Dad loved Scrabble. We spent many winter evenings playing at home when I was growing up. He even played online up until last year.
We are burying my dad today. He has gone to be with Jesus–I’m sure of it. There’s a hole in my heart for many reasons. The following story is just one example of why it will take a long time to heal.
Taken in the summer of 2010 at age 91
I was 14 years old and helping Dad on our Indiana farm during harvest season.
When we finished one field, it was time to move all the equipment to another. Evidently we were short of help because Dad looked at me and said, “I need you to drive the old green truck to the field behind Hanna’s.”
When I protested, he calmly said, “Do it. I know you can.”
Now I had been driving in the fields for a long time. I started driving a small tractor when I was about 7 or 8 pulling a wagon that carried rocks we picked up in the field. I remember standing on the pedals to depress them.
But this was a BIG truck with a stick shift on the floor. Not a little short stick. It was long–close to a yard long the way I remember it, with arthritis of the gearshift befitting the age of the truck.
Scared to death, I climbed in to the driver’s seat and drove down the road I’m not sure how. When it came time to turn down a narrow lane to the field, I didn’t quite make the turn. A telephone pole took the brunt of my misjudgment and snapped. I kept driving while wondering what would happen about that pole. Would the police come and arrest me or my dad? Would I be fined my entire life savings of 10$? Would they throw me in jail forever?
Later that evening, I overheard my dad reporting on the phone, “The utility pole is broken out here on County Road 500. We need somebody to come fix it.” That’s all he said. They came the next day and replaced it. End of story. Except for this observation….
My dad pushed me to do things outside of my comfort zone. When they didn’t always work out, his standard line was, “How else you gonna learn?” I loved him for that.
Hale Herd 1918-2011
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{ 45 comments… read them below or add one }
Oh, Paula. I am so sorry. My thoughts are with you. He sounds like an extraordinary man. ((you))
I am so sorry for the loss of your Dad. I know exactly how you feel as I lost mine a few years ago. No matter how old we get the feeling of Dad in your heart is always warm comforting. My Dad is watching over me, as your Dad is for you.
This is wonderful! He obviously had a great influence on you!
What an incredible man……I am honored to be part of this family.
such a sweet memory. i’m so sorry for your loss.
Thoughts and prayers on what I know will be one of many tough days for you and your family, Paula.
Jessica of My Baking Heart recently posted..French Fridays with Dorie – Chicken B’stilla
The final act of growing up is burying your parents. It doesn’t matter how old you are when it happens, growing up is not easy. My thought and prayers are with you and your family as you grieve for your beloved father.
Mimi
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Praying for you and your family today, Paula. Such a sweet story & special memory.
My thoughts are with you… it is always hard to bury a loved one. May you feel peace during this time.
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What a lovely memory…..and now you have a new and wonderful angel sitting upon your shoulder. Praying for you and thinking of you today….Paula…….
I am so sorry for your loss, Paula.
It is comforting to know he is now in Heaven!
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry for your loss, Paula. What a sweet memory you’ve shared. Praying for comfort for you and your family.
Paula, what a beautiful post. I am so sorry for your loss. Thoughts and prayers are with you. Hugs. xo
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I am sorry, Paula. I feel so sad inside and I have never met you or your dad. I guess it is the sweet photos you have shared and the love and devotion you have mentioned he had toward his family. Maybe it is that sweet face of his ~ so full of kindness. Thoughts and prayers for you, your mom and family.
ldh recently posted..Thundersnow and Winter Robins
So sorry for your loss, wonderful to have had such a great Dad though you are blessed. May your heart heal quickly.
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You and the rest of the family have been in our prayers all day! What a great Farmer’s Daughter Story. You were blessed with a wonderful father….
Hugs and thoughts and prayers for you all…how nice it is to get to be a part of honoring this wonderful man, your father. I have to say, my experiences in driving mirrored yours (minus the pole, but my mom took out the side of a barn when she was learning…lol) and I heard that so often growing up, too: How else do you suppose you learn, just do it! Thanks for sharing.
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Sending a prayer for healing and peace for you.
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I am so very sorry for your loss. My prayers for you and your family.
Oh, Paula, my heart and prayers are with you. It is never easy to say goodbye to a parent, no matter how much time we’ve had with them. Hugs to you and Bonnie.
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Paula, burying your parents is letting go of your only source of human unconditional love. When I buried mine, I knew my life would never be the same. But, parents are always with you in your heart, and it seems your Dad has given you all he could to carry on. My thoughts are with you.
Thank you for sharing what a sweet memory you have… you’re in our thoughts and prayers. I love him because he raised you and you’re such an incredible influence on my life!
I know he was proud of the amazing woman of God you’ve become 
thanks for sharing this story & these memories. love you & thinking about you!
I’m so sorry for your loss, Paula. I know your memories of your dad will always be dear. I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and prayers.
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Sending you a great big hug.
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Paula, I’m so sorry. What a nice story about your dad, and I’m sure you have so many more wonderful memories.
Jill recently posted..Tuesdays with Dorie- Nutty Swirly Chocolatey Sour Cream Bundt Cake
I am sorry for your loss. I lost my father seven years ago. It does get easier, but it never goes away. Years from now you will find yourself crying; just like I am now.
My deepest sympathy.
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Your father sounds like a wonderful man! I’m so sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts and prayers at this time.
Paula, I am so sorry to hear that your dear, precious father has passed away. Sending prayers to you and your family.
Paula, I am so sorry for your loss. Your love and admiration for your dad have always been so evident, even in the short six months that I’ve been reading your blog. I will be thinking of you. Having lost my mom at a young age, my Dad is the world to me and I can’t stand the thought of losing him no matter how old. I hope you start to heal soon.
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My sincere condolences on the loss of your beloved Father. Your story of driving the truck was so touching. Your Dad, I’m sure always believed in your abilities even when you did not and he always had your back. May this and many other beautiful memories of him comfort you in the days ahead.
God bless you. thank you for sharing about your precious dad.
Great story, Paula. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your dad. Time does heal (I’ve lost two sisters) and knowing you’ll see and be with them again someday helps, too!
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Paula, Thank you for sharing one of your sweet memories of you Dad. Daddy’s are special to their daughters as daughters are to their Dads. It is never easy to lose those we love and it’s hard to say goodbye, no matter how sick or how old. May all your precious memories bring you peace and comfort. You & Billy are such sweet servants of God and we’re praying for you and your family.
Paula very touching story and a very special dad. It sounds like you and him have made
a lot of great memories together. You are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paula, So sorry to hear about your Dad. Wonderful that you have your memories so etched in you! I have thought of you often and how your Dad was doing….I will be praying for you and your family as you go through the days ahead. Blessed be the name of the Lord, Kay
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So very sorry for your loss.
Hugs,
Kat
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Paula, We continue to lift all of you up in prayer. I loved the story you told and I will cherish the memories and the times we shared with him and your mom.
Paula, I’m so sorry to for the loss that you and your family have suffered. I thoroughly enjoyed this post! Thank you so much for sharing. Thinking of you and your family.
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I’m so sad for you, Paula. I know your heart is breaking and I pray that the hurt will numb over time. Thank you for sharing the picture of him — I wish that I had known him. He looks like a wonderful man. You and your family are in my prayers.
i’m sorry to hear about your loss, too. i do hope you and your family are holding up alright. sounds like he was a wonderful and supportive father. and he just looks like a nice guy, too!
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Paula, I’m so sorry to read this. My heart goes out to you and your family. *hugs*. Great memories like this one shared will always keep him close to your heart.
I am so very sorry. Its a difficult road, I too have traveled……
God is with you and your dad is with Him.
“What the heart once owned
it can never lose.” HWBeecher
Now that’s something I’ll have to think about. I hope it’s true.
I am so sorry for your loss