In the last weeks, we have celebrated my father's birthday and, of course, Father's Day. June is my dad's month. This June has been a special one as he excitedly prepares for a mission trip to Honduras. He has had to work for this trip. Something funky occurred with his application for a passport. How could that be for a man who grew up in Pageland, has lived only in the Carolinas, attended Clemson and UNC, served his country, not to mention a man of medicine who has been in the USA all his life? Oh well, I guess things happen. A tip of the hat to Congressman Mick Mulvaney who lent a hand to help correct the problem.
My father had no luggage. He has for the most part been unable to think of travelling over the last ten years as he gave everything to the care and needs of my ailing mother. Size 4 Banker Sister proposed that we three daughters take care of the luggage issue for Daddy's birthday. So, we did. (Note to readers: we don't often say no to Size 4 Banker. In all fairness, that is because she usually has pretty good ideas.)
By the way, Daddy, surely you are filling one of those new travel bags with Tiger Rags and orange pom poms. I want to see your Honduran friends doing 1-2-3-4-C-L-E-M-S-O-N! No doubt, you and Pastor Joel will find a way to spread the gospel according to Dabo. I'm just saying.....
Next problem....oops, Drew tells me there are no problems, just opportunities..... Daddy had no camera. Now, you might surmise that predicament is easy enough to fix. Harder to address was the issue that he had absolutely no idea what to do with one. My precious, patient, undoubtedly one day to be a teacher niece provided a "photography for camera challenged photographers" Father's Day tutorial, complete with her trademark encouraging and supportive demeanor...."You turn it on here, Pop....Good, Pop....You did it, Pop," etc. She at least got him started. He actually took two pictures! But being the intuitively astute person that I am, I quickly took note of his look of total bewilderment...you see, in real estate, I see that look often. As by far the ....ummm most helpful sister, I brightly told Daddy that if all else failed, he should just hand the camera to a Honduran and let him or her take the pictures. Again, being the astute daughter that I am, I am quite sure Daddy failed to appreciate that remark. He is, after all, not only a physician, but a credentialled civil engineer, and most importantly, a diplomaed Son of Clemson. This is a learned man, a holder of multiple advanced degrees from.....my Gamecock friends will appreciate this.....the most respected halls of higher learning. But, I digress. Suffice it to say Daddy was not particularly pleased that I questioned his ability to manage a point and shoot. I do hope that he was not so offended by my remark that he will not provide me with some blog worthy photo journalism. And Daddy, don't worry. We will learn the art of downloading (or is it uploading...why can I never remember) when you return.
At last, all hurdles overcome, we believe Daddy is set to go to Honduras. As a physician, my dad will bring a special set of skills to patients often and sadly lacking for medical attention. More importantly, my amazing father will bring them the power of his testimony in action. You see, before he was a doctor or a husband or a father, or a Clemson or UNC grad, he was a man of God. My father lives his faith. Beloved in and by the town he calls home, my often introspective dad casts a giant and imposing shadow without trying to do so. Size 4 Banker Sister says he is a rock star. That may be so, but he certainly doesn't want to be. He doesn't need or want or enjoy hoopla. Likewise, he doesn't trumpet his faith; it just is who he is .
The Hondurans whom my daddy meets and who are lucky enough to meet my dad will not soon forget his healing hand, his kind spirit, his warmth and compassion, or his faith. His medicines and bandages and knowledge will bring them relief. His smile and his Christianity will win their hearts.
The people of Honduras are soon to know what Pagelanders and residents of surrounding counties have known for decades and what his three daughters know beyond doubt. This man is special. We are truly blessed to call him our father. We are so humbled by the man that he is. He set an impossible standard for the men who would marry his daughters, simply in being exactly who he is.
I wish you health and peace and success on your trip, Daddy. I love that you are sharing your most special gifts with a country in such need. I can already hear you saying upon your return, "I was the one who was blessed by this trip." And, my sisters and I will know, without even having been there, that is only a part of the truth.
No comments:
Post a Comment