Previous Challenge Entry (Level 1 – Beginner)
Topic: Father (as in paternal parent, not God) (04/10/08)
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TITLE: My Dad | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mildred Sheldon
04/17/08 -
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How does one tell others about their dad and how you ended up being the person you are today? Putting your feelings down on paper for others to read is not always easy. My dad was addicted to alcohol and growing up in that environment was sometimes a little chaotic. We learned early on to be quiet and stay away from dad when he was under the influence. Our mother ran interference for us and protected us from a man who while blinded by alcohol became mean and abusive.
When my dad was not under the influence of alcohol, you could not have wanted a better dad. He was loving, kind, gentle and he loved to play with us. He would take us on little excursions as he called them. We had more fun just going for walks and playing in the nearby creek. That was where we went during the hot days of summer. The whole neighborhood gathered at the creek and we had so much fun. The mothers watched the kids and the men all gathered on the far bank of the creek to shoot their rifles. There was no alcohol during those outings.
My dad finally beat his addiction to alcohol and he was so sorry for all the pain he had caused his family. Dad asked mom why she had stayed with him and the answer she gave him was beautiful. It was short sweet and simple. I loved you. God does many strange and wonderful things in each of our lives and sometimes we cannot comprehend them but one thing I know for sure is that love does conquer all.
I lost my dad thirty-seven years ago but I remember how he treated mom after he conquered his addiction to alcohol. I remember him holding my children on his knee and playing with them. What a joy seeing this man free from that demon of alcoholism. To see him blossom into the person God meant him to be. He bought so much joy to my children and I was so blessed seeing him hold his grandchildren.
I think at that point in my life I was finally able to forgive my dad. I finally understood what unconditional love was. Growing up with a dad addicted to alcohol did leave scars but they are now healed. My dad was very special and I loved him so very much. Remembering my dad now after all these years still fills me with so much joy.
Was he perfect? No! Would I change anything? No! I am a stronger and more compassionate person towards others. My eyes have seen the worst of a person but also the best. You may say I crazy but my dad was and always will be my dad.
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Take a look at your first sentence:
How does one tell others about their dad and how you ended up being the person you are today?
Consider this re-write, not in 2nd person:
How do tell others about my dad and how I ended up being the person I am today?
The 1st person version makes it more relatable: after all, these things happened to you, not me. Something to consider in future writings.
I'm glad I read this--stories like this warm my heart.