Greg Gaines
My dad and his boys
Here are the words of a fool.
When I grow up, I won’t tell my children, NO! I’m gonna let them do whatever they want!
~Greg Gaines (The Child-Genius)
I’m chuckling while remembering that conversation with my friends, who were all in agreement. We were all sounding off about our parents being too strict. Looking back, we were all crazy!
Tommy Gaines
This is my dad. I remember him carrying me into church one Sunday after I cut my foot running around outside without shoes. I wish I had that picture, but I don’t. I looked up to him, but honestly, I didn’t understand him.
I thought he was doing too much and making a big deal out of this parenting thing. After all, it can’t be that hard! Especially if you’re blessed to have children who always follow the rules.
Those are obviously silly words. Once I became the man in the arena, I sang a different song. He wasn’t perfect, but who is? I’m not Jesus either.
My father along with my mother raised 8 children in a 3 bedroom shotgun house on 19th street in Fort Pierce, Florida. Eight! They did this with little to no money!
I Understand Now
- My father took any job to support his family. We never missed a meal – and we can EAT!
- He was navigating life with another person (Mom), which isn’t easy. Raising a family and showing up daily to fight the demons and dragons to make a living.
- Of the 8 children, NONE are in trouble. We’re all independent and self-sufficient.
Did I say 8? I have three grown sons, and they wore me out!
Me and my boys
What I thought was easy was actually remarkable.
He wasn’t rich, and I’m sure he had dreams. He didn’t have all the answers; what he had was a family, which was enough. The only people that he and my mom may have loved more were the grandchildren. They aren’t all present in this picture, but the love is there.
Life wasn’t perfect, but who has a perfect life? Only on Facebook, Instagram, and the movies do we find fairytales.
My father is in the twilight of his life. This picture from a few years ago is the only one I have of just us. I don’t have one of me and my mother. He may not recognize me now, but I can’t forget him.
Honor your father and your mother, so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God giveth you.
~Exodus 20:12
Happy Father’s Day dad. You did well!