Frankie B. (1943-1973), my daddy, died when I was a less than 2 years old, so I never got the chance to really get to know him & I only have a few vague memories of him. However, my mother, aunt (his sister) and Muda & Papa made sure I knew who was. For that, I'll be eternally grateful. My daddy was a great father who adored his 1st born (me!) & a wonderful husband. I think that's why my mother never remarried. No one could replace my daddy. I have to admit that I still get angry sometimes about things that are out of my control & sometimes ask myself, "Why did my daddy have to die?!"
On a brighter note, I was lucky enough to have this man, Mr. Hugh Luther Jones (1903-1991) aka Papa aka Big Daddy. He was Muda's 4th husband & 13 years her senior. Her 3rd husband, Mr. Crawford Isaiah Saddler (1917-1957), was my biological grandfather & he passed when my mom was 5 years old.
Papa never had any biological children, but you'd never know it from the way he loved and accepted Muda's offspring. He loved his family, baseball, fishing, boxing (he got me into it) & hunting.
When I got pregnant, like Muda, he was heartbroken. So much so, I couldn't stand to look him in the face. I once overheard him tell Muda, "I don't know what she's gonna do, 'cause I'm done taking care of chi'rren". I was devastated. However, once my son was born, I couldn't tear him away from Papa. They were inseparable. I think him being a boy played a huge part, since our family is female dominated.
He was also your typical, grumpy old man. He had all these crazy sayings & most I forgot or never really understood what they meant. His favorite quote was, "Y'all gon' miss me when I'm gone." I'm here to testify, that he ain't never lied! I miss him so very much.
Now that I think of it, my Daddy & Papa are probably one of the reasons why I'm still single. I know what a real man is.
Very well stated Blog, thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI have told my daddy the exact same thing. He and my uncles and my granddaddies are part of the reason I am still single. They taught me what real (not "perfect"-- REAL) man is. So, how can I settle for less? I salute them all today and everyday. Great dedication!
ReplyDeletemy kids called me today.... and i must admit I felt like the luckiest man on the planet..... I have only one biological child.. but i have helpled raise quite a few more ...
ReplyDeleteYour blog inspired me to write my own about fathers who stood in. Great post.
ReplyDeleteI soooo miss my Grandaddy.
ReplyDeleteThis touched me. That's not easy to do.
ReplyDeleteI hear you. My father passed before I turned 18, before I graduated high school. Although we weren't all that close (for a time, I actually hated him), eventually grew to understand him and what he was trying to do, make a man out of me, the best way he knew how. I miss him.
ReplyDeleteGood post chica! Happy belated Dad's Day to all the father's who stick around!
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