Pull yourself up by the Bootstrap Young Lady!!!!

[bargain]

Dad was military Marine (during WWII) and while in military picked up the above expression. (He was in wartime in submarines in the Aleutians and went through years of College after the war while supporting a wife and 2 young girls. Everytime I whimpered or whined or cried, he said this expression..

Finally, little Nancy Jo (my preteen name) said between my sobs, "But Daddy you won't buy me any cowboy boots, member!"

Well that giant Man - 6 ft 2 inches and still growing looking at me and his frown and deep voice changes and a grin started and then filled his face as he reached down and held his baby girl, "Aw, you know you're right, you don't have any boots....I love you." as he gave me a huge hug that almost broke my ribs!!!!

You see I always wanted cowboy boots but didn't get any till I bought some when I was in my 20's!..............

I never knew until I was in my 30's that he was a self raised boy after the age of about 8 and helped raise his sister and his mother, so he must have been pulling himself and others up by the bootstraps for a very long time. Miss you Dad

..........................................
In memory of Dad (Dad, I understand you more and more as the years pass along), Nancy

 

[Mattemma]

Very sweet.Thanks for sharing this story about your dad.

 

[sourland]

Thanks for the story. My daughter has the key to my heart just as you had the key to your Dad's. Just something about dad's and their daughters.

 

[bargain]

I think sometimes I spend too much time in memory lane! But it's with gratitude that I look back from a different perspective and deeper understanding of my family and friends. Thanks for letting me share. Nancy

 

[kathyinmo]

Nancy, I spend alot of time going down memory lane also. My mother died at 46, and my father at 66. I have wonderful memories of my childhood and youth. Thank you for sharing your story with us.

 

[lockedhearts]

The older we get, the more we realize how precious memories are! I finally realized the reason for my relationship with my Daddy a few years ago. I also came to understand why he felt he was not a good father (even though he is the best) Funny how at younger ages we tend to take things for granted only to come to realize things later.

 

[debilorrah]

I'm glad you got your boots and your dad sounds like he was an awesome man!!! Lucky girl.

 

[bargain]

Debi, he so totally was! I've been blessed and I hope I pass the blessings along, but sometimes I just fail to do so.....That humanly part of me..... I decided to add this one to my home page (website) and just posted over on Facebook, cause I just want to share impact.....

When I think of how much we can inspire or "defeat" another by word or example, I am in total awe.

Oh dear Lord please always let me be a "shining example" and inspire others to their heights and not discourage!

 

[booker81]

I find it amazing as we grow up, the more we understand what our parents went through - the life before us kiddos and the things they gave up for us so we could grow up.