James H. Strickland This is favorite picture of my Dad and me. To me he was the biggest and strongest man alive. He had the biggest hands that seemed to engulf mine and make me feel tiny. My Dad taught me some of the most important things to me. He taught me how to be quiet in a boat when we were fishing. He wouldn't pamper me. He made me learn to bait my hook, take my fish off and how to clean it. He gave me an appreciation for camping and boating. He explained sports to me and I have been a lifelong sports fan. I learned to listen to the birds and identify them from their whistles and songs. I am really grateful to my Dad for teaching me about the birds. He believed that his daughters should know how to use all the common hand tools. He made us self-reliant.
My Dad had a great sense of humor and a quick wit. He could come up with something funny to say about most anything. Some of my favorite Dad sayings are: Grinning like a Jackass eating saw briars......The things you see first thing in the morning when you don't have a loaded gun.......The first time I saw your head I knew you were going to have trouble with it. I could sit here and explain what each one means, but I won't. Those that know me, just ask. If you really need to know, send me a comment.
My Dad passed away five years ago and there hasn't been a day go by that I have not thought about him. He was not a perfect man. He was the best man he could be. He had work ethic and he was a good friend. He was charitable. He taught his daughters that there is no such thing as a free lunch. He was a good husband to my mother for 55 years.
I know he is looking down on me and watching over me. I am certain that he loves me and is happy with how I turned out. I wish I could spend Father's Day with him. Just the two of us. Maybe in a boat fishing. Not saying anything. Just being together. That's all each of us ever needed.
We both have fathers that passed on to a better place sitting on the banks fishing some wheres chatting and catch what ever they want. A father is someone that is hard to replace. He is always there to answer questions and give advice and give as much wisdom that they can give from what they have achieved over the years. I know that our Dads look over us each and every day making sure we are safe. I always hoped that i was a good son to him. I miss him every day.
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