“Every child and grandchild’s home should have the Three Monkies”—Honey Good

I gave each of my children the three monkeys—Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil, and See No Evil. I am hopeful they have gifted their children with this keepsake.

The Three Monkeys speak volumes without saying a word. My father is a man who represented all three virtues. 

How does a daughter describe the essence of her father? What is the legacy he leaves her to pass on to her children? Because isn’t that what life is about—the passing on of values from generation to generation? 

As the Patriarch of our family, my father exemplified all that was decent … the highest moral standards, respect and love for my mother, his children, his grandchildren, and his great-grandchildren. A strong work ethic, a charitable mentality, and an ability to be loved and respected by all who knew him.

My father can best be described as a gentleman. During my growing up years, my father was the parent I most observed for his essence. My mother for her grit and style.  

Fill Your Home With Memories

Our parents leave us many significant gifts. Mental gifts are the best because I believe the most important gift a parent leaves a child is what they leave them in their heads, not their bank account.

In our apartment-in-the-sky in my beautiful Chicago, I have my personal ‘I love you items’ from family and friends. As I move daily from room to room, my eyes focus on these collectibles, and pleasant memories or a lesson well learned will flash through my mind, always with love and joy.

“Every day of my life is Father’s Day. There is not a day I do not thank my father for being a superb role model, a man of wisdom, and a loving father. I wish my father was here. I do know this, he is the brightest star in the sky, this dear father of mine.”—Honey Good 

Today, with tears in my eyes, I glance at my monkey; Speak No Evil, Hear No Evil, and See No Evil. Thoughts of my father flash through my mind because these nine words best describe this father of mine. If you would ask anyone who knew this wonderful father of mine, they would echo my words.

There is emotional trauma when children of every age say a final goodbye to a parent. Unfortunately, it is one of the cruelties of life to have someone you love so much taken from you. 

To know I will never lay eyes on that parent again, hear their laughter, listen to their words of wisdom, or feel their hugs eleven years later is often intolerable.

Words of Wisdom From My Father

 

Though I am a wife, mother, and grandmother, I still need my father. I need him to help me with my struggles because I revered his thinking and advice. 

“Always take the high road, Susan.” 

“Always give back.” 

“Be true to yourself.” 

“A grateful person is a happy person.”  

When he spoke, everyone listened because they wanted to hear what he had to say. 

Every day of my life is Father’s Day. There is not a day I do not thank my father for being a superb role model, a man of wisdom, and a loving father. I wish my father were here. I do know this, he is the brightest star in the sky, this dear father of mine. 

Pause to remember those who are no longer with you. Amen.

Celebrate those who are here. Hold them near and dear to your hearts, and be grateful. Parenting is to be respected and held in the highest esteem. Honor Thy Father and Thy Mother: The Fifth Commandment. Amen. 

Happy Father’s Day.

What are some lessons that you learned from your father, either from his words or actions? I’d love for you to share in the comments. 

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