When I was in college, I got a letter from my dad. It wasn’t
about anything in particular, but my dad was a warm, funny, clever man, so I
laughed aloud as I read it. My roommate asked what was funny, so I showed her the letter.
She laughed so loudly that it drew people from the hall, so she began reading aloud.
One of my friends didn’t laugh. In fact, she seemed oddly
close to tears. When my roommate was done reading, the other girl went back to
her room and came back with a letter from her
dad—a wealthy, well-respected attorney.
She threw the letter on my bed. “Here’s what my dad writes to me.”
It had been dictated to his secretary and sounded like a
business letter. It was all about money matters.
I looked down at my letter, which was signed, simply, with
my father’s nickname: Paw. That was when I first started realizing how very
lucky—and how wealthy—I really was.
Happy Father’s Day!
Byrd Baylor wrote a children's book called "The Table Where Rich People Sit." The table it's about is not an expensive, glossy piece of furniture. It's a homemade, rough-hewn wooden table. However, the family that sits at the table discuss their "riches" and how wealthy they are.
ReplyDeleteThis post should be made into a creative nonfiction piece. It's THAT powerful.
It's obvious you had a wonderful family, Tammy, considering the person you are today. Think about celebrating Father's Day by writing a memoir story about your dad.
Thanks so much, Sioux! I'll have to look for that book. It sounds wonderful.
DeleteYour dad must've been a wonderful man. It's true that true wealth can't be measured in dollars and cents.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Donna! And thank you for stopping by!
DeleteWonderfully inspiring true story which proves money does not buy happiness.
ReplyDeleteI think it's great that your dad wrote you a letter! My dad never wrote. But he showed me how to change a tire, change the oil, and change the air filter in my car before I left for college. Dads have different ways of showing their love.
ReplyDeleteHow true. In fact, in the past year I've seen several Facebook tributes written in honor of other dad - the attorney. These were posted by the same girl's sister. So apparently he was just a bad letter writer.
DeleteWhat a lovely memory! You are so blessed to have had such a wonderful, caring, involved, Dad! And, You have passed on all of this "wealth" to your kids too! They are so blessed to have you as their unconditional Mom, and lifelong cheerleader! You have sacrificed so much to give them this true gift!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much, Holly! I'm so lucky to have always had great kids and wonderful, supportive friends.
DeleteGreat story, Tammy. It reminded me of an episode of M*A*S*H* where Charles is talking to Hawkeye about the differences in their fathers and he says, "I had a father. You had a dad." Lucky for you, Tammy, you grew up with a dad!
ReplyDeleteI did indeed, Lisa. Thank you! :)
DeleteWhat a treasure. I can only hope you still have that letter. I have one little note that my dad scribbled on a letter that I had left him and well, I'll treasure it always. Love the quote too!
ReplyDeleteYou know, it seems to me I still do have one of his letters. I hate to look right now because I'm liable to spend all day looking, but - rats! - I might end up doing that. Thank you, Lynn!
DeleteOh, this is just beautiful, Tammy. I absolutely love the letter from your dad -- and you must get your warm, funny, and clever talent from him! What a moving tribute.
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