How does one measure a father’s worth? Fortunately, I do not have firsthand experience and would not wish the lack of a father’s presence on anyone!
Words speak volumes, but a photo is worth a 1000 words. Writing about my father is probably the most emotionally difficult one of this series to write. Sometimes photos can say what words cannot. Everyone knows I’m the emotional one of the family. I clog up with emotions easily.
When love is in one’s heart it’s absolutely difficult to not show love in what you do. Growing up in church and around a loving, tight-knit community was the best thing our parents could have done for us.
Dad’s leadership and enforcement of going to church 3 times a week was such a blessing for us. What we learned from our church experiences has benefited us in ways we cannot yet fathom.His own youth observing his father, at church during Sunday School doing his tasks of Superintendent led him to eventually have that same title.
Dad just as his father saw that his family was spiritually guided. He was my Sunday School teacher at one point in time as well as our music director in two of our churches. I was in my mother’s womb hearing her play piano and dad sing. Talk about the apple not falling too far from the apple tree I got it doubly from my parents. We pray for grace over our food while holding hands, even though Selena still likes to fidget doing so. It’s an Alsman tradition for every meal that I guess Grandpa Freddy and Grandma started. We still very much cling to that sweet family cliche. The family that prays together stays together fits us well.
Dad also has a talent with wood. Through the years daddy has made me all kinds of knickknacks. He likes making bowls, slender vases for one flower many different projects that he has enjoyed to make for his family.
Daddy made the frame and the decorative display for me. The clock was in Grandma & Grandpa Bishops house for decades. I am truly blessed to have a father who makes me things out of love or because I asked him to. The frame was an ask! The large photo was something Dad made in the early days of them being a couple.
Dad’s hands have loved us through his sweet tooth. Desserts is probably his favorite thing to make his Saltine Chewy’s, Babe Ruth Bars, various cookies and even ice cream. Dad is also our grill extraordinaire; I leave the grilling to his very capable hands.
Over the years we have had a garden. This man will not eat a raw tomato, but will take care of those plants as carefully and meticulously because he knows Mom enjoys a good tomato. Now James and I love them so he has 3 people who will eat the tomatoes, even though, he would rather have them as ketchup.
The love of a father takes fortitude knowing where his salvation is in order to guide his family to hopefully the same conclusion. Watching him work as a farmer allowed us to always have our father drive us to church and have Family Sunday Dinners extended Family Dinners most of our childhood. Those are cherished meals with the Alsmans usually after church, but they were amazing times around the table holding our hands to say grace over our food and for the week ahead in the fields.
Jewells of Thought 
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