Ragamuffin Gal

".. from my ragged heart to yours"

June 20, 2009

*~I am a Living Legacy ~**


To The Leader Of The Band



Lessons my father taught me ~

A hard day of work never killed anyone,
tell good stories often
pretty is as pretty does,
laugh everyday,
cherish your spouse,
tell the truth,
sing often, be positive,
harmless practical jokes are OK
and make life fun,
enjoy the outdoors everyday,
everyone needs a good dog friend,
don't hurt anyone ever,
use stepping stones to cross high creeks,
a good tickle breaks the tension,
dance even if you think you look silly,
swing as high as you can,
if you need help, I'll give you a push,
don't ever cheat, go the extra mile,
leave things better than you found them,
treat authority & elders with respect,
always put a little back
for rainy days,
a smile is cheaper than a face lift,
don't wear loafers to a dance,


(and my favorites)


take care of the "under dogs"
and
we're all an under dog at some time,
Your faith in God
is the most important thing
in your whole life.

The latter is one of the last things he ever said to me.
Even though his body was growing weaker
his faith remained
strong.



Johnie Wayne Donald
Happy Father's Day Dad!


Happy Father's Day to all of the fathers this weekend!

Blessings,
Katie


The song, The Leader Of The Band, by Dan Fogelberg has always been
my favorite song for my dad. My mother says that even tho my brother
looks the most like dad that I am the most like him.
He would rather be doing it than merely talking about it!
He was a free spirit both to the delight and impatience of my mother.
I adored him ~ he was my hero!

12 comments:

Mrs. E said...

Ironic that you pick that song. I always think of my dad when I hear that song. I gave him the words to it in a card one year, and he got "leaky" eyes as he calls it! What a beautiful tribute! He's a handsome guy!

Debra@CommonGround said...

Katie, what a wonderful tribute. I love how you put together all his sayings. There's just nothing like the bond between a dad and his daughter.Thankyou for sharing.
Be blessed, Debra

Relyn Lawson said...

I love this post about your sweet dad. He taught you some amazing lessons. And gave us so much, when he gave us you. Thinking of you today as you are remembering all your happy times with your Dad.

Janet said...

Your dad sounds like he was a great guy. You're so lucky to have had a wonderful father.

summersundays-jw said...

Loved your list. My Dad taught me those things without ever telling me. Mine wasn't much of a talker but he influenced us by the way he lived his life. Maybe he didn't get much of a chance to talk with all those daughters. Happy Sunday! Jan

David said...

Simply beautiful!

Margaret said...

What a lovely post, wise words to cherish from your Dad, you're very lucky. Mx

carla said...

Lovely tribute to your dad.

Anonymous said...

I came from Everything Vintage and want to congratulate you for winning :-)

Glad I droppped by to cause i get to read you post on father's Day. Your dad must really be a wonderful Dad. The lessons she's taught you is just priceless. And of course have to say too that the last part is something I remember my own Papa say and remind. That indeed, faith in God is the most important thing in the world :-)

~*~Magpie's Nest said...

This beautiful tribute to your father touches me on so many levels, it's hard to put into words! Thank you for sharing Katie! oxo ~*~ Patty
oh and we're BIG fans of Fogelberg here too!

Unknown said...

All I can do is say "ditto" to everyone else's comments. Great tribute. Love the "back then" and "later" photos and your words.

Patti said...

Katie- what a wonderful tribute to obviously, a very special man~ You and he were very lucky to have had each other in your lives.

I love the Leader of the Band reference- I miss Dan Fogelberg and loved that song~