Editor’s Note: This column originally appear on Sept. 4, 2015.
“Oh Susannah! Oh don’t you cry for me. For I come from Alabama with a banjo on my knee.”
It’s strange the memories that stay with us. I can’t remember how it started or why, but every night when I was a young child, my father would sing my sister and I to sleep with the that old Western tune. I remember not being able to sleep until I had heard the last lines of “Oh! Susannah.”
I haven’t ever thought to ask why dad chose that song, and the reasons aren’t important. Because now whenever I hear that song, all I hear is my dad’s voice from at my bedside. It was years ago and yet in my mind’s eye it seems like yesterday. I can still hear it, and I pray that I always will.
I have been fortunate in my life to have a father who will do anything for me — for his entire family for that matter. I trust his advice in all things and appreciate his continued love and support as I navigate this thing called life.
He is not a perfect man, but he is a caring one. He’s one of most stubborn people I know; and at the same time, I haven’t met a man as sensitive as he. I can never fault him for his passion for life and his family.
My siblings and I aren’t the only ones to see his passion at work. He was a dedicated educator and coach for 31 years. He was a high school special education teacher, a job not everyone could handle. He took pride in helping the students who needed it the most and did everything he could to help them succeed.
Even in his retirement, he continues to be connected to the teaching world as a substitute. He has done everything from elementary PE to high school biology. He doesn’t know how to do anything at half speed. It may not be his class on a daily basis, but he will give his all while he’s there.
Coaching is one of his biggest loves. Many times he’s decided to stop but another opportunity crosses his path. He now coaches junior high volleyball and junior high boys track. Like in all other things, he gives his all. He will tell me, in detail, how the girls did at their games; or how the boys ran at the meet. He sees potential in every single kid, and he will work with them to succeed.
I can’t fully comprehend the impact he has had on others. He has been stopped by former students and players more times than I can count, and they will tell me how much he still means to them. I know exactly what they mean. He’s my dad.
My father turns 60 this month; and while it’s been a long time since I needed to have him sing me to sleep, I want him to know I still remember what it sounded like as I drifted off into slumberland. Sometimes on nights I can’t fall asleep, I wish I had a recording of it to help clear my mind of the problems of adulthood and transport me back to the innocence of youth.
One of his catchphrases is “I wouldn’t trade you for anybody or anything in the whole world.” The same could be said for me. Thank you dad for everything you have taught me and continue to teach me. I hope you have a very special birthday.
Contact Pam Rodgers at
prodgers@newtondailynews.com