June 16, 2006
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FATHER’S DAY – THE POLAROID VERSION
If there ever was an obligatory holiday, designed to fill the coffers of the greeting card, cheap cologne, and ugly neck tie industry, it’s Father’s Day. The day begs us to remember the sterling (or not so sterling) examples our fathers set, and their sage advice, such as the gem my father shared with me regarding domestic life; “remember son, don’t shit where you eat.” I only wish I could say that I’ve always heeded that little pearl of wisdom.
My father has been gone for many years and my wonderful son lives nine hours away, so I won’t get to spend Father’s Day with either. But I will get to spend the day with some special memories of both.
The memories I’m talking about are those that are like snapshots of a particular moment in time; snapshots that are clearer in our minds than the high resolution photos of a digital camera. Here are a few of the snapshots I carry with me:
My father always had a cigar in his mouth. I remember that cigar falling out of his mouth onto his shirt the day I told him I was going into the ministry.
I remember the look of abject terror on my father’s face when I almost drove off a bridge when he was teaching me to drive.
I will never forget the one and only time I ever saw my father cry; the day my mother died.
I carry many, many more snapshots in my head of my son Jordan, but here are some of my favorites:
I had the midnight to six a.m. feeding shift when he was an infant. I remember this particular look he often gave me that said; “sleep? like hell, I’m letting you go back to sleep.”
I remember the look of total wonder on his face when he was five years old and we had a neighbor dress up in a Santa Claus outfit and wake him up on Christmas Eve. He was speechless, and trust me, he was never speechless.
I remember the first time I ever saw him kiss his girlfriend (now his wife) when he thought I wasn’t looking.
I remember going to his college graduation from Baylor, looking down on the printed program and seeing the following words (that he hadn’t told me were going to be there) “Outstanding Graduating Senior in the University – Jordan Paul LaBouff.” I still get cold chills every time I think about it.
These photos don’t have to be pasted in an album and they don’t yellow over time. The colors only seem to become more vivid with each passing year. I won’t get to see my father or my son on Father’s Day, but I’ll pull those photos out again, and I’ll be a happy man.
With
Who knows what kind of experience it will be, but regardless, I’d better get the mental camera dusted off and ready to use again.
Comments (26)
I LOVE this post!
Happy Father’s Day to you!!!
How awesome that you & your wife are foster parenting!!
I can’t wait to read about this in your future posts.
I only wish I could spend the day with you, but thanks to the nature of our relationship, every day is both Father and Son appreciation day when we do get to get together.
I should have sent more of what I sent, now that I see Jamie is coming.
I hope she likes baked chicken and exercise. I know many teens do.
You’ll do WONDERFULLY all over again, Dad.
Congratulations on becoming foster parents! I inquired about becoming one but you have to commit to one year here, and I can’t do that.
This is a great post. Congrats on becoming foster parents. It takes special people.
You’re a glutton for p… I mean, Good for you!
What a beautiful tribute to both your dad and your son. I got all choked up but managed to hang on to my composure until I read your son’s comment: “You’ll do WONDERFULLY all over again, Dad.”.
Have a great Father’s Day!
Awww, that was the sweetest post ever and then it even had a happy ending…it was almost like a chick flick.
OHHHH…congratulations Mark! On the new foster kid AND on Jordan’s comment.
Yes, that was beautiful. Happy Fathers Day.
That is WONDERFUL!!! I was wondering if you had proceeded with fostering or not. There is no doubt in my mind that this girl will be in a loving home. Hope your Fathers Day is great! Hugs!
You keep this up and you may wanna look into having Hallmark sponsor your blog.
*sniff sniff*
Happy Father’s Day, Mark. And congratulations on being accepted into the fostering program. Jamie has just been blessed in ways she doesn’t yet know.
How old is this foster child? I applaud your wife and you for making this decision. If you didn’t read my June 13th post, perhaps you should for some good advice from a grandfather:)
That is so cool that you and your wife are willing to be foster parents!!! Wow. I can’t give a round of applause via comment box, but that’s awesome.
How old is the new munchkin?
I hope the foster kids thrive as much as your son does. Happy Father’s Day.
This was an amazing Fathers day post, I loved it. I think that is amazing about the foster child. I would get worried that I would get too attached , but that’s selfish of me. You are giving a child a nice home, even if it’s temporary, I admire you for that. Can’t wait to hear how it’s going. Happy Fathers Day to you!!!!
Happy Father’s Day!! You and your wife will no doubt be wonderful foster parents to Jaime, as you’ve already been a great father to your son!
You’ll have to tell us all about the new little one. You have a lovely way of writing from the heart!
I loved our post. Sorry I haven’t posted as of late. Life…. it has that amazing way of passing us by in a the blink of any eye. My only thoughts might be to either print off this xanga post or keep these memories in a journal. Unfortunately, I have found we never know what life will bring to us and I would hate to see these memories die. They are too precious. Have a great day.
Congratulations on the new addition to your family. I doubt she could have been taken in by a more qualified couple.
Man…those shots are invaluable, aren’t they? I’m so glad you have those memories. Happy Father’s Day. I can’t wait to hear about Jamie.
Congratulations to you and your wife! How old is Jamie? I’m so excited for you and happy for Jamie that your family has been brought into her life. I’ll bet you were just blown away when you saw your son’s name in that program! I’m assuming he knew about it ahead of time and wanted it to be a surprise? Just wonderful!
RYC: Albert Finney? I guess in that picture, he kind of looks like him. His hair was usually shorter, but that was 1981 – era of big hair. I used to be told that he reminded people of John Forsythe on Dynasty. Anyway, in my family, we have Albert Finney, Anthony Perkins, and me, Cousin Itt! LOL
Kathi
Lots and lots of prayers as you tread on this path of foster parenting. It’s very tough and sometimes can be the hardest thing you’ll ever do, but it can also be one of the more rewarding.
We fostered for about 5 years before hearing the Lord yelling at us that it was time to stop. Yeah, it took him driving a sledgehammer through our consciousness to hear him…..lol
How wonderful for you! I always wanted to be a foster parent, but first the ex said no and now as a single parent in an apartment with low income…they say no. Wah! So I love all the kids I come into contact with. I like your mental snapshots. Haven’t had a camera arund much in the last ten years so most of mine are of that variety also. They’re treasures, aren’t they?
Oh Mark, how exiting…and lucky girl to have you both as foster parents….how the Lord works, HUH?
And I have to say again, that you have an exceptionaly wonderful son…how cool that he kept such a wonderful secret from you during his graduation….my son Doug did the same….I did not know that he had been selected out of the graduating class of 700 from Redlands University to speak at graduation…I fully understand the chills you experienced, but I can’t remember a lot about his speech, cause I was crying through most of it, thank goodness it was published in the local paper afterwards so I got to READ it two days later!…lol