Stories from the Stringam Family Ranches of Southern Alberta

From the 50s and 60s to today . . .



Sunday, November 18, 2018

For Those Who Sleep

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 present 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.
  1. Neither wind, snow, sleet, or lack of sleep should keep anyone from carrying through with their responsibilities.
  2. Lessons are much more interesting when the teacher is asleep.
Don't you dare fall asleep in my class! That's my job . . .

8 comments:

  1. I would have been so embarrassed!One day I was in the garage (that's not really a garage) there was a couch and a lovely breeze and well you probably guessed I fell sound asleep and when I woke I realized the UPS man had come and put the boxes beside me...while I was sleeping.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Bwahahaha! Adaptable UPS man! I can just picture it!
      I would have been tormented by: Was I snoring? Drooling?

      Delete
  2. Big smiles. And awe at your exhausted father's dedication.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Funny how kids always pay attention to the wrong things!

    Lack of sleep didn't bother me when I was younger but I find I really struggle now if I lose sleep. It's like there are cement blocks tied to all my limbs and my head :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Oh, I feel your pain, Jenny! I just can't keep going like I could!

      Delete
  4. I remember falling asleep in class once. Thankfully I WASN'T the teacher.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I did the same, River. And then jerked myself awake moments later. If the teacher didn't know before...

      Delete

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