A Father’s Day tribute, in honor and memory of my Dad who went ahead of us to heaven way too soon…it’s been , unbelievably, 25 years already …

I will never forget the selfless way my Father provided and cared for our family… His thoughtfulness and kindness were seen more than we had even known, when at his funeral so many folks came forward to tell of something he had given them – a warm coat to a homeless man, a cool drink to a summer traffic cop, a kind word and hand on the shoulder to even strangers – things we didn’t know! He didn’t think living the golden rule needed to be broadcast. He just did it .

A pot of his homemade baked beans showed up at every grieving family’s home after the funeral. We weren’t a wealthy family in monetary means, but as children there was never a time he didn’t make sure we had an offering for any collection plate.

Any school kid or scout that ever came to our door selling something (anything!) never left disappointed- he ALWAYS bought it. On our weekly “Sunday drives” it was made fun by NECCO wafers all around to the 5 kids , Mom and Grandma all packed in the station wagon. If you were lucky enough to trick or treat at the Hennessey house you got the full size big candy bar – not because he could necessarily afford to give those – he was just that generous.

I particularly fondly remember a time when I was probably 9 or 10; it was a hot summer day and since we lived near the beach a bathing suit was everyday wear. I kind of knew in my limited childish way that we didn’t have a lot of money, and my bathing suit from last year was faded and worn. But I didn’t even ask – he knew it (with a bunch of kids its always something!) and this day, right then, he insisted on taking me to the big department store and told me to pick any one I wanted – any!

To this day I can’t tell you how special I felt to have that time with Daddy where he picked me out and made a fuss over something that may be thought of as insignificant…yet I remember the store , the clerk lady who helped me, and I can almost smell the “new fabric” scent of that BEAUTIFUL suit, in yellow with tiny dots and little skirt . It was my favorite.

We didn’t get every new fad that came around the block like Beatle boots or lots of troll dolls – these were luxuries reserved for birthdays or Christmas – and I actually thank God for that. It taught me to value what I had and wait for good things. My father’ s kind heart and compassionate ways are a legacy I value greatly – he taught by his life. I miss him dearly and look forward to all being reunited.