Lessons from Father

A tribute to the life and fatherhood of Derrell Winsor Anglyn, Sr. by Alan Anglyn

From darkness, light—

a child is born into this world.

Vulnerable, fragile and innocent.

Completely at the mercy of those around him.

 

Mother and Father cherish the child.

He is held gently in their arms.

Feelings of warmth and safety.

In infancy, a father’s lessons begin.

Fathers love their children.

Fathers protect and care for them.

 

A toddler playing chase with Father.

The toddler runs, tumbles on the ground, and laughs.

Father laughs with him and picks him up and tosses him in the air.

More play, more laughter.

The son learns another lesson from Father.

Fathers play and have fun with their children.

 

A young son watches Father at home with Mother.

His father loves and cares deeply for her.

His father treats her with respect and tenderness.

Another truth revealed.

A father loves and respects his wife.  

 

A teenage son sees Father go to work each day to provide for the family.

At home, Father takes care of his share of the household chores.

The teenage son observes and learns.

A father works to care for his family – at work and at home.

 

Watching TV sitcoms while eating late-night snacks,

Laughing with siblings and laughing with Father.

The son’s education continues.

Fathers have a sense of humor and laugh with their children.

 

A young man on his own for the first time receives advice from Father.

“Be true to yourself. Be a good person. Remember what you have been taught.

Your mother and I love and support you.”

The young man learns.

Fathers know when to stop directing and when to begin coaching.

Fathers help their sons get started in adult life.

 

A son marries and has a child.

Father lets his grandchild do things he would never have let his son do.

Father’s lessons continue.

A father spoils his grandchildren.

Father loves his grandchildren unabashedly.

 

A mature man picks up the phone.

He calls his father to ask for advice for remodeling a room.

They talk about baseball, college football, cars, and the weather.

A lesson etched in memory.

Father is a son’s best friend.

 

Years go by, the phone rings.

Father says, “Son, I’m sick. It’s bad. It’s not hereditary.”

Father’s teaching continues.

Father cares more for his children than he does for himself.

Unselfish, unconditional love doesn’t stop… ever.

 

In a lucid moment with a mind ravaged by dementia, Father says,

“Son, life is shorter than you think. Live. Now.”

Wisdom and deep insight in a crisp, clear message.

His life is coming to an end,

And Father is still teaching.

 

A middle-aged man visits his father in hospice.

The end is near; Father’s life is in its final chapter.

There are no more pages to be written in his book.

Father is kind and gentle, even as he is losing the struggle with this crippling disease.

The last lesson from this wonderful teacher.

Fight for life but die with grace. Remain kind and loving.