Saturday, November 19, 2011

Dear Daughters: Expected Expectations

IMG_2513 My Father,  Thanksgiving,  2010


For as long as I can remember, I thought I was

just like my mother.


Lately, in steely, one on one,

no nonsense, look somebody in the eye conversations with

people who don’t think the way I do,

I realized I was also

exactly like my father,

with

ONE

major

exception.



He says something in 3 words;

I use 53.


There is a code of expected behavior all tied up

in what he seems to be saying,

in so few words.


It is the communication of

expected

expectations.


Not the high and low that the world today exhorts.


It is EXPECTED.


It in turn causes you to expect it too.



Some of his classics:


*keep a tight rein

*did you learn anything?

*you don’t have any business…

*sister, that’s a two handed turn


***

10 comments:

NanaDiana said...

Awww..you gotta love a dad like that! What a blessing that he has been such a big part of your life-so much so that you are JUST like him- (kinda)! xo Diana

Karen said...

What pearls of wisdom. And I think your picture of your dad needs to be framed.
I just reminded myself how good it is having your dad as my neighbor.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Pondside said...

We're lucky women, to each have a father with such wisdom, still with us to allow us to reflect on who we are.

The Green Pea said...

Great Dad, you are a blessed daughter! I love the, "sister, that's a two handed turn". Does that mean, it is going to be difficult?

Ann said...

Your dad sounds like a very wise man :)

Blondie's Journal said...

My dad was very much like yours...a man of few words but each one said volumes.

XO,
Jane

Patty said...

I was a Daddy's Girl, too, Laura. And glad of it ! He was just like your dad...used very few words, but oh, the impact those had ! We were lucky to have lived next door to my parents for many years, until they left us a few years back. I miss my dad terribly ! Give him an extra special hug, would ya ?

Lynn said...

My Daddy always said, "It will all come out in the wash." Always. About everything.

Gail Dixon said...

Aww, how sweet. Great pic of your dad. I'm so glad I didn't not take after my dad personality-wise, but I did inherit his love of nature and for that I am glad. :)

Deb said...

I love it...great photo of your Dad...my son is not a big talker..my hubby is a really really big talker...he loves words...and uses tons of them to tell a story....and boy does he have stories.....great post..

 

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