He's almost 85, lives alone, works his small garden and buys every visitor a meal.
When I thought of him today two songs came to my mind.
Daddy's Hands by Holly Dunn
I remember Daddy's hands folded silently in prayer and reaching out to hold me when I had a nightmare. You could read quite a story in the callouses and lines years of work and worry had left their mark behind. I remember Daddy's hands how they held my mama tight and patted my back for something done right. There are things I've forgotten that I loved about the man but I'll always remember the love in Daddy's hands. Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was cryin'. Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong. Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I'd come to understand there was always love in Daddy's hands. I remember Daddy's hands working til they bled sacrificed unselfishly just to keep us all fed. If I could do things over I'd live my life again and never take for granted the love in Daddy's hands.
and
That Silver-Haired Daddy of Mine by Jim Reeves
In a vine-covered shack in the mountains
Bravely fighting the battle of Time
There's a dear one who's weathered life's sorrow
It's that silver haired Daddy of mine
If I could recall all the heartaches
Dear old Daddy, I've caused you to bear
If I could erase those lines from your face
And bring back the gold to your hair
If God would but grant me the power
Just to turn back the pages of Time
I'd give all I own if I could but atone
To that silver haired Daddy of mine.
I know it's too late, dear old Daddy
To repay for the heartaches and care
But dear Mother is waiting in Heaven
Just to comfort and solace you there
If I could recall all the heartaches
Dear old Daddy, I've caused you to bear
If I could erase those lines from your face
And bring back the gold to your hair
If God would but grant me the power
Just to turn back the pages of Time
I'd give all I own if I could but atone
To that silver haired Daddy of mine
Bravely fighting the battle of Time
There's a dear one who's weathered life's sorrow
It's that silver haired Daddy of mine
If I could recall all the heartaches
Dear old Daddy, I've caused you to bear
If I could erase those lines from your face
And bring back the gold to your hair
If God would but grant me the power
Just to turn back the pages of Time
I'd give all I own if I could but atone
To that silver haired Daddy of mine.
I know it's too late, dear old Daddy
To repay for the heartaches and care
But dear Mother is waiting in Heaven
Just to comfort and solace you there
If I could recall all the heartaches
Dear old Daddy, I've caused you to bear
If I could erase those lines from your face
And bring back the gold to your hair
If God would but grant me the power
Just to turn back the pages of Time
I'd give all I own if I could but atone
To that silver haired Daddy of mine
Happy Father's Day!!!
Have a blessed day!!!
