Wednesday, April 27, 2022
Our dad lived up to the meaning of his name of being strong and manly, but he went about it quietly. Family and faith were everything to him and it shows through all those close to him. His words, “blessed with flesh” will forever live in the hearts of all of us and we will live that out each day within our families and generations to come. Sunday dinners and holidays, especially Christmas, are seen with our immediate family of about 30 all gathered in complete chaos that was exhausting and exhilarating all at the same time. We will miss him at these events and the food he loved to prepare or ask his children to help. Doing things quietly together was quality time. Everyday living was what was important.
He had a way to give advice softly (sort of) to his daughters, and I would guess a little more sternly with his sons. He had a way of quietly instigating a spirited discussion between those in the room and would then sit back with a grin that was priceless and observe what he started. His love was exhibited in a different way that his wife and children understood, but others may not. As with all families, each of us children have a piece of his personality. He accepted all into his family, even in the most peculiar of situations that most would not understand. I believe his love flowed in those ways because of pain that was felt in his younger years that he turned into his super-power of love and acceptance of all.
He instilled in us a hard work ethic with a desire to live within our means. He would always encourage us to come to the beach of Cornfield Point in Old Saybrook, to rest, although I know that was not done enough by all of us, particularly me. His love of planting and bringing forth a healthy crop can be seen in how we go about our lives, whether it is physically planting or in relationships. We reap what we sow, and my father sowed goodness, love, and faith in his way.
Ephesians 2: 8-9: For by grace you have been saved through faith, and this not from you; it is the gift of God. It is not from works, so no one may boast. For we are His handiwork, created in Christ Jesus for the good works that God has prepared in advance, that we should live in them.
Rest in Peace, Dad. You did your work here on earth and instilled a quiet, yet strong faith in us so we may continue the work that we are called to do while still here!
