Our father was a self-made man. He worked hard to provide for his family with physical labor in lack of an education. His hands were strong enough to build a building, yet gentle enough to doctor a wound, feel for a fever, and press on a little child's tummy and say, "Does it hurt here?"

His face showed a strong determination to succeed in life, to overcome poverty, and to instill in his children the same confidence he possessed, that anyone could be whatever they wanted if they were willing to work and sacrifice for it. Yet, he was always ready to lend a hand and sometimes pick us up even before we fell.

His eyes could flare in anger over a wrong being done, yet soften with hurt and love for others in pain, and tears could be shed for those he loved. Although a man of few words and deep in thought, he was always available to offer advice, express concern, give words of comfort, and laugh with his grandchildren.

His heart was unseen but the most prominent as his love for others radiated from deep within. Many of his waking hours were filled with worry, not for himself, but for those he loved - his wife, children, family and friends.

Throughout his life he was loved by many. Whether called Al, Dad, Brother, Uncle, Grandpa or Friend, he was always there when needed to offer encouragement, support and love. We have always been proud to call him our Father. and we miss him so, bit God said . . .

"My child, I need you here
In the presence of My love
The suffering's gone, peace has begun
Up here in heaven above."

And although we miss him so
We know that God knew best
His love still lives among us all
And with God he's now at rest.

~ StinaLisa ~
©Copyright 1983

In memory of our father
Jim, Deanna, Marilyn and Dan

"Family and Friend Index"

If you have the time, stop by my home on the web,
have a cup of coffee, and see a list of my other web pages.
Please sign my Guestbook so I know
you've stopped by. Thanks!
~ StinaLisa ~

"Daddy's Hands"
Recorded 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 callous' 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 that I'd 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 crying
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in daddy's hands.

I remember daddy's hands working till 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.

Daddy's hands were soft and kind when I was crying
Daddy's hands were hard as steel when I'd done wrong
Daddy's hands weren't always gentle but I've come to understand
There was always love in daddy's hands.

The music playing is a condensed version of "Daddy's Hands", and is for entertainment, educational and evaluation purposes only. Titles have full copyright by their respective artists and record companies. Please show your support for the artists who gave us this great music by purchasing their CDs.

If you are interested in purchasing a full version of "Daddy's Hands" by Holly Dunn, I have provided a link below to Amazon.com. They sell both new and used CDs. I have purchased many used CDs for my web pages and have never had a problem.  Amazon also sells MP3 downloads in several categories with single songs ranging from 89 to 99 cents.

Thank you.

May 1999