Editor, Times-Union: Mom was the one who was always at home cooking, sewing and styling hair. Dad just went to work every day on the farm or was out selling fertilizers, tractors or appliances to earn a good living. One Christmas Grandma waited too long to get a Santa to come to her house so my dad dressed up and brought the presents. My little brother, about 4 at the time, thought Santa’s eyes sure looked a lot like his daddy’s eyes! Dad, as Santa, even took gifts to several neighbor kids’ homes to surprise them that year. Dad was the one who said, “You’re 8 now, so I’ll show you how to drive the riding lawn mower.” Mom thought I was still a little girl and should not be mowing or trimming all that hedge. We had a huge yard with hedges everywhere. I remember when Dad bought my brother and I an electric go-cart to share. He taught us how to brake and be safe. We drove that beauty in circles in our back yard all summer. The green grass was worn down to the sod. Dad just said, “Oh well!” When I was 11, Dad dropped me off at my girlfriend’s so we could go to the beach. He was making a delivery and would return in a few hours. My girlfriend was a blond. I became one, too! When Dad picked me up, I mentioned how bright the sun had been. He said, “You peroxided your hair!” Later I told Mom that I didn’t know Dad even knew what word. She was not happy with the hair results either! When we look at the old photo albums or family movies, there are hundreds of pictures of mom, my brother, our cousins, me, parades, vacations – yet few of Dad. Where was he anyway? Oh, sure he was the one taking everyone else’s picture. When I went to Ball State, he carried all those boxes of my stuff up several flights to my dorm room. Mom told me all would be OK. She wrote most of the letters. Dad just sent the checks for tuition, room and board, and always sent extra for me to spend. When I got married, it was Mom who helped with the dress, styled my hair and cried a little. Dad just said, “On your honeymoon, be sure to stop by the Michigan cabin. You know I’ll be fishing up there next week.” Most of my life Dad said, “Did you say your prayers? Be careful! When will you get home? Who’s going with you? Stop by the pump, and I’ll fill your car up with gas. Do you need $20? Not Mom – she just loved me, but Dad ... oh my goodness, he sure loved me, too! I really knew that! Remembering my favorite dad, Asa Hines, and my precious mom, Mildred Morrett Hines. Both have been gone 20-plus years, but they’re always close to my heart. Father’s Day – goodness and love to all the great dads! God’s favor! Marcia Hines Ousley North Manchester
