Where did my father come from?

First some pictures

My Dad's sisters in 1959: Ann, Leonie, June
Aren't they pretty?
And his brothers, 1953, in San Francisco:
Gene, Irving, and my Dad
His siblings have all passed on. Just my Dad, the baby of his family, is left.

Shortly after my Dad's sister June passed away in 1997, my mother wrote the letter below to June's sons (my cousins), David and Donny.

It shows just what a climb my Dad made to survive in this world. Just what made him who he is. If his life had been easier, would he be the same man he is today?

This letter also shows the love and loyalty of his family.

You will need to click the letters to make them big enough to read.

There's lots of history in this letter.
Part 2 of the letter below
My dad joined our church in 1955, gave up cigarettes over night, and also immediately changed his life. I will be eternally grateful to him for the inner strength he found to do that.

Looking even further back...

I just love this picture below.

My dad is the youngest one in the picture below, with his 2 brothers. Irving is holding him and Gene is standing near by. Must be 1930.
Happy Father's Day Dad.
You had no idea what was in store for you all those years ago.
I'm sure you had no idea you would marry our angel mother and be the father of 8 children, many more grandchildren and great grandchildren.
What a posterity!

Read the words my Dad lives by here.

7 comments:

grandmapeg said...

Jill...what a beautiful story about your dad and such a wonderful letter that your mom wrote. When I met your dad on my first visit to meet you, I was impressed as to what a remarkable man he is, and such a gentleman. You are so blessed to have him for your father, but then I know you know that. I love the list of the words that he lives by. What a great tribute you have given your dad with this post but even a greater tribute you pay to him by the way you love, respect, honor and treat him. I've seen how you treat him and he is very fortunate to have you for his daughter! Thanks for sharing this!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

Your Dad was a constant and steady role model for Nonie and I as we were growing up. I have memories of him leading us all in bedtime prayers around your parents bed at night when we came to visit. I'm glad you will share my post with him. Hope you Dad has a great Father's Day! I'm stealing the photos off your post since I've never seen them before and have so few of my own. Hope you don't mind!

Lisa said...

I don't know your dad, but through all that you've posted about him, I love him.

It will be my privilege someday if I ever get a chance to meet him in person. I loved the words he lived by. Thanks for sharing such greatness with us. It is really wonderful. You're a lucky girl Jilly!

Richard said...

Wow! That's great. Thanks for the post. I am sure cousin Christine would love to see that beautiful picture of her mom and aunts!

Mary said...

What a sweet post about how your dad became the remarkable man he is. What a life he's lived!

The voice you heard questioning Analyce on my blog's video clip is my very own deep velvet tones! :)

Eileen said...

Such a beautiful gift to have that letter, and very generous of you to share it!
Such a wonderful tribute to your Dad, and he sounds like he does deserve the accolades.
I liked his list very much.
Very touching post, Jill.

Susan Anderson said...

This was another great post, Jill. I love your family stories.

=)

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