Pops

Whenever I get a stomach ache, I think back to my Pops and his big strong hands, rubbing the aches away.  He always made everything better, and I was sure he was some sort of superman.  Well, he was actually.  When I discovered a scorpion under my bed, he was there in an instant - and like a flash, his hand shot out and smashed it gone. He taught me to skin logs of their bark, ride a motorcycle, and to dig ditches to divert the water on our 3 mile-long dirt road. And I was stronger because of it.

One afternoon, I heard my dad's truck pull up and I instantly knew something was wrong. When he opened the door of his truck, his face was swollen and bloody and he was in a tremendous amount of pain. "I took a tree in the face", he said. And as I rushed him to the doctor, I knew I had to keep it together. Be strong.  Be strong, I told myself. Keep it together for Popsy. And I did.

Although his jaw was broken and he'd lost several teeth, he never lost his smile.  Someday, I'm going to be just like him, I thought. And over the years, through the good times and the bad, I've learned that it all turns out in the end, and just like him, I'll never lose my smile.

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Between posts on my website, I document my life on Instagram. You can follow along with me there.

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Comments

[forcryeye]

My Dad too. We were lucky to have Dad's with a superman smile! I feel so sad for anyone who doesn't have that! Thanks for sharing!

[Monica]

What a sweet way to honor your dad. You can just tell from his picture that he is full of kindness.

[Vicki K]

You look like your dad! What a great story. Though those kind of events are awful when they happen, it is good to know that you can handle an emergency like that. Useful, especially, being the mother of wonderful active boys!

[Janet]

I love everything about this post. Your wonderful story of your Dad, the pictures, an the truck. Is that a dog behind the wheel? I miss my dad everyday, and anytime someone tells me I'm like him, I feel like I've just gotten the greatest compliment ever.

[Melissa K]

What a wonderful legacy you have and will leave.

[Jemm]

That is really great that you have that kind of relationship with your Dad.

[Mandi Pike]

He has a wonderful smile! You look like him, and have his determination and spirit that get you through life. Love the old truck, and the dog 'driving' is too much!

Thanks for sharing your world with us, and paying tribute to your dad. I adore my dad too. His strength, wisdom and fun-loving spirit have rubbed off on me and made me the gal I am today!

[Jennifer]

What a handsome man with a wonderful smile and a kind heart. Thanks for sharing him with us.

[Kris Grover]

Awww...you sure look like your Daddy too! Is he still living Serena? I lost my darling Dad 6 years ago to cancer. I was the only girl of 4 kids, and quite the Daddy's Girl! He was my KNIGHT in shining armor!!!
Sweet post!!!

[Julie Harward]

Your Dad has the most beautiful smile..if yours is like his..use it, don't ever loose it! Here's smiling at you kid..can you see me :D Come say hi anytime~

[the wild raspberry]

what a sweet post serena!

[maryann]

i have been enjoying your posts very much! i just had to share on this one because it is so sweet. your dad sounds like a wonderful man, and you are a wonderful daughter! and you look a lot like him, as others have pointed out. :) thank you for all of the smiles you give to all of us!!

[Sanna]

I love the stories about your family. I understand it was tough at times growing up but that it made you and your family stronger. You seem to have a very special bond with your parents. What a great smile your father has! Thank you for sharing.

[Jennifer]

What a lovely post! He sounds like a wonderful man.

[Jessica Roth]

Thanks for sharing your story. I am lucky enough to have a great and harworking dad just like yours!

[Beth Evans-Ramos]

Your story of your dad is a heart warmer!

Beth of Salvage Studio

[funkyjunksisters]

The dog is cute! You really had to dig a ditch? Wow.

Linda & Dixie
The Funky Junk Sisters
http://www.funkyjunksisters.blogspot.com

[Julie Campbell]

Loved your story about your Dad...my Dad is Superman, too--always will be! Thanks for always sharing beautiful, inspiring stories--and everything else!

[Jil]

Awww... Thanks for the memory boost of my dad for me, and the stories about yours. Yep, Supermen is a very apt description. We were so lucky they saw us as strong, capable women. <3

[Marianne]

What a wonderful ode to your dad. Your words made me think of my dad who was a bit like yours. Thanks for the sentimental moment. Marnie

[Jessica Storey]

Thank goodness for all the good Dads out there. The world needs so many more of those! Your post reminded me of my Dad, so of course I had to call him and say how much I love him, thanks for helping to remind me to do that today!
Your new banner and pic are perfect. You seem at peace and happy.

[Karen]

Thanks for sharing your memories of your dad! It really reminded me of my own dad. I don't know if it's always like this for daughter's, but for the longest time, I thought my dad was perfect and that he knew everything. Hopefully my kids think that of their own father, it's a great way to live.

[virginia bed and breakfast]

All Dads are like him.Daring courageous, loving ,caring and patience in the bad times.Dad i love you too much.Keep smiling and smiling always...

[Diane ~ The Library Lady]

Serena,
Thanks for this post. My heart hurts today ~ Friday, October 9. My Daddy has been gone from this physical earth for ten years. Today is my sister's birthday and she passed away on September 5. I know from your postings how much you love your family and how much they mean to you ~ as do I and I cherish each and every memory. I don't have a Blog but I do journal the old fashioned way ~ pen and paper. My journal is called "Remember...Before I forget". I've gone back as far as my memory can go ~ currently that's age 4 and I've been writing those memories down. I hope to one day share them with my grown sons and their children.

Love,
Diane
The Library Lady
"Take surprise and delight in the little things"

[Janet Doherty]

So funny, I just did my post on my Da.
They are amazing how they influence our lives...
http://itisanevolution.blogspot.com/2009/10/let-me-tell-you-story.html

Enjoy your stories.
Janet

[Pat]

Your Dad looks so much like my husband that they could be brothers! His smile is the kind that lights up a whole universe.

I came to your blog today to let you know I love The Farm Chicks book! I may live in NYC but I am a farm girl at heart. Thanks!

[Wendy McDonagh-Valentine]

What a wonderful post!! My dad passed away almost four years ago. He was only 59. I still can't believe it at times. He is definitely still around us and sends us signs all of the time in the form of dimes. Thank you for your words. They were beautiful. : )

~ Wendy
http://Crickleberrycottage.blogspot.com/

[paige]

what a great smile & a great tribute too!
xo

[tinkerverve.wordpress.com]

With my dad being a logger (even @ 71), I always knew when he came home early that something was wrong. Once I remember he took his chainsaw to his leg...and one day a log rolled from the pile onto our family dog ;-(...and another day, as a sophmore (and the youngest), I came home ~ he was on the couch sitting by my sobbing mom ~ they had found out she was pregnant...that was a good day (and a little weird).

[YONKS]

What a handsome guy your daddy was. Sch wonderful memories :-)
Di
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