Saturday, June 20, 2009

Thoughts on 14 Fathers


On this Father's Day weekend, I would like to share with you some thoughts on 14 fathers for whom I am grateful.

First, of course, is my father, Gunnar, shown above on his wedding day in 1932. Dad has now been gone from us for 26 years, yet there never passes a day when I don't think about him and all he meant to me.

Second is a father named David, who raised my daughter when I believed, under the circumstances, I could not . David did a magnificent job and then provided his exceptional daughter the opportunity to find the Queen and me. I am forever thankful for his efforts, his achievements and his willingness to share.

Next are the four fathers I am privileged to call my sons. Christopher, Thomas, Travis and Matthew are shown below in their monkey suits with gorgeous brides. Each of these men are now fathers as well, and excellent ones at that. I am thankful that all of them have done so well in leading and loving their families.





Well, that's six of the fourteen fathers I want to thank. Who could possibly be next?

The next seven are my six grandsons and my grandson-to-be. While not yet fathers, they are fathers-in-waiting. So Christopher, Owen, Jonah, Soren, Samuel, Hugo and (can you hear me?) Baby Boy X - pay attention to your Dads and learn from them how to be the great fathers you are destined to be. I'll be watching...

Finally, at Number 14 but actually at Number 1, I want to thank my Father in Heaven for the many blessings he has bestowed upon both me and my family. Last year at this time, my condition was pretty bad. Now, thanks to the tender mercies of my Heavenly Father and the prayers from all of you, I am happy and much more healthy. There are still challenges ahead, but I have confidence in the future.

So, Happy Father's Day to each and every one of you who have earned the title, "Dad."
Of all my degrees, ranks, awards and decorations, "Dad" will always be my proudest
achievement.

As the current country music song goes,

"Fathers don't just love their children
Every now and then...
It's a love without end,
Amen."




12 comments:

Apis Melliflora said...

Since you can't sing your own praises, I'm here to help. Add YOU, father #15: loving, funny, poetic, intelligent, generous, patriotic and proud (in a good sort of way). I'm overjoyed to celebrate and honor all 14 dads + 1with you tomorrow!

The Queen Vee said...

I agree, you are lucky # 15! A beloved father to four fab kiddos who will sing your praises forever. Happy Fathers Day big guy!

Lovely post, well done!

The Dragonfly said...

Little tear in my eye . . . excuse me while I wipe it away. What a sweet tribute Dad. I'll come over and plant a big smooch on your face tomorrow to honor you!

PS. I took the liberty of removing the soon-to-be Baby Lee's name from the post - not quite ready to "reveal" it to the blogging world yet. Hope you don't mind.

Anonymous said...

This was a great post. Happy Fathers Day Ken and may you have many more.

Unknown said...

Happy Father's Day dear friend

chelsea said...

I'm with Samantha...little teary. Happy Father's Day Ken!!

The Queen Vee said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
The Queen Vee said...

Dad you're such a big softy, I love you man.

Chris via the QV

Pinspot said...

A sweet post that reveals my very favorite side of you; your big, tender heart! X's and O's from afar!

Tobi said...

Uncle Ken this post is so beautiful and touching I was moved to tears. Thank you for such a magnificent tribute to Fathers. Happy Fathers Day Kernal Ken!!

Anonymous said...

Thank you for all you do as a wonderful dad and for your example to the future dads we are raising.

west wind said...

Ken, this was a really nice post to read. I'm still smiling about it. It's a wonderful tribute to fathers past and present.