SOLSC 3/5/14 - A Tribute to My Dad

March 5, 1917, my Dad was born on a farm in Essex, IL.  He was named Hartwell Paul which apparently was suggested one of the hired farm hands.  I don't know a lot about his early years other than he grew up with two older siblings.  Farming was hard work, so I know it must not have been an easy life, especially during the 1920's.  At the age of 17, a bb ricocheted off of a building and hit his eye.  He lost his sight immediately, but that never stopped him from doing anything.

He made his way through high school by the skin of his teeth, and always a smile on his face.  He told his parents that he had no desire to go to college.  World War II began and he enlisted in the Army, but since he only had vision in one eye, he wouldn't be shipped overseas.  He was stationed in California at the Presidio and worked in the medical division processing in those who were injured in the line of duty.

He came home on leave in 1943 and married my Mom and took her back to California for the duration of the war.  My brother was born a year later in San Luis Obispo.  After the war, they moved to the farm in Clifton.  In addition to farming, he was also a carpenter (not an easy job when you only have one eye).  I was born several years later.   

We never had a lot, but we always had plenty.  Dad was always easy going and loved to joke and tease (relentlessly sometimes).  He was a hard worker, loved life and had a strong faith in God.
He was devoted to my Mom and was always there to help when she got ill and passed away shortly after their 45th wedding anniversary.

After retiring from farming and carpentry, he loved to mow grass or help anyone who needed it, he was a courier for the local hospital and kept active until he passed away in 2003.  He was family oriented and always told my brother and me how proud he was of us, especially once we had children, then he bragged on his grandkids.

I remember him fondly and feel so blessed to call him my Dad.  He taught me so much.   Happy birthday, Dad!  I'm sure you and Mom are enjoying a big party to celebrate this special day.

Comments

  1. elsieMarch 5, 2014 at 6:55 AM

    A loving tribute to a special man who raised a wonderful, caring daughter.

    ReplyDelete
  2. LynnMarch 5, 2014 at 8:39 AM

    Ditto . . . your words "showed" us a picture of a wonderful man, husband and dad! Happy birthday ;-)

    ReplyDelete
  3. Linda BMarch 5, 2014 at 8:45 AM

    Judy, love hearing all about your dad, who sounds like a wonderful man, dad and husband. Remembering is a beautiful thing, isn't it? Thanks for sharing this tribute.

    ReplyDelete
  4. TaraMarch 5, 2014 at 4:33 PM

    We never had a lot, but we always had plenty.
    So much wisdom in that line. And what a beautiful tribute to a special man!

    ReplyDelete
  5. MichelleMarch 6, 2014 at 9:20 PM

    I knew you were write about Grandpa today. I love that you are capturing these little stories - a remembrance for me! It's always fun to reminisce. Thanks for celebrating Grandpa!

    ReplyDelete

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