This is important to read.

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.

A fitting post for all of our fathers. Hugs, Barbara

We can’t let that happen. Hugs, Barbara

But since the time of the Crusades, we have killed and tortured them also. It is an ugly game humanity plays …in God’s name.