Gifts from my Dad, Michael W. Stoner:
-Love of learning. You taught me to be
curious, to explore, to find an answer. I remember fondly playing the
dictionary game at the dinner table.
-Family time. Said dinner
table, vacations, Sunday hikes, drives.
-Game playing- you were teaching, entertaining,
passing time and sharing time when we: passed the VT drives with the alphabet
game, the hide in the back seat and guess where we were car...you loved to
drive us through the alleys, the hand slapping game -not really a slap, more a
tap- all about quickness. The guess what I'm drawing and you'd
strategically sketch and item making it a challenge to uncover the answer.
-Appreciation for music- bluegrass in particular
but also classical, classic country....you even made this into a
game..."name the instrument you hear" in the concerto! You gave me my
lullaby- Edelweiss. Yes this is why we danced to this at my wedding.
I can't hear The Country Gentleman and not think of you.
-Great dance partner- you were the first person to
dance with me and I learned to follow. Looking forward to a turn on the
dance floor with you this weekend!
-A good laugh....you love to share the Rotary jokes
and have quite a witty sense of humor. You taught me how to short sheet a
bed!
-Love of the outdoors- picnics and hikes.
Mom- thanks for taking care of Daddy today and packing a great picnic
this Fathers Day- I'm sorry not to be with you. Sure I didn't always love
them. My teenage years in VT were tough...but I got there. Joe and I hiked
Abraham eventually!
-Love of trains.... a spike at the shooting range
today made me think of all the spikes I proudly collected to show you.
When I'm stopped by a train at a Railroad Crossing I smile and think of
you, same goes for a train whistle and love a train ride. The NY trip was
pretty special for Spring Break 2015!
-Appreciation of Quotes- the serious and classic one below, but
even fun ones like Ogden Nash'- a door is what a dog is perpetually on the
wrong side of!
-And as I said in my toast at your 50th Anniversary
to Mom- what I love the most is the quote you love to share and have lived your
life by.... the best gift a father gives his kids...to love their mother!
-You taught me to be confidant and go into the
world alone- coaching me to learn to go to the movies by myself and not be
afraid to introduce myself to strangers. All the places I've been a
thanks to that advice and coaching. And you've always been there to hear
the story, chat about the outcome...
-You took me to the SAT and told me to get good
nights sleep, and took me for a good breakfast. When I had a challenge
with an automotive test at Federal-Mogul you shared the same advice.... but
then called me back ten minutes later with the E Encyclopedia book and we went
through the engine step by step. I received a B on that exam!
Those that know me and my life on Newark-Granville
Road know I love a good adventure and I thank my parents for that gift.
I'm sorry I didn't send a card this year....today
on Fathers Day I know how lucky I am in my life on Newark-Granville Road to
have you as my Dad. I love you.
1 comment:
Interesting! I always love to select the best and unique fathers day presents. On this auspicious occasion, I spend a lot of time with my father.
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