Saturday, June 16, 2012

Happy Father's Day, George!

Happy Father's Day...
The day that George became a father for the first time he was in the midst of officer training at Fort Lewis, Washington.  A phone call through the U.S.O. brought him winging his way home.  Luckily it was a long labor and he made it time to meet his daughter Amber.  His daughter was supposed to be named "Aerie" after our favorite John Denver album...but she looked just like an "Amber" to me.  From that moment on...Amber was his.

George and Amber...Deadhorse Point, Utah 1977

The day this photograph was taken, we were on our way to El Paso, Texas to Fort Bliss for Army Air Defense training.  They needed one more officer for the course, so two weeks before graduation we were called to the ROTC commander's office where George was quickly sworn in as a 2nd Lieutenant.  We packed up our ancient VW Bug (with the broken heater that wouldn't shut off), our meager possessions and Amber Lee.  I have so many photos of a smiling George holding his little girl...and oddly enough...he's wearing the same shirt in most of them.  Did I mention we were poor, struggling kids?  Look at his face...he looks like a child...not the burly bearded guy he is today.  We had 4 more children after Amber, but in my memories, I see the impossibly young father and his first little girl.

Happy Father's Day, Sweetheart!

I am sad...today I lost my Cherry Cream Soda font and I cannot get it back no matter what I do...I hate blogger today!

9 comments:

Tammy's in Love said...

A sweet story and yet another thing in common...the military has been part of your life too! Love the young daddy picture!

Tammy

My Vintage Mending said...

Miss Shirley excuse me for takings so terribly long in getting here. This is certainly the place to be...Happy Father's Day to your wonderful family.
Smiles...Renee

vintage grey said...

Have a wonderful day celebrating Father's Day Shirley! xo Heather

Unknown said...

Love the sweet pic of your hubby and his little girl! Happy Father's Day to him!
Dorothy

Terrie R. said...

Hi Shirley, Your reminisce about your Grandma Zetta and her aprons hit home for me. My Grandma Hazel always wore aprons as well. I still have a couple of her aprons that I cherish! I'm glad I stopped by for a visit. ~ Terrie (your newest follower)

LBP said...

What a beautiful name for your daughter! John Denver is my very favorite singer and he was the first concert I went to when I was 12 years old! I went with my 15 year old cousin and her boyfriend! Hope your hubby had a happy Father's Day!

Linda

LBP said...

What a beautiful name for your daughter! John Denver is my very favorite singer and he was the first concert I went to when I was 12 years old! I went with my 15 year old cousin and her boyfriend! Hope your hubby had a happy Father's Day!

Linda

Little Susie Home Maker said...

Oh, what a sweet picture! Doesn't the time fly by fast? Hope you had a great Fathers Day!
Blessings,
Susie

Little Susie Home Maker said...

BTW.. My font on my page comes and goes all the time. It is a bit aggravating. But the words that you write are still there at least! Maybe yours will come back.
Blessings,
Susie