My Dad was big on responsibility . . .
Like lots of dads.
And he tried to teach it to his kids . . .
Like lots of dads.
With more or less success . . .
Like lots of . . . you get the picture.
From my earliest memories, my Dad has been a finisher. Any task he was given or that he assigned himself was always completed with exactness.
It was a good example for us to follow.
Most of the time.
At one point, when I was little, Dad had been assigned to teach a class in our church congregation.
He took it very seriously.
Not only did it give him the opportunity to share his thoughts and beliefs with a group of young people, but it also provided a captive audience.
Something else he loved.
Moving on . . .
Every Sunday, one could find my Dad.
Perched on a too-small folding chair, expounding to his group of enthusiastic excited resigned youngsters.
He was always well-prepared and ready. Eager to share what he had learned.
But my Dad was also the county's only veterinarian.
At certain times of the year, he was the epitome (great word, right?) of busy.
Still, he would show up for his class on Sunday morning, ready to instruct . . .
It was spring.
Calving season.
Dad hadn't seen his bed for days.
Mom drove to church because he didn't trust his blurred vision and slow reflexes.
But he could still teach!
He collected his manual and scriptures and took his seat, facing his little congregation.
He began.
A few minutes later, he jumped.
And . . . woke himself up.
Not a good sign.
He peeked at his audience.
For the first time, ever, they were looking at him.
All of them.
And paying attention.
In fact, one could probably say they were riveted.
Dad felt his face grow hot.
He glanced down at his lesson.
What on earth had he been saying? He had no idea.
Dad taught us two things that day.
- Neither wind, snow, sleet, or lack of sleep should keep anyone from carrying through with their responsibilities.
- Lessons are much more interesting when the teacher is asleep.
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| Don't you dare fall asleep in my class! That's my job . . . |
LOL My mom used to snore during church. I'd lean over and whisper for her to wake up. She'd be so annoyed and tell me to be quiet as she was listening.
ReplyDeleteBwahahaha! I love your mom!
DeleteI used to wish one of my teachers would fall asleep. I hated her with a fiery passion.
ReplyDeleteinteresting that none of the kids tried to wake your dad though. Watching him sleep must have been fun.
Amazing how quiet kids can be if they think they are getting away with something!
DeleteSometimes you have to tuck your sense of responsibility up in a warm blanket and let it have a nap lol.
ReplyDeleteMmmm . . . zzzzzzz . . .
DeleteI imagine the kids enjoyed it! Poor guy!
ReplyDeleteI expect they remember it still . . .
DeleteI love your stories about your dad. He needed a nap, that's all!
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteWhen you gotta go, you gotta go. To sleep, that is :)
ReplyDeleteTruth in every word, Jenny! :)
Deletewhen I met your mom and dad, they were past the "teaching teenagers" stage I think, but they did lots of other things in our little branch in Innisfail...we loved and appreciated them!
ReplyDeleteAnd they loved you dearly! Innisfail Branch is such a fond spot in their memories!
DeleteLOL, what a great story, Diane! Thanks for sharing it.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Karen! I love telling stories about my dad! :)
DeleteThe stories about your dad always make me smile! Poor guy...
ReplyDeleteI tell him he had a lot of sweet women keeping a close eye on him. And his doings . . .
DeleteLike River mentioned a few spaces up, I had some teachers I wished would fall asleep and never wake up. The closest I ever came to that was my 3rd Grade teacher who retired the year after our famous 'showdown.'
ReplyDeleteI think she simply never recovered, you bad boy, you. She subbed a bit in Home Economics. But she was never the same . . . It was a good thing . . .
DeleteYour dad probably taught better while he was asleep than some teachers do when wide awake!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree! :)
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