I came across a book my father gave me. I put it somewhere for safe keeping. I just found it again. And with Fathers’ Day coming up, I decided to share some of it with all of you. My father and his family came to America from England. I have searched Ancestry.com and found that the family came to American through Nova Scota. My father was a good man who taught me to be strong. He suffered from rheumatoid arthritis and now that I am older, I realize how filled with pain his life was. So he was a truly brave man; he spent each pain-filled day on his feet, working in retail sales. Many years later, I was in sales also, and I know how hard it was for me without the arthritis. I dedicate this post in his memory with gratitude for all he did for me.
Botanical garden. Photographed and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2014
“If I can write one verse of truth today
Or give my fellow man a song to sing;
If I can push one needless cloud away
And help men live as children
of the King;
If I can lend someone a helping hand
Or warm a place where friendship
needs to be;
If I can build a bridge where fences stand
And light a lamp that other men
might see;
If I can open doors of hope this day
By letting someone know that others care;
If I can speak in words that seem
to say;
I know the heavy burdens that
you bear.
If I can guide a pilgrim on his way
Or pause to bid him stay for food and
rest;
If I can do these, Father, this I pray:
” O let me do them with my very best. ” —William Arthur Ward
The Bahamas. Photographed and copyrighted by Barbara Mattio 2014
Thank you my dear Father for taking me camping, teaching me to love fish and chips, and putting up with an opinionated creative little girl. He has been gone a long time. But I remember his dry humor, his painting my bedroom every time I wanted to change the color. I appreciate every time he was there for me. I honor all the good fathers who love and support their children. You are heroes.
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