A Tribute to My Dad
Today would have been my father's 73rd birthday. But nine months ago yesterday, a massive heart attack took him away much too suddenly and very unexpectedly. None of
us were prepared then or now for the loss or
void that followed so swiftly, so deeply and so heart
wrenchingly. There's an ache that never quite disappears but the memories become so vivid and so powerful so immediately.
Thankfully, I’d had
a long, casual conversation with my father just days before he
departed. And today, that gives me much comfort,
though it doesn’t take away any of the pain. We spoke of many things, neither
of us aware then that this would be our last conversation or that those would
be our final words. One moment, though, we were saying our sweet goodbyes and
then just 3 days later, I’d see him no more.
For my mother, it was even more startling. She and my father
had run errands, were out and
about town, and all seemed well. He’d made a
purchase and they’d enjoyed lunch. They were seen by many friends and acquaintances who expressed their own shock at having seen him just
hours before – looking good and feeling fine. I heard those words
over and over as many stopped by to share their own memories. And, their words gave us many cherished thoughts to cling to in the days and years
ahead.
The lesson learned for me, the moment I got that dreaded
call, was how quickly things can change.
In tribute to my Dad,
I wanted to take a moment to share the things I’ll remember most, miss the most
and the life-long lessons that he instilled.
They weren’t necessarily expressed as such before, though I
hope he knew how much he was cherished, how much of a difference he made and
how special he was.
What I’ll Remember
Most
· My father was a farmer in Virginia. He loved the
great outdoors, the freedom of his independent profession and was the hardest
working man I know
· He knew no strangers and was known for his distinctive wave and a ready smile
· He was passionate about many things and wasn’t
afraid to share his views
· He made many midnight runs to pick me up as a
teen, where we’d often find him asleep as he waited for our return
· How giving he was to so many and how quietly. If
you weren’t the recipient, you never would have known
· That occasional look that preceded the
occasional temper
· The ever present hat, white pocket Ts, plaid
flannel shirts, jeans, boots and overalls
What I’ll Miss the
Most
·
Puppy dog eyes and a smile that lit up the room
·
The biggest, strongest hands I know
·
The scent of the earth - dusty roads and fields,
gas and oil, tobacco and dirt
·
A quiet unassuming nature but a boisterous laugh
·
Meandering drives where he was unrushed, looking
left and right, taking in all around him
·
Long lingering conversations that sometimes got
him sidetracked J
The Life-long Lessons
that he Instilled
·
Love what you do and do what you love
·
Pursue your passion - hence the name of my blog
·
Live with honor and integrity
·
Actions speak louder than words
·
It’s the little things that matter most
In life, my Dad taught me first and foremost a love of honesty and
respect, of morals and values evidenced by how we live more than by what we
say. As a writer,
I’ve learned from Dad the power and impact of words – both spoken and unspoken - and that we communicate in all that we do. He also taught me that the influence others
have on us and us on them can be profound - even when we don't know it at the time.
I’m honored to be my Daddy’s girl and I treasure everything he gave,
provided and instilled.
PR/Professional News
PR/Professional News
So, how many of you celebrated
Small Business Saturday? For shoppers, where did you go and what did you see?
And for shop owners, what did you offer and what did you do?
As we read reports from around
the country, we were impressed with some of the innovative approaches that
local businesses took. And for those reporting lackluster
results, we noticed there also were a few critical mistakes – in lack of
planning, lack of execution and lack of promotion. So, our takeaways for a
successful event next year:
PR/Professional News
PR/Professional News
PR/Professional News
Last year, 166 people lost their lives to domestic violence.
Just in Pennsylvania. That’s approximately one every other day.
Another 33 individuals were stabbed, 4 were strangled, and 3
were beaten. Three were bludgeoned with a baseball bat, 1 was strangled and
their throat slashed, 1 was stabbed and their throat slashed, 1 suffered blunt
head trauma, 1 died of carbon monoxide poisoning, 1 was strangled then suffered
blunt head force trauma and cardio arrest, 1 was run over by a car and 1 was
shot with an arrow from a crossbow.
PR/Professional News
YORK, PA. -- Maybe you can
have your cake – and eat it, too. For local rockers Kingsfoil, what could be sweeter
than a new album launch party on the heels of a VH1 interview? Well, how about
an incredible custom cake to commemorate the occasion? 
Topped with lifelike
figurines of the four rockers - as well as their instruments, their set and
stage lights lit, yes lit, around the perimeter of the concert stage. Each
piece is modeled after photos that show the musicians in their everyday and
promo attire and/or performing. Jordan wears a denim shirt from one of the
band’s promo photos and Frankie is sporting red tennis shoes; the drum cymbals
spotlight a dusty bronze cast and no stage would be complete without multiple
microphones bent at varying angles.
True Value Plus
will celebrate its 50th anniversary with a customer appreciation
event on Saturday, Oct. 6, at its stores at 836 E. Forrest Avenue, Shrewsbury
and 231 N. Main Street, Loganville. Festivities will include a bounce house for
the kids, free hot dogs and Carman’s ice cream from 10 a.m.-2 p.m., as well as
a cake cutting at noon and door prizes throughout the day at both locations.
Customers also will enjoy many items 50% off in honor of True Values 50 years
of business - and 5% of all sales will be donated to the Shrewsbury and
Loganville Volunteer Fire Departments, which will have fire engines on site and
on display. 
Tell
us more about your business.
What
are some interesting trends in the field?
Saturday’s
Schedule of Events
