Oh, Boy, Would I?!
“There is a time for everything and a season for every activity under heaven: a time to be born and a time to die, . . . a time to weep and a time to laugh, a time to mourn and a time to dance, . . .”
Ecclesiastes 3:1-4 (NIV)
Our family has just experienced a significant passage: that of our father/brother/grandfather/uncle/friend. My father passed away a few weeks ago at age 93. It wasn’t a surprise, as he’d been failing for some time. And, as I’ve said, he was 93. But his condition and resultant end was not welcome. We’d rather have him with us yet, healthy and whole. The aging process and what follows is not pretty, as you’re only too aware.
But I won’t dwell on that point. Instead, I’d rather pen a brief tribute to a special man.
The ordinary, basic facts about his life appeared in his obituary. But he was so much more than those rudimentary, minimal tidbits of information would indicate – things, of course, like his birthplace; service as a radioman in the Navy during the 2nd World War; educational and work history; his marriage to my mother; the births of my sister and me; his skill at fast-pitch softball; his love for fishing, motorcycles, and cars; and so much more. Yes, those thing go some distance in defining the man, but fall very short of expressing the ultimate representation of my dad. This short piece won’t do it either. But . . .
He was loyal to his family. His wife, daughters, and grandson meant everything to him, and it showed. He was available to them – always – at need, even if/when it greatly inconvenienced himself. And he didn’t necessarily wait to be asked. When he saw a need he acted, immediately.
He spent different types of time with my sister and me. He and I shared an interest in sports, for example, and he spent countless hours teaching, coaching, and playing with me. He attended as many of my sporting events as he could.
With my sister, he physically took her out of certain stressful situations when she needed him to. He knew when it was time to “spring” her. This facility of his saved her. He got her the respite she needed when she needed it.
At the end, it was her – my sister Susie – who made sure his needs got met. She knew when he needed to be “sprung” and she performed this task for him without complaint. And it was Susie who saw our dad as he must have been as a young boy. She’s told me that more than once she asked him if he’d like to go for ice cream. “Oh, boy, would I?!” he’d fairly shout, eyes shining, face broken into a huge grin.
Someday he’ll be that boy again, or at least closer to that boy than to a 93-year-old man. He and my mother will live again. They’ll not be able to contain their excitement at seeing one another and us once more. Of being asked if they’d like a treat of whatever-takes-the-place-of-ice cream in heaven. If something takes the place of ice cream in heaven . . .
I’m eager to see that look of excitement and anticipation on my dad’s face. If you were to ask me if I’d like to sit with him, my mother, and my sister enjoying such a treat, I’d say, “Oh, boy, would I?!” My eyes would be shining and I would be grinning. That day can’t come too soon.
15 Comments
Trudie
Oh I love this how you have expounded on your dad. He sounds like a super duper dad and I can see the love you have for him. And it’s so wonderful to know that you’ll see him again one day. what A day that will be! Hey maybe we’ll get to have ice cream together in heaven!
Carolyn Karlstrom
Yes! Let’s plan on it!! That’s where we’ll be meeting, you and me. 🍦♥️ Thanks so much for your precious note!!
Carleen Jones
Thank you for writing this. Really enjoyed it. You must be starting to feel settled in.
Beth
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. He had a blessed life here on earth and now an even more blessed life in heaven. What a joyous union you will all have when Jesus comes to claim His church! Love and hugs! 💕
Carolyn Karlstrom
Thank you so much, Beth!! Yes, won’t that be the day?! ♥️
Carolyn Karlstrom
We are, yes! Miss you, though . . . 🤗
Carolyn Karlstrom
We are settling in, yes. But we miss you!!
Carolyn Karlstrom
I hope this gets directed to you, Carleen – am having some trouble answering your comments. They’re getting placed beneath Beth’s name. But yes, we’re settling in nicely. We miss you and Ross, though!
Sherri
What a sweet tribute to your father, Carolyn! My father lived to the grand old age of 97 and I was thankful for every single day. Cherish all of those wonderful memories that you and your sister have of him!
Cheryl
Wish I had gotten to meet your dad. It’s a great dad who can see the difference in their children and relate in a way that reaches each heart. Sounds like your dad was that….. like Jesus ❤️
Carolyn Karlstrom
Yes!! Thank you so much for reading this and for your thoughtful response. ♥️
Carolyn Karlstrom
We do and we will! Thank you!!! ❤️
Susie
Make mine a licorice ice cream. I cannot wait to see him and mother again. When Jesus comes again and shouts “George, would you like to wake up and join me for eternity?” I know just what dad will say “boy, would I” !!
Carolyn Karlstrom
Yes! And I hope to be near enough to hear it!! What a day!!! ♥️♥️
Juanita
You are blessed with beautiful memories . Time passes so quickly until all you have is memories of your loved ones. When I look in the mirror I see my dad. The older I get the more I look like him. I miss my mom everyday and my daughter, well the pain of her leaving never goes away. We hold on to the promises of Jesus knowing this life is just a small pause, then eternity with those we love. Those promises make it all worthwhile. In the meantime you, Rick and your kitty have a lot more wonderful memories to make!🙏🌹🙏❤️🙏. Juanita Zubizareta