The Google tribute to fathers is beautiful! Picturing delights in the sun, building sandcastles, enjoying the beach, it is a beautiful reminder of the father on my children, and therefore for us it is a fitting tribute. My husband loved the beach as much as he loved his family! He spent many hours with our four children, our beloved nieces and nephews, and all of us who were children at heart. Who can resist digging in the sand, transforming simple tubs full of sand and water into fortresses of regal power?
Building sandcastles was an inevitable family game. Resting between the excitement of diving into the waves, riding the waves to shore, playing and daring — one by one the future builders of the world began their fervent digging and empire building. “Mine is higher than yours,” shouted one, followed by “Mine is bigger than yours.” Dad usually gave the challenge, “Let’s work together and build the biggest sand castle on the beach!” In a short time, the awesome structure led to a communal effort of passers-by and lonely children who did not have an adult spirit-lifter nearby.
Of course, the popular beach activity does not belong to our family alone. It is, I suppose, a universal encounter with nature. Contests held at certain beaches produce amazing sculptures, wonders to be enjoyed and admired for the “moment,” only to be swept away by the tides. The dedication of sand builders is vaguely reminiscent of the devotion of Tibetan monks in their sand painting, a Mandela (devoted to peace) to be swept away when it is completed.
Happy Father’s Day, all you beach lovers.
And Happy Father’s Day to all Dads who share their love in different places and in different ways than Google’s beach scene portrays. Some have never seen the beach. Many prefer the mountains. Many prefer to stay at home and celebrate at family reunions. It takes all kinds of Dads, so pictures are not available to pay worthy tributes to all. Those of us who say “Happy Father’s Day” have our own mental picture that is much more powerful than any design Google artists could possibly submit.
My Father’s Day picture is of JGG standing behind a pulpit on Sunday morning. Dressed in a white linen suit, he lifted his arms in prayer and preached the word of God to an adoring congregation. My Daddy, as I called him ‘til the day he died, was the best. How many words can I think of to describe Him?
Devoted
pleasant
charismatic
encouraging
demanding
honest
determined
tall and handsome
He was a workaholic
a jack-of-all-trades
an educator
a minister
a humorist
defender of the poor
My Daddy.
Google’s tribute to fathers
