Honoring My Dad!

             As Father’s Day approaches, I want to say a few words about my father, Earl Duncan.  He’s been gone for 13 years, but he’s still an important part of who I am.

            He and I were a lot alike, both stubborn introverts.  Surprisingly, though we didn’t often butt heads.  That’s probably because I was a “daddy’s” girl.  Losing him so suddenly was one of the most difficult days of my life.

            So, what can I tell you about this man who was the cornerstone of our family?

            First, and foremost, he loved my Mother dearly!  His letters to her during his time in the Army state that fact very clearly.  However, even greater evidence of his love was the way that he devoted himself to her during her illness and dementia.  When she became confined to a wheelchair, he became her constant caregiver.  He learned to cook, clean, and wash clothes, and he made sure that his beloved “Mandy” got everything that she needed.  My regret is that I didn’t realize what a toll his caregiving was taking on his health.

            Even though Dad was drafted before he finished high school and never got his diploma, that never stopped him from having a successful career.  After he was discharged, he worked during the day and went to Ahrens Trade School at night.  Ultimately, he became a licensed electrician and continued in that profession until he retired.

            In addition to his job, he took care of our three acres of land and the horses and cows that were a routine part of our family life.  He had loved horses since he was a child, and we almost always had a pony or horse while I was growing up.

            Dad was probably my biggest encourager, always pushing me to be the best that I could be.  I think one of his proudest days was the day that I was sworn in as an attorney.  I know that he loved passing out my business cards to anyone who needed a lawyer.

            Dad was also a jokester.  If you ever had a meal with us, you had to be careful how you asked for a roll, or he might just throw it at you.  He also loved to tease, but the funny thing was you could almost always tell when he was teasing.  He had a twinkle in his eyes and just the hint of a smile on his face.  He brought a lot of smiles to our home.

            Dad was a man of quiet faith.  He didn’t talk much about God, but he attended church regularly, and he made sure that we attended as well.  When he served, it was usually behind the scenes, helping someone in need.

            Besides my Mom, Dad’s greatest love was his family.  When the grandkids came along, they quickly had him wrapped around their little fingers.  He seldom missed their ballgames and school plays, and he helped to instill in them a love for God, family, and country.

            Dad passed away in January 2011 after a sudden and very brief illness.  Inspired by Dad’s devotion to Mom, it was his grandson who insisted that we care for Mom at home as long as we could.  That’s just one indication that Dad’s legacy lives on.

            We miss you, Dad!