Debbie Bosak: Memories of Dad never fade

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Updated: June 8, 2011 8:54PM

I lost my father 38 years ago. He was only 57, younger than I am right now. And, I would dare say it’s a rare day that goes by when I don’t think of him. I would guess my sister would say the same.

Sometimes, the thought of my father is so glancing, I hardly notice. One day I heard a man’s laugh that sounded like his. Another time, I caught a whiff of his familiar scent in the passing air. Or, I might find myself reading something he would have enjoyed or eating one of his favorite foods.

Whatever the case, I’m grateful I have senses and a brain that have kept these precious bits and pieces of my father alive somewhere inside of me in such a real way.

Once I read that fatherhood was more than happenstance; it need to be viewed as a vocation or a ministry, if you are a person of faith. Biologically speaking, just about any man can do his part to “create” a child but it’s the real man, taking his parenting role seriously, who truly is deserving of the title “dad.”

I don’t think my memories of my father would continue to be as strong or would have influenced me over the years as much as they have if he hadn’t been so committed to his family.

He encouraged me to learn whenever there was an opportunity. He was a big fan of my writing, even when I was only 7 with my first manuscript in hand. My dad told me I could be anything I desired to be and he meant it, even when I had doubts.

Even though I only had him in my life for a scant 20 years, he left me with memories and lessons for a lifetime. For that, I am thankful.

What memory of dad has stayed with you over the years?

David Kennedy, Hammond: I hold tight, not only to my father’s work ethic, but also his devotion to his wife and children.

I have a clear memory of dad coming home, tired and dirty, from the mill — sometimes after working a double — but he always took the time to show a sincere joy and interest in my brother and me.

After a shower and dinner, he would sit on the porch or the couch with my mom and they would just enjoy being together.

Those images have taught me a lot about what it takes to be a good husband and father.

Karen Szymanski, Dyer: My dad quit school when he was a junior in high school when his own father got sick but he continued to be a great learner.

I can never remember him at home without a book in his hand while he encouraged us to do our own reading. We hated it when he would interrupt our TV shows to tell us something he had just read but looking back, it was a great lesson on the value of a curious mind. My own kids love to read and I look at them now and see so much of my father.