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Home ยป Blog ยป My Dad

My Dad

by Sarah Turner Clover Lane

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So many memories add up to make a childhood don’t they?  And to make an impression of a person you keep with you for a lifetime.

I can remember rushing to my mom’s stationary drawer at 4:00 p.m.  I was little…4, 5, 6?  I’d go there often to write notes to my Dad, and when I saw his car working it’s way down the street after work…I would actually hear it crunch first on the stones….I would burst out the door and run my little note to him as he got out of the car.  I remember feeling shy about that bursting out the door.  I can remember how he seemed tired after a long day, a long commute, but how he always had a smile as he took the note from my hands. I can feel the warm sun, the fresh evening air, I can smell the spaghetti cooking in the kitchen.

I can remember the time my Dad crushed his finger hammering shingles on the roof.  I was scared to death, hearing him yell for help.  I can picture his face, and the cloth diaper my mom had thrown up to him on the roof to stop the blood.  I can feel the panicked, scared feeling in my stomach that made me want to run and hide.

I can remember the time it was my turn…a brick (yes, Katie, I still blame you) dropped on my finger from a picnic table, a burning pain, blood dripping, me screaming barefoot across the painful stones.  My Dad grabbing me, running to the bathroom, another bloody cloth diaper (boy, those come in handy, don’t they?), the cold water making it more painful.    The discussion…ER or not?  ER we go.  I know it was a warm, beautiful summer evening, and somehow that made it all better.  All the attention helped a little also.  I knew I was safe, because my Dad was in charge.  To me, he knew more than any fancy doctor.

I remember running out to visit my white pet bunny one cold spring morning, excited because my Dad had just spent the day before building a brand new fancy cage for her.  I remember seeing the hole torn through the bottom of the cage, finding my poor dead bunny around the back of the garage.  I remember wailing and running inside, and having my Mom and Dad panicked, “What? What?”  I remember the look of absolute fury on my Dad’s face because we knew right off the culprit was the big mean dog whose owners let him roam the neighborhood.  I knew he would take care of it.  The fact that he was as mad as I was sad, made me know he cared so much.

I can remember when I bought my first used car, a little Honda Accord…saving for that down payment, negotiating over the phone.  I had no idea what I was doing and quite accidentally, because of pure desperation, I ended up negotiating a pretty good price.  I remember knowing, somehow, maybe from a little chuckle from him, or the look in his eyes, that he was proud of me for that.

My Dad is quiet, kind, forgiving, sensible.  A hard worker more than anything.  A bootstrap kind of guy.  I don’t think he’s asked anyone for anything in his life…an ounce of help, a request to borrow, a favor.  He does it all himself, and never expected not to.  He worked two jobs often to provide for his family.  At the same time, I’ve never heard him turn down a request for help in my life.  If there is work to be done, he works harder, faster, more efficient than anyone else, no matter what the job.  He can clear a field, plant and tend a garden, build a house, fix anything.  

And on top of that, I don’t think I’ve ever heard my Dad complain once.  Maybe sometimes about his knees, only because he’s had surgery on both, and only after he does something like haul two 40 pound buckets of maple sap for 8 hours a day, and still then, he’d do it in a way that make you think he’s joking.  “I’m a little sore today, we hauled syrup from 2,000 trees you know.”  Um, YEAH?  Your 73, DAD!!!

There is no one I could be prouder to call Dad.   He has set an example, in his actions every day of his life, for 73 years, of what it takes to be a good, honest, hard-working, loving son, brother, father, husband, and grandfather.

Happy Birthday Dad!

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March 27, 2011 ยท 26 Comments

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  1. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2011 at 5:30 am

    Those are incredibly beautiful words written for what sounds like a incredibly wonderful dad!

    Reply
  2. Amanda says

    March 27, 2011 at 5:31 am

    you def. made me think about the memories of my dad. Yours sounds like the perfect dad for you! Where or what would we be w/o these great men?

    Reply
  3. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2011 at 7:03 am

    Thank God for good Dad's! And Sarah, from your writing I imagine you being quiet, kind, forgiving, and sensible…a lot like your Dad. With a feminine twist of course!

    Reply
  4. Pink Slippers says

    March 27, 2011 at 7:06 am

    This was beautifully written. From the heart of someone who loves their Dad dearly and I can see why. Sounds a lot like mine. [grin]. I jut got home from visiting with my Dad….he is very very ill with cancer and probably not much time to live…He is my hero.

    Happy Birthday to your Dad. Cherish every minute with one of the most important people in your life.

    Reply
  5. Love Being A Nonny says

    March 27, 2011 at 11:15 am

    What precious words from an obviously precious dad. Isn't it a blessing to have a dad like yours? And mine. Happy Birthday to him!

    Reply
  6. Coffeebean's Dailies says

    March 27, 2011 at 2:36 pm

    Beautiful post Sarah. You are a talented writer. Bless you and your family and Happy Birthday Sir!!

    Reply
  7. Unknown says

    March 27, 2011 at 3:33 pm

    What beautiful words, Sarah! Happy Birthday to your dad.

    Reply
  8. Andrea in NH says

    March 27, 2011 at 3:47 pm

    I smiled all throughout reading your post. Brought back memories of waiting for my Dad to come home from work and how he helped the pain from a boo-boo go away.
    And he was the only one who ever told me he was proud of me. I wish he was still on this earth with me ~ he only got to know my son for two short years ๐Ÿ™
    ~Andrea in NH

    Reply
  9. Amanda says

    March 27, 2011 at 4:05 pm

    What a great tribute to your dad! He sounds like a wonderful man! I lost my father 3 years ago -he was only 57-way too young to be taken from us. Enjoy every moment God has given you with your dad! I hope his birthday is blessed with love and joy!

    Reply
  10. Anonymous says

    March 27, 2011 at 4:42 pm

    What a nice tribute to a wonderful man.

    Reply
  11. Kelly says

    March 27, 2011 at 4:52 pm

    What a beautiful example of a Dad, and sweet words of tribute. I feel exactly the same about mine, they sound very similar.I hope my girls are blessed to also marry men who will carry on the tradition of strong, sacrificial men.

    (I'm sure your parents are blessed to see you continuing their legacy of family devotion- so rare in this day and age!)

    Reply
  12. Emily says

    March 27, 2011 at 5:23 pm

    What a sweet way to honor your Dad on his birthday. I have a lot of sweet memories of my father, and I hope I can raise my son to be a good man and wonderful father too. Enjoy this special day with your Dad!

    Reply
  13. Nichole says

    March 27, 2011 at 5:34 pm

    That brought tears to my eyes! Happy Birthday to your dad! What a blessed family you are to have such an honorable man at the head of it!

    Reply
  14. Cassie @ Live.Laugh.L0ve. says

    March 27, 2011 at 7:01 pm

    Happy Birthday to your dad! He sounds like a wonderful man!

    Reply
  15. Theresa says

    March 27, 2011 at 7:05 pm

    What a beautiful post. This made me cry. What a wonderful dad!! It is so nice to see the values you and your family have!!

    Reply
  16. Mitzi says

    March 27, 2011 at 9:10 pm

    Thank you for telling us about your dad. My dad is 74-from the same generation as yours. I can sure relate to admiring your father for how hard he works and never asks for favors. You are a good daughter for writing such a beautiful tribute.

    Tell your dad he's famous all over the blogosphere now!

    Reply
  17. Old Centennial Farmhouse says

    March 27, 2011 at 9:52 pm

    What a beautiful tribute to your dad! He sounds like what the old timers would call "the salt of the earth" and we need more like him! I know you are raising your kids to follow in his footsteps, too! He is, I'm sure very proud of his family!
    xoxo
    Joni

    Reply
  18. lauren says

    March 28, 2011 at 12:48 am

    i can't think of a better thank you to a dad than hearing that from your daughter. a life well lived is a beauty to behold. sounds like he nailed it. ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  19. Cath says

    March 28, 2011 at 4:20 am

    What a tender tribute. "I knew I was safe, because my Dad was in charge." Sometimes I think we undervalue the significance of fathers. They make all the difference. Love this post Sarah.

    Reply
  20. {cindy} says

    March 28, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    What a beautiful post. I have a "fix anything" kind of dad too, and I still call him for advice all the time!!
    Have a happy day

    Reply
  21. Kirsten in Germany says

    March 28, 2011 at 12:48 pm

    Wow, just beautiful. You're lucky to have a dad like that.

    Reply
  22. Amber@Munchkin Land says

    March 28, 2011 at 1:07 pm

    I feel the same about my dad! If folks are lucky enough to have a dad like that then they are in good company.

    Reply
  23. Colleen says

    March 28, 2011 at 2:27 pm

    My mom turned 73 one day before your Dad! That was a good year, I guess ๐Ÿ™‚

    Reply
  24. Brian and Staci says

    March 28, 2011 at 2:40 pm

    This is just plain beautiful Sarah ๐Ÿ™‚ Happy Birthday to your Dad!!!

    Reply
  25. Sandy says

    March 29, 2011 at 9:05 pm

    Beautifully written! I am certain that you cracked that serious exterior and brought a tear to his eye when he read this.

    Reply
  26. Kate Fineske says

    March 30, 2011 at 5:09 am

    I LOVE my dad too! I want to tell you how much I am enjoying reading your posts. Your sister-in-law Julie led me to your blog site and it is quickly becoming one of my favorites! I just resently started writing weekly for a blog and talked 3 weeks ago about my dad and what an IMPORTANT roll he played in my life. (http://www.motherscenter.org/blog/2011/02/what-i-learned-from-my-dad-a-k-a-the-master-packer/) Aren't dads AWESOME!?! Thank you for providing me some great weekly reading!

    Reply

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Sarah Turner

When our first baby was placed in my arms I knew there was no place I wanted to be other than home with him every day. Twenty five years, and five more babies later, (six children, now ages 26-8), I still feel the same. I blog here about motherhood, how to make a house a home, easy recipes, and simple living. You can read more about me here.

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Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular. Just an o Nothing pretty, flashy, or spectacular.  Just an ordinary Monday morning breakfast counter after the kids leave for school.  Because ordinary gets the short hand in our culture but really it's extra special. 
It's a symbol of unselfishness, contentment, prudence and gratitude.  There is a certain peace about the ordinary.  It's the opposite of temporary-it holds the joy of contentment and gratitude and prudence all in one hand.  It's lends itself toward peace, and a settling in, not a constant search for more or less or anything.  Ordinary is authentic and good enough- in short it's a gem in disguise. ๐Ÿƒ
I love my home and I hope you do also. With all t I love my home and I hope you do also.  With all the imperfections and maintenance it requires, when I pull up and walk in I want to stay, to relax, to feel safe, for daily life to be easy, and to care for "home". I want simplicity, ease, convenience.  To me when my home is simple, without being filled to the brim of things that just take up space I love it best.  I hope if you've participated fully or even partially as time allowed in 40 Bags in 40 Days you've found that joy and pride in your home.  I plan to share more little challenges and tips as the year proceeds to trouble shoot areas and keep maintenance effortless and the house love flowing.  Daily life in our homes should bring us joy and ease while we care for our families, we should be thoughtful stewards of our money and of our time and simple living is the answer to that. 
Thank you for participating! ๐Ÿก
I think this is one of the best things about the 4 I think this is one of the best things about the 40 Bag decluttering process.  When I know what I have and have removed all that I don't, it cultivates more discretion and caution about what I bring back in.  I think there is also some realization of how much money is wasted on fads, or thoughtless purchases.  It's quite eye-opening.  I've become so much more careful, and find we all take better care of things, as do my children.
The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days! I've tackle The final week of 40 Bags in 40 Days!  I've tackled all the areas of my home with exception of my oldest daughter's room (not the photo)- which she is excited to work on this week.
The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean an The simpler the room, the easier it is to clean and straighten up.  And then the more enjoyable it is to actually sit in that room.  It's not a hard equation, all it takes is ruthless purging-and not just little things but larger items also.  Functional furniture is the key and very few decorative pieces especially when children are in the home, makes life so much easier. 
๐Ÿƒ
As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 As we head into the last week of the 40 Bags in 40 Days Challenge I'm hearing from so many of you what a difference it has made in your appreciation of your homes, a certain contentment, and at the same time a thrill of looking in on the organized kitchen, closet and living space.  I agree!  I love purging, cleaning and organizing a space and then going back later that day just to get that wonderful sense of accomplishment.  It makes such a difference! 
๐Ÿƒ
A lighter, fresher, calmer home is the result of de-cluttering.  I even had a participant who had been planning on listing her home, start 40 Days just to get her house ready to sell, and then was so ruthless in the process and also thrilled by the results that they decided to stay put in what seemed like a new home to them.  What a savings of time, money and energy. 
๐Ÿƒ
Next week I will be talking maintenance and answer all questions! โ˜€๏ธ
Tips For Shared Kids Rooms- This bedroom has seen Tips For Shared Kids Rooms-
This bedroom has seen every configuration possible.  With kids spread out 18 years apart, I've had to be creative over the years-which I think is the key to sharing rooms.  It is all possible-I consider it a rare luxury and privilege to not have to share a room although I know that is not the norm today. 
๐Ÿƒ
I like to create a simple look with white furniture (this ends up making room transitions easier also when moving someone out and someone else in.) I also like to match bedspreads for a cohesive look. 
๐Ÿƒ
Clip on bed lights save space. 
๐Ÿƒ
A simple shared book shelf can hold a child's special books and knick knacks and if necessary can be assigned per shelf.
๐Ÿƒ
When my kids were younger I had my dad build me a large wooden roll out box for under each bed.  This held each child's toys. 
๐Ÿƒ
All clothes are kept in a closet instead of dressers to save space.
I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags I feel like I bailed on everyone following 40 Bags progress and tips.  My excuse is the stomach flu ravaging us all here in the last week with me being the last to fall and the slowest to recover.  On top of that the weekend before I tried to roller blade (don't even ask how many steps I made it) and majorly bit it.  Thankfully I think I just sprained my arm. So I've been using one arm for nursing sick children back to health, and doing whatever cleaning and cooking and straightening I can do.  Alas, last week was a wash.  We have two weeks to go.  I'd like to continue and end on a high note.  How about you?  Even a little de-cluttering counts! Spring is in the air and I can't wait to throw open my windows and let fresh clean air circulate through my fresh clean orderly home. โ˜€๏ธ๐ŸŒท๐ŸŒฑ
Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to th Especially where kids are concerned- we tend to think that the more things they have the happier and more occupied and loved they will feel.  Nothing can replace human interaction and I've found that too many toys has the reverse affect.  They cause overwhelm-just like us - we'd rather sit in an orderly space than one filled with too many things to do and too much stuff.
โ˜€๏ธ
When it comes to kids closets here are some tips-
1. Hand me downs don't all have to be received.  Or received at all.  Be choosy and keep just what they will use and need.
2. When children are presented with too many choices, tension and acrimony can exist.  Being able to open a closet with a reasonable amount of outfits can create more peace.
3. Cultivating independence in care of clothes is easier when there is less and the space is simplified and organized. 
โ˜€๏ธ
More tips coming on the blog this week.  I am moving my blog platform so I can't make any promises - it's under construction and that's exciting!
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