and smiling at his whistle :)
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your dad! I hope he's recovering well.
ReplyDelete*Hugs*
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear about your Dad (as well as the fact they didn't let you know at the time). But I'm pleased to hear he's at home and doing OK right now.
How blessed you are to have such a father! What a great idea to print it off and send it to him. It is so important to let people know how much they mean to us, isn't it?
ReplyDeleteI know it must have been so painful to have not been notified. But, your example as a Christian will mean so much to him one day.
I can hear your love...I can hear your concern...I can hear your pain...amd a hint of sadness. But I hear your job in having such a wonderful father to raise you.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad that he is home and doing better...and I hope he will be there with your mother for a good, long time. I pray that you will be able to have a reunion with them..soon!
We are never ready to read our own mortality written in our parent's lives. My Dad went home to be with the Lord in 2000, five years to the month after Mom. Even with the separation from the Amish, the ability to honor our parents remains God's command. I pray for a closeness for your parents, a spirit of understanding and forgiveness, reflecting the forgiveness our Father has given through His son.
ReplyDeleteThere is nothing like the love of a girl for her daddy. I miss mine each and every day, and I was blest to have hime in my life until I was sixty-two. I pray your daddy has a good recovery and will be around for a long and happy life. God bless you and your family.
ReplyDeleteWhat beautiful memories you have of your Daddy. He sounds like a wonderful man. I'm glad that he is recovering.
ReplyDeleteI know how difficult it can be to have information kept from you when family members disagree with the life you've chosen, even if that life choice is a happy and healthy one.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure your Dad is smiling and whistling, as you remember, because he knows that you're truely happy.
I am really sorry for your news. Thank the Lord he is still here with you all. Beautiful memories thankyou for sharing them. I think we can all tell by your posts your father always has a special place in your heart (as most do)!!
ReplyDeleteI am curious how many children are still in the Amish? D
Sorry to hear about your father and I pray he will recover fully, be strong and around for a while longer. I am also praying for relationships to be restored. I too was shunned for a while when I choose to leave Catholicism. Nevertheless, the Lord restored my relationship with my mother and a couple of my aunts. I have not seen my twin sister in over 20 years. Most the rest of the family will not talk to me so I know how it feels. We did join the plain folks for a season, in our search for seeking a way to walk before the Lord, but God called us out of it as He did you and your others siblings. God blessed you and may He keep you and make His face to shine upon you.
ReplyDeleteMrs. J.
I understand the Amish see shunning as a form of "love" but not telling you all about your dad just sounds mean to me. It's so not my beeswax and it's not going to change anything but you'd think someone in the area could've gotten you word. I don't know their side of things though, and perhaps it was a small heart attack and they thought it might just worry you so they didn't tell you about it. I do like the idea of you printing out your post and sending it to him to let him know your love for him is still there and very strong. ♥
ReplyDeleteP.S. - GO CARDINALS! lol
ReplyDeleteI lost my father almost 30 years ago and not a day goes by when I don't think about him and miss him. How I would like so very much to hug him and tell him how much I love him. Nearly all my adult life has been lived without him and I miss him. It must be difficult for you but if you can, write to him and tell him how you feel. I hope he gets better very soon.
ReplyDeleteI know that this can be hard, but hold on to those dear memories. They were planted there for just a time like this. I remember lots of my mother and that is what I hold dear of her. I will be praying for you and know that we all here for each other. God bless ya.
ReplyDeleteOh my. Hearing second- hand bad news is never comforting, especially when it is about someone you love deeply. Praying for your dad and a speedy recovery for his heart. You have paid a high price for choosing to follow Jesus, and it must be especially difficult when your loved ones are ill and you can't be of comfort to them.
ReplyDeleteI'm praying for your dad's recovery. I'm sorry that you had to hear about it so much after the fact. Is there any way someone can keep you updated on your father?
ReplyDelete