HAPPY FATHER'S DAY

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmDxJrggie8

By Vernalee

Father's Day is a special calendar day dedicated to the love, respect, and honor of our Fathers. What a blessings to those whose Fathers are alive … as this day can also be a day of sadness for those whose Fathers have gone home to be with the Lord! As I lost my Daddy in my early twenties, I understand the emptiness that this day brings, but I am immensely grateful for his many teachings. His wisdom and my memories of him are very much alive. I cannot begin to tell you how many times, his words have directed me. So although my Daddy no longer walks this earth, the valuable lessons that he taught me guide me still. There have been days that his arms have emotionally carried me and encouraged me to courageously take that next step. He may be absent in the flesh, but he is forever present in my heart. Yes, he most definitely is my rock and I lean on what he taught me!

Love, honor, respect, and bless your Daddies today and all days. Shower him with love while the blood runs warm in his body! Remember this - Good old Dad is watching your every move with a stern eye of protection - whether he is physically sitting across from you or spiritually gazing you from the Heavens. Happy Sunday! Blessings!

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FATHER DAUGHTER DANCE

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IVvkjuEAwgU

By Vernalee

My mind reflected to a memory sketched in my heart. I can remember my daughter's Father Daughter Dance from decades ago as if it was yesterday. I'm not sure who was the most excited - she or her Dad! Preparing for the Dance was like getting her prepared for prom, years ahead of time. She had to have a long gown ( purple and gold, in fact), socks with lace around the edges, patented leather black shoes, and a shiny gold necklace and earrings. Her long black hair was glammed up with curls. The look was sheer elegance! She definitely looked like a little princess! This seven year old little girl‘s appearance was matched in appearance as her tall Daddy wore a tailored made stunning black suit. His handsome look was exquisitely debonair. The two of them were a sight to see! They practiced their dance over and over beforehand to get ready for the big night. Her little feet were parked on top of his size 10 shoes as they danced the night away!

The night was fun. It was full of memories that my daughter will cherish and never forget. She was her Dad's heart. He was hers! Their love for each other was radiant with every step that they took. It was more than a dance, it was an exemplification of love as Fathers at the dance showed their little girls how a man should treat them - with love, dignity, and respect.

It‘s now a memory that will never grow old!

3 SIDES TO A STORY

By Vernalee

Nothing beats the wisdom of Mothers. Allow me to share a story whose lessons stay with me 50 years hence. In the late 1960’s while traveling to school, some of us came up with the crazy notion that we would make the bus driver so nervous that she would run off the road. Wow! If successful, we might be off a day from school. We had a hike of over 50 miles to pick up students from varying parts before arriving to Riverside High School.  To accomplish our goal, we started loudly yelling and subsequently, she swirled off the road.

Mission accomplished!

Of course, our young minds did not factor into account the danger of the situation. It bears to reason that - (“Foolishness is bound up in the heart of a child; The rod of correction will drive it far from him.” - Proverbs 22:15).

Much to our chagrin, the bus was repaired overnight. The next day, the driver refused to pick us up. “The Collins kids cannot get on my bus!” Though I was the ringleader, I didn’t open my mouth.  However, my "stand up for his children" Daddy was outraged.

“Nobody is gonna insult my kids! Here. (Reaching my brother the car keys). Drive my car to school.” Off to school we went; the joyride was leisurely fun!

All was well until my mother, Miss Phoebe came home that afternoon.

With a stern piercing look that scared me out of my wits, she called me.

“Your Daddy told me what happened, but I know that you were involved if it had anything to do with you running your mouth! Now, what’s your story? And you betta not lie to me!”

Before I could open my mouth, she said, “There are 3 sides to every story. “What you say, what she said, and the truth!”

As I looked down to the ground, my mother in a robust tone said, “Just tell the truth. It’ll take you farther and spare the rod.”

Shamefully, I told her what I did!

“I’ll fix you. You’ll know betta than to act a fool the next time,” my late Momma said with a roaring penetrating sound. I thought that I was off the hook.

She tricked me, but what could I do or say!

I didn’t get spanked, I received something far worse!

My punishment was -

I couldn’t talk on the phone for a month. It seemed like an eternity.

Afterwards, I never opened my mouth on the bus rides again!

Her rod of correction was taking away something that I loved.

It was a lesson learned the hard way with an indelible imprint that stayed with me ... even to this day!

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