As we go through life, our views of Dad changes. As a toddler, he is the
strongest man on earth and can make you feel safe when you are in his arms.
During your school years, he is the guy that goes to work (only we don't know
for sure what he does there) and he can fix everything that needs repair.
As we become teenagers, he is the guy that still goes to work and pays
the bills. He is also the holder of the car keys, but most important, he is our
'bank'. There are times when he also seconds as mom's backup when we mess up!
We find out through life, that dear old dad doesn't really talk much,
mom does most of the disciplining (which is really the best for us), but he
always seems to step in at the last minute to lay down the law and get things
back under control.
Then, we mature and learn that Dad has tons of
knowledge that we never knew about. He understands problems that we have, he
always has an extra hand to help us out and repair things, his strong arms still
make us feel safe and he is still the one that we talk to in order to get things
under control. Isn't it funny how history repeats itself?
Now, keep in
mind that this man doesn't ask for much. As long as he has clothes for work and
nice looking pair of jeans for everyday, a warm winter coat for winter and one
'state-of-the-art' something or other for his hobby, he is content.
Does
this cause a problem for us to find something special? Not at all!
Dads
give a lot of hints and don't realize it. It could be the gleam in his eye when
he tells you about a friend that has the newest fishing pole on the market.
Maybe the hint will come when he complains about arthritis bothering him when he
uses a screwdriver and tries to get the screw tight. Can't you just picture the
look on his face when he see's a new power screwdriver and drill combo in his
gift box?
It could be Dad is having a hard time taking care of his prize
garden. Just think how handy it would be for him if he had raised beds, a garden
weasel or a small roto tiller.
Every Dad, no matter what his hobby is,
has a special place in his heart for his vehicle whether it is a truck, car or
SUV. He keeps it in tip-top running condition and baby's it all the time.
Wouldn't it be nice to give him gift certificates for a once a month washing and
waxing, an appointment for a detailing job or to have the upholstery cleaned! In
this day and age, a gift certificate for gas isn't out of the question either.
I bet any Dad would be happy to see his garage organized so he can
finally find all of the things that he has been looking for. It could mean
adding shelves, a storage cabinet, holders for yard tools or hand tools, and a
storage area for extension cords or maybe some new garbage cans. Now, keep in
mind that we are talking about 'Dad' here and we know that he won't go and buy
any of these things himself. As his kids, it is our job to take over the reins a
little and learn from his great example and 'get things back under control', the
same way that he used to do. Spend a day with good old Dad and help him set up
his garage with all of his new 'toys' and top it off with a pizza or hotdogs for
supper.
Every Dad has something special that they care about and cherish
and, of course, their kids are number one on the list. An updated photo and a
small one for his wallet (just for bragging about) is always a good idea. ON THE
OTHER HAND, how about getting him a digital camera so he can take all of the
pictures that he wants along with whoever owns the computer, willing to run them
off for him.
If all else fails, you can always give him a cherished
memory and that to Dad would be a day of your time once in a while, just to do
some rebonding and relive memories. See if your memories are the same as Dad's,
you will be surprised at how both of you saw the same circumstance in a
different way.
For the Dad that is the 'Chef of the House', a new grill,
an apron that says 'Dad's Kitchen-Stay Out', a new cooking pot with a recipe and
the ingredients are always a big plus!
Dad's are only 'thanked' once a
year, but it can be a day that puts a smile on his face for 365 days and then
you can do it again!
Jan Hayner offers tips, hints and shortcuts on
organizing and cleaning solutions. At Organizing Your Life THE EASY
WAY.com. Get her free pamphlets and checklists to help guide you to taking
control of your home or office.
Jan Hayner is a Professional Organizer, Easy Home Organizing offers tips and hints on home organizing and house cleaning shortcuts for men, women, parents, senior citizens and kids. Monthly newsletter, checklists and free pamphlets '50 Things to Organize in 10 Minutes or Less, GuiltBusters for Working Moms and 50 House Cleaning Shortcuts' are available to guide you. You can read more about her at her website http://www.organizingyourlifetheeasyway.com.
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