As I have contemplated writing about my father today he has been brought into sharp focus. He was a wonderful man. This picture shows him as I remember him when I was a child. He took me to the pictures (movies) to see "Snow White". He also took me to see the 3D movie "House of Wax" a scary movie that I still remember. :o) He and my Mother used to take us for long walks. I remember asking him where we were going? he said "Home". I was upset because we had just started out. But he explained that we were "going home" it would be several hours before we got there but we were "going home" that was ok with me. :o)
As a teenager after my Mother passed away he encouraged me to learn to cook. He bought me a box of chocolates when I went on a trip to Yorkshire to visit Alan. We were friends. He taught me how to pray. He taught me to talk to "the Father" as one man talks to another. When we would go out together to the pictures, to shop or to church I always took his arm. He was a gentleman. He would give his seat on the bus to any lady and "doff" his hat. He wore a cap to work (as in the picture) but always a hat going to Church or for dress.
He loved the Lord and had a strong fervent and enduring testimony of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. He honored his priesthood and was always on the Lord's errand.
This picture was taken the day I married Alan. Alan was in the army so I stayed at home with daddy and Brian, while Alan served in Egypt. Joe was on his mission. A few months later I moved to Colchester in England to be with Alan and Daddy visited us there and took us to see, "Gunfight at O.K. Corral".
He was an avid genealogist and sat in many cold Parish Churches looking in the records. He married Norah Moss and eventually moved to Utah.
This last picture was taken about two years before he died. He loved his family. He grew up in Belfast as an "only, lonely child" Actually he had two brothers and two sisters, but one brother and both sisters died in childhood. His older brother Robert was 12 years older than him and apparently wasn't around much. Daddy was born on the 4th July 1902 (he always said America was celebrating HIS birthday.)And was named after the Prophet Joseph. :o) He turned 12 on Saturday July 4th 1914 and started work in the mill on Monday the 6th. He started out sweeping floors and as he swept he sang. The noise of the machines was tremendous so he sang all the louder. The foreman was not impressed, he scolded him for singing, he thought he was hurt from the machines.
He loved and honored his Mother and took care of her all of her life.
He loved his family. A few days before he passed away, I think he knew what was about to unfold, he called upon the Lord "to bless my family for I love them". And he did, and he does. We sometimes refer to him as "wee Joe" and I always imagine him and my Mother watching my family as we love and live together.
I love my Daddy. He taught me so much. I hope I do a good job of honoring his name.
6 comments:
That was a very tender post, it made me cry. I remember Grandpa taking me and some of the other grandchildren to the movies as a child. We went to the Capitol Theatre in SLC (I think we saw "Bambi" on one of those occasions). That was before the Capitol became a live theatre. I remember Grandpa always wearing a hat. I remember him bearing his testiomony many times. I remember him bearing his testiomony the day that Jeremy was blessed. That is how Jeremy got the nickname "Bermans" (in a round about way). I remember whenever we went to visit him and we we got home you always called him to tell him we were safely home, you also called him when we arrived at any vacation destination for the same reason. I remember that he loved church books. He was a gospel scholar. He was a great example to us all. I have felt his approval in my life in my attempts at organizing family togetherness such as the Christmas party. He does love his family and I think he must be well pleased with all of our efforts and honoring his name.
It's hard to believe it's been over 20 years since he was here with us. He lived a great life and has left a remarkable legacy.
I remember when you dropped grandpa and I off at the Trolley North theater and we watched Snow White. He had a Chocolite candy bar in his pocket and he shared it with me. He was always a presence in my childhood. I can't say that I understood each and every word he said, but I did know that he loved the Gospel and I always felt his spirit and testimony. I wonder if that family at the temple that day ever figured out who that old man is in their picture??
Beautiful post Mom. A must read for the great grandchildren who never had the chance to meet this great man in person.
I loved reading that. I have heard you talk about your daddy so many times over the years. It brought tears to my eyes. I think you are alot like him!
Beautiful tribute to your Dad and so fitting on this Father's Day week. Today my Dad celebrates his 84th birthday and for father's day we called him from Australia. Though the years have taken a toll on his mental and physical health he will always be my hero, like your dad is to you. Thanks for sharing.
PS How was your family vacation to your favorite place?
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