Sunday, June 19, 2011

Happy FATHER's Day to...

Julian A Cluff
That would be my DAD on the right.  He died when I was a mere 11 months old when his plane crashed near Payson, AZ.  I only got to know him through the stories that were told.  But, those stories let him be a HERO in my mind.  Flying airplanes - riding motorcycles - and he was sooo handsome!  The visits that I had with him were frequent trips to the cemetery with Mom to take him bunches of oleander and wipe down his headstone.  I loved being in that green, cool oasis.  Listening to the birds singing in the trees and feeing the soft breeze against my little tanned body I could feel peace and happiness there.  But, he wasn't there to put his arms around me, or hold me on his knee...  I have to be honest and admit that I felt abandoned by him and somewhat angry.  My big brother, Jim, took me to the crash site when I was much older.  After hiking in from the highway Jim pointed out to me the canopy of the plane still leaning against a treeon the little hill, pointed in the direction of the tiny airport.  Some of that anger began to melt.  My DAD had been returning to the airport  - he knew there was a problem and was going back.  I sat right down in the dirt and let the tears come.  As I sobbed the 47 years of pain and longing and yes, anger, all washed away.  My Daddy had been trying to come home.  I know now that he has been watching over me my entire life!  Happy Father's Day.  I love you! 

Eddie Lee Jones
That would be my DAD on the left.  I was almost 6 years old when my Mom married him.  I really wanted a daddy, but knew there were going to be many changes for this little girl.  From their courting, I could already feel the sterness.  I could tell that the discipline was going to out-weigh the tenderness he may feel towards me.  I was right.  I had lots of moments of his harsh discipline.  I was too sassy and was always punished for "talking back".  But, I really only wanted to be a "daddy's little girl" and make him love me.  I learned a lot about life from him.  He taught me the importance of doing a job well, and smiling while doing it (I may have had the hardest time with the smiling part), being frugal (straightening used bent nails to re-use), respecting the animals that would feed us, bring money to our family on their sale, or simply be our friend.  He was a hard worker,  soooo Handsome, loved to sing, and was so much fun on family camping trips.  I really became close to him in his later years, and learned how much I loved him as I became more involved in his care.  Thanks for making me yours, Dad. Happy Father's Day!

1 comment:

Bev said...

.....it's hard to type through tears! Your words are such a tribute to both of these men...who in their own way loved you very much!!