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Happy Father’s Day
Posted by Anne
This is my Dad when he was young and handsome, sitting on the front steps with, from left to right, me, my brother Rick, and my sister Liz.
My Dad did not believe in Father’s Day – or Mother’s Day. He said they were fake holidays invented by the merchants to sell more stuff. As a merchant myself, I have to wonder “what’s wrong with that?” Dad and I did not agree on everything.
This is my first Father’s Day since I lost my father, and I have been thinking about him more than usual, and shedding just a few more tears than usual.
Dad was a pillar of our small community, well-known for his unimpeachable integrity and his old-fashioned values. Being Fred Taintor’s daughter opened doors for me throughout my childhood. And just this past fall when Liz and I decided to take a winter beach rental in Maine to make it easier to spend time with my Mom her first few months without Dad, we asked our new landlord (who was from Lewiston, Maine – the town where we grew up) if he wanted references and a deposit. He told us “if you’re Fred Taintor’s kids that’s good enough for me.” Here we were – two women in our mid-fifties – still having our ways paved by the shining reputation of our dead father.
Dad was the most careful and conservative man I ever met. So when I was a single mom, working full time (and then some) for a cartographer, and working nights and weekends to build my little vintage collage business, I was taken aback when Dad asked me why I didn’t quit my job and focus full time on my business. I said “but Dad… then I wouldn’t have any security.” And he told me “you don’t have any security now.” This was big news. I had always thought the plan was for me to be as traditional as possible, and since I’d already blown the being-taken-care-of-by-a-husband thing, I was pretty sure I needed a “real” job. My father’s belief that I could build a life based on doing something all my own pretty much blew my mind… and gave me the courage to give it my best shot. Thank you, Dad.
And one more thing: growing up in a smallish town where my father was well-known and well-respected, I was often asked “are you Fred Taintor’s daughter?” After I had been in business for a few years my father told me that someone had asked him “are you related to Anne Taintor?” That’s when I knew for sure that I was someone all on my own.
I could tell you lots of stories about my Dad, but you have your own Dads to focus on today. I hope they are all as wonderful and supportive as mine was. Buy them something special. (Sorry, Dad.) They deserve it.
Dad when he was old and handsome, with most of his descendants – and his lovely wife Jane
5 Responses to “Happy Father’s Day”
I’ve heard people express the same feelings about merchants inventing holidays for their personal gain. I don’t know if this is true, but I do know that the recipient of the gift is made to feel treasured and loved. The cliche “It is better to give than to receive” is so true.
Thank you for sharing your heartwarming story about your dad. I too lost my dad and miss him terribly. Dads are great. Everybody should have one!
Nice story, thanks for sharing. My dad is 90 and still going strong!
Its so great to hear the story about your dad. I lost my dad a year ago and what I wouldn’t give to have one more moment with him. He was a very no nonsense person and didn’t show his feelings much until he got much older. He also gave his live to the Lord at 86 years old. It is never too late. I was honored to spend the last night at at the hospital with him. He woke me up several times, seem he felt afraid of letting go of life. I told him don’t be afraid Dad, you are going to a much better place than this earth and he calmed down and fell asleep. He raised 14 children. He was a strong provider and we never went to bed hungry. I love you Dad. I know now in heaven you are much happier and healthier.
I’m sure your dad would have been proud–your stuff is amazing and genius and people obviously want to buy these tokens of happiness–no “excuse” is needed!