Wisdom of Our Fathers

It is an awesome thing to be a father and something I don’t take for granted. My daughter turns 16 tomorrow and I find myself wondering where the years have gone. I can still remember as if it was yesterday, that sweet little baby that I held in my arms for the first time. I can’t even put into words the joy I felt the first time I she called me Dad. Looking into her perfect blue eyes that morning I knew that life would never be the same. I had witnessed a miracle from God.

Whether admitting it or not I understood that a part of her would always count on me. It has been frustrating at times for both of us there is a connection and bond known as father and daughter. The various adolescent and normal teenage attitudes of the female gender have been tough for this dear ole Dad. But, I enjoy knowing that the link and union is sealed and built upon a deep and abiding love. More than anything, I have always wanted her to know that she is loved. I learned a long time ago that love is not just something you say but also something you do. Maybe that’s how a parent endures the tough times. Though all too often it can go unsaid when it really is so easy to express.

I grew up without ever hearing that from my father. I was determined that my daughter wasn’t going to wonder. My dad passed away several years ago never uttered those words. It has only been in my later years that I realized he loved me. He just didn’t come from a generation that voiced those types of words, though I wished he had.

Apparently, he was not alone in that type of behavior though. I recently listen on CD to Tim Russert’s book Wisdom of our Fathers. Listening to things on mp3 or CD is one of the ways I occupy my time on my long commutes to and from work. But, anyway, I found that in Tim’s book many fathers expressed their love in different ways. Often times it was until later in life or after their father’s death did the children realize how much their dads cared. The book or CD is interesting reading and material that presents multiple viewpoints about the relationships, love and wisdom shared between children and their fathers. I recommend this book to everyone and especially fathers who are continually wondering if their children will ever appreciate the sacrifices that they have made and continue to make.

I Just Cannot Believe It!

Is there no end to how low things can go? Only a few days ago, I heard that Obama would be delivering three different Commencement speeches in May. Apparently, he has been invited to give one at Arizona State, one at Notre Dame and finally at the U.S. Naval Academy.

Now I do not personally have any interest in hearing him speak about anything ever. Therefore, ordinarily I would let this pass and simply say “Whatever”. In fact, if the civilian universities want him to deliver their commencement speeches so be it. They are welcome to listen to whatever useless dribble or topics he can conjuncture up for them. They are private entities and have the freedom to make those decisions.

But, where I have a problem is his speaking at an institution that has a long history of producing many of the military leaders in America, past and in the future. The people who are graduating have worked hard to achieve their commissioning status and degrees. They will go on over the next few years to serve their country in a variety of capacities. Additionally, they may be called upon to surrender their lives for the cause of freedom. They have earned their day in the light and status.

So, here is my problem. What could Obama possibly speak about that would be of benefit to these young people. He has never served in the military or even been a part of it in any role. There is no way he could understand what their training has meant. He lacks comprehension and experience about the importance of banding together to protect the lives of citizens, those you lead and those who must follow. In all honestly, coming from a military background, I could provide more insight. Yet, even I being a former military member do not feel qualified.

When a speaker attends this function, they need to impart knowledge, wisdom and encouragement for these young people. They, the graduates are about to embark upon a career that requires their all. The graduates’ characters over the last four years has been molded into a leadership role that can be depended upon no matter the situation. Each member endured a tough and regimented amount of training that was forged with discipline, honor, spirit and truth. Something Obama knows nothing about. The so-called Commander-in-chief is not qualified to deliver that speech.

I have heard that the commandant from the U.S. Naval Academy is please that Obama will be delivering the commencement speech. I have my doubts that those are truly his honest feelings. If he does believe what was said he must be a huge supporter of Obama. Nevertheless, I do not think it even matters what the commandant thinks. It is more important what the men and women who are graduating think. I doubt that any of us will ever hear their view about the speaker though. They probably have been given specific instructions not to comment or provide their viewpoint. Even if they were given the opportunity to speak freely, the media would quickly spin their comments in Obama’s favor because that is how one sided it is in today’s society.

Being a former United States military member it sickens me to know Obama will speak at that institution or any other military school in the future. He should not be there!

Oh Christmas Tree

Well we all know that the Christmas rush is on. Merchants everywhere have been putting up displays since before Halloween. I like many others that I have spoken with deem that the start occurs earlier every year.

When I was a boy, you did not even start thinking about Christmas until after Thanksgiving. It is my opinion that society has totally lost touch with not only the true meaning behind Christmas. But, also the excitement and surprises that made the joyous occasion even more special.

However, the other day I heard of a touching story about the Christmas tree that has been selected to be on display in the Rockefeller Center for 2008. It goes to show how one woman’s faith can keep a dream alive and eventually become a reality.

Story courtesy of: www.Gothamist.com

The Star-Ledger reports that it was first Mary and Joseph Varanyak's Christmas tree in 1931; the couple then planted the live tree (it was in a pot) outside their home. Their son Bob Varanyak said his mother, who passed away a few years ago, had dreamed of this honor, "She always said this tree will be in Rockefeller Center. If it was going to be cut down, it was going to be because it was going to Rockefeller Center." His twin brother Bill added, "She would go out and put manure around it. She said it would one day be in New York, and later on when she got older, I took care of it. We were always worried, as it grew taller and taller, it would get knocked down in a storm or something."



So, even though Christmas decorations, displays and shoppers start way, way too early each and every year it's nice to know that faith is not dead.