My Dad is a person I have admired from before the time I first knew him. My Dad had a wonderful sense of humour. His childhood and university days were full of harmless pranks and the nicest sound I can remember is my Dad reading or listening to the radio when something would tickle his sense of humour making him laugh out loud, infecting anyone within hearing.
© irene waters 2016
My Dad had a strong faith but this did not stop him laughing at jokes. He taught me that if you believe in something a little ridicule will not rock that belief, if it does then you need to re-examine yourself. He also taught me that in life it is essential to be able to laugh at yourself. My Dad gave us the foundations for living our life honestly, cleanly, with compassion for all of our fellow human beings no matter what the race or creed may be. He gave us a foundation in Christianity and left it up to us to make our own choice, with no rancour when we both eventually chose to go our own way.
© irene waters 2016
He was well respected within the church, ending his time as a Presbyterian in the role of Clerk of Assembly and standing tall amongst those that did not want to go with the uniting of the Prebyterian, Methodist and Congregational churches.
© irene waters 2016
He was loved by his parishioners – both the elderly
© irene waters 2016
and the children.
© irene waters 2016
But to me he was my Dad. Helping me out of the trees I climbed and then became afraid to get down.
© irene waters 2016
Teaching us to swim and surf.
© irene waters 2016
Loving and caring even when I was grumpy.
© irene waters 2016
Exploring rock pools
© irene waters 2016
Bushwalking
© irene waters 2016
Always there
© irene waters 2016
© irene waters 2016
With my Mum providing a loving home (unappreciated at the time)
© irene waters 2016
Always in the background
© irene waters 2016
and in the foreground
© irene waters 2016
And it was so special that he performed our marriage ceremony.
We were living in Vanuatu when he died. Although he has been gone over twenty years I still feel his presence within me. Love you Dad.
In response to Weekly Photo Challenge
Reflections and Nightmares- Irene A Waters (writer and memoirist) 
what a wonderful tribute to your dad )
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Thank you very much.
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A sweet and loving tribute, Irene, and I can see how you resemble him in some of the photos.
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Thanks Noelle. Most people say I look like my mother but I will swear I share some of Dad’s features. Glad you could see it.
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This is a beautiful tribute, I enjoyed reading it.
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I’m glad you enjoyed reading about my Dad. Thanks.
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Lovely. How great that you have so many photos of him through the years.
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It is lovely to have lots of photos. As you get older you enjoy looking at them more and more.
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That’s lovely. It sounds like a was a kind and just man.
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He was exactly that Christina. Kind and just.
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a moving but wonderful story
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Thank you Taphian. I’m glad you enjoyed a brief glimpse at my Dad.
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A lovely tribute to your father and perfect for the challenge this week.
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Thank you Ruth. I couldn’t think of anyone I admired more.
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What a wonderful story of your dad. You are so fortunate to have so many photos. He left you too young but he gave you a strong and loving foundation.
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I couldn’t agree more Sharon. I was very lucky. I just wish I’d realised it when I was a child.
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Thanks Irene, I could not agree more. And some wonderful photos I hadn’t seen before. One small comment. You said he stood tall amongst those who were against uniting. Might be misunderstood that he was against uniting. In fact, he was one of the strong proponents of uniting, and played a key role in the negotiations to make it happen.
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Yes that is what I meant but I guess I can see now you have pointed it out that it could be taken to mean the opposite. Glad you agree.
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Oh, geez, lady. I’m crying. This is beautiful. 💕 And wow how this stood out: “He taught me that if you believe in something a little ridicule will not rock that belief, if it does then you need to re-examine yourself.”
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Thanks Sarah. ❤
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Irene, most children don’t appreciate a safe and wholesome childhood while they are living it. It is only when they grow up and look back that they truly value what their parents provided.
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How right you are and how glad I am that we grow up to realise otherwise.
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