Remembering my daddy

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Father’s Day was always an enjoyable day for me. However, this Father’s Day will be more of a sad day for me since my daddy passed away in April.
My daddy was easy to please when it came to buying gifts on Father’s Day, his birthday and at Christmas. However, his philosophy always was, “Don’t buy me anything! I don’t need anything. You save your money, don’t spend it on me.”
My dad, Leighton Fruge, lived a simple full life. Born in September of 1930 to a family of 11 children, he learned at a very young age to live a simple life.
He was a happy, positive man, and never took anything for granted. I rarely heard my daddy complain about anything, and when I would complain about something in front of him, his answer was always, “It could be worse.”
He worked very hard at everything he did and accomplished very much during his 87 years on earth.
Daddy had to quit school, in sixth or eighth grade, which I can’t remember exactly what grade, to work in the fields with his family raising crops.
He taught himself reading, writing, and studied for a very long time to take a civil service test. His dream job was to become a postal letter carrier. After taking the civil service test three different times, Daddy got hired in Eunice at the post office as a city postal letter carrier. He retired in 1990 with 25 plus years of service.
Daddy taught me so many life lessons, from my childhood, teen years, to married life, motherhood, and even until the time of his death.
I always approached my daddy for his advice and life decisions. I valued his opinion and suggestions. I need him now as a matter of fact, and I can’t go to him.
Our relationship was very unique, but there were times we disagreed on different things. But, I always respected him, remained quiet, and never ‘back talked’ to him. But, after these times and disagreements, we normally managed to get over things quickly and move on.
My daddy never met a stranger. He loved to visit, cook and bake, and usually gave away his homemade goods. And he never wasted food at meal times. If you left anything on your plate, watch out because he would eat it. He would ask, “Are you eating that? If you aren’t I’ll eat it!”
Those of you who knew my daddy, knew that you could count on receiving freshly homegrown vegetables from his garden. He gave away vegetables to family and friends. His favorite pastime was gardening.
My daddy was also known as your local “weatherman.” Many of his family and friends would call upon him if they were not sure about upcoming weather forecasts, because they knew he faithfully watched weather and local news on his television. All who knew him well also knew to never call him or visit during his “nap time” hour.
I can fairly say I was a Daddy’s girl!
I sorely miss you daddy. I’m praying and believing that you are eating your favorite food today in Heaven ... and Happy Father’s Day!