Roy’s Sunday Letter for June 16, 2024
** Father’s Day is an opportunity for memories and connecting in meaningful ways between daughters, sons, wives and dads. Sometimes, we honor our dads for all they do or accomplish as well as, and especially, strengthening the family. It is even more important to honor our dads for who they are and are still becoming. Even if your dad is no longer with you in life, some of us have regrets and what if’s that could have made a smoother path. I have found that journaling, conversations with a family member, and forgiveness seems to make a difference. Finally, celebrating the good and healthy parts of your dad are important. What are those parts of your dad do you wish to continue with your own family? Celebrate, forgive, be grateful, and maybe even a hug.
- Early May brought our first Hummingbird. Normal for us would be 3 o 4 hummers: but not this year. This season we have traded hummingbirds for hanging bananas in the oak tree. There is fun and joy just watching butterflies feeding on blackening bananas. We are still watching for the Hummers!
** This week the Southern Baptists voted against a proposed ban for the role of woman serving as pastors in church ministry. OK, that is good. What would have been better if my Southern Baptist peers would have voted to proclaim the value and importance of women in all ministries, leadership roles and positions. I thought we were through with the “Dark Ages.” Sad for those bright and talented leaders the Baptist will miss.
- TV Recommendation: Prime channel, 74 minutes…”The Job OF Music.” This is a documentary of a remote, west Ireland fishing village. It is a community of musicians seeking to connect villagers through songs that tell their story, reflect the challenge of long winters, declining fish industry, and the laughter of children. Isn’t this what Church choirs and acoustic bands are bringing to local, worshipping congregations? One “Job of Music” is to help all of us find our common place in a modernizing and fast paced society. I recommend the images and sounds of this great documentary; it may just be a motivator to help you and your community connect with their own music story.
** The Comments received from last week’s Sunday Letter were about the challenges of finding and retaining Balance. It seems that there are many pressures, as well as rewards, generated from and for… family, work, personal journey, and aging of self or parents. Other Comments recognized the uplifting energy and hopeful spirit of recent Sunday Letters. Balance and Uplifting are comments that guide me as I prepare the content on Saturday for publishing and sending forth of the Sunday Letter. Thank you for taking time to give me your words.
Roy, grateful for a father who did his best!
My father died when I was two years old, so I have no memories of him. It is interesting that no one in my family ever referred to him. I inherited some of his traits. He played the violin and loved music, his genes were strong in my life. I also inherited his high blood pressure and thyroid disease. It is strange not knowing him and still being a part of him,. I looked for a father figure throughout my life, generally with no success. Too many children in our fractured families do not have a father figure, such a shame. Keep writing Roy, it gives me things to ponder.
Thank you Maurine for your comments today! I, too, grew up without a biological father. Thanks to Roy, and two friends I had the opportunity to meet him when I was 34 years old. There is this thing called Nature vs. Nurture in developmental theories. I seemed to inherit his love for psychology, plants and creativity even though I never knew those were his Interests when I was growing up. For a long time, there was real sadness in always wondering why he never came back. After developing a relationship with him, I learned there was another side to the story. I believe that our suffering makes us better and stronger. That emptiness truly helped me to have real compassion for all people. ❤️❤️❤️
After reading the Comments by Maureen and Beth, my efforts to somehow send forth a weekly Sunday Letter are confirmed in every way. We continue together…..Roy
I was fortunate to have my father until I was 42 year old. He was an enlightened individual and one of the most important things he told me was this: “Don’t judge other peoples’ priorities.” I don’t always suceed, that’s for sure, but I do remember and keep trying. Thank you Roy and Beth for this Sunday touch base—it is a bright light at the week’s beginning. Love to you. Linda M
Here’s the thing. As writer I never know what paragraph will make an impact, be meaningful in ways I never would have thought.
Father’s Day comments by others honoring of dad’s known or never known. Humbling.
I am going tp pay attention to my calendar and other special days. Read Maureen, Beth, and Jean.Amazing.
So be brave…..stretch….continue on.
Roy
My Dad was an awesome father. My son was only 5 when Dad died of a heart attack. We continued to tell Grandaddy stories and thankfully, through the years my family was able to continue to speak out loud about his habits, love and service. The result has been my son feeling a growing connection to his granddad even though he barely remembered his actual presence. Because of that he has sought out hobbies that his granddad would have enjoyed doing with him like wood working and fishing and he tends to use the grandad scale to measure his own service and values. It’s so easy to underestimate the role a strong and kind man plays in our world. Thanks Roy for the beautiful reminders is what’s important.
Forever friend Jean…
The Comments by Maureen, Beth, and your personal memory thoughts are honoring, humbling as writer guy.
None of us always know who we touch, how we touch. Father’s Day was just a thought 2 weeks ago. I am blessed as writer guy for so many allowing into their family history and personal sharing. I am indeed blessed.
I will pay more attention to special days in the weeks ahead.
Blessings my friend. Roy
My father was a severe alcoholic who couldn’t hold a job through much of my childhood. As a result, we were forced to move every year. He entered into treatment when I was 16-years-old and remained sober. I went with him to AA meetings where I would be supportive to him, and also to myself. I got to know my real father then—not the addict. It was part of what changed my life. I thank God for that opportunity. My father gave me the gift of music and fishing! Thank you, dad!
Friend Paul…A story within a story, within a story.
Each stage impacting you, the latter being the most essential, never leaving you.
I am grateful for your open sharing of how you got to be you.
And, a marvelous person you indeed are and are still becoming.
Roy
Thanks for these wonderful thoughts.
I lost my dad and grandad in my early twenties.
Derick and Rick South, father son owners of Rustic Fence, became my father figures and filled in as role models. They have both passed away this last year. Today’s Father’s Day holds added meaning. We remember all the good and dilute the bad. I have chatted with my 4 kids already today and am so very blessed. I have done my best to pass on all the good I learned from Pap-pa, Dad, Derick and Rick. I feel great success today! Thanks Roy and Beth for all y’all do. Happy Father’s Day to all.
Mike, you can see and read the Comments of others. Humbling to have touches lives in unexpected ways. & thank for your 4 calls and more.
Wow. What an honor to be writer of the SL…..Roy
Thanks so much Roy. Keep writing.