I actually started writing this post the night my dad passed away, but quickly found that time was needed to locate pictures that would best portray my deepest thoughts. Hence why the blog has been in a standstill for so long. Once this is finished, I will slowly chronologically update all the happenings since then that have been tucked safely away into folders.
Sep 15 at 4:55 pm my dad, Harty Miller, passed away. He had complications from heart surgery.
This is my tribute to my father who was an incredible man. He taught us kids many things by his example. I can't say he ever really talked to us about it, but showed us through his actions. He taught us family matters more than material goods, keep the Sabbath Day Holy and keep your relationship with God intact, simplicity is better, keep a positive attitude, take things in stride (as he would say...when in Rome do as the Romans do), do your job with integrity, have courage in tough situations, live life with humor, do what you need to do (the right thing even though it's hard), help others through kindness and compassion, be frugal and make sacrifices without complaining, if you can fix something yourself then do it! He modeled these traits for us, and even though we kids struggle with some of them, we strive to attain many. And to think he did this without tooting his own horn. Now that's humility, something I still struggle with!
Everyone who met him loved him. He could strike up a conversation with anyone and make them feel at ease. He loved doing crossword and Sudoku puzzles every day.
He attended every graduation, baptism, wedding, reunion, and holiday event he was invited to. He was game for most anything, including playing silly games! But I am sorry for 1 thing. He wanted to attended Matt and Kalley's wedding in November. Unfortunately he was only there in spirit. He was greatly missed.
The pictures alone will tell a wonderful story.
Mom and Dad married June 24, 1950.
Despite getting polio in August of 1952, it didn't take long for their faith to shine through. They trusted God's promise that He will always provide and confidently accepted each child they were blessed with.
Being disabled from polio, Dad could no longer be a car mechanic. He enrolled in school to become a draftsman, and hired on with Honeywell. With grit and determination, he proved the doctors wrong and recovered from his polio. He was soon relocated to Clearwater, FL from Minnesota.
The house they had purchased needed to be expanded. He hired a helping hand and went to work. Dad taught us...God helps those who help themselves. Soon the attic space was transformed into a second story. The upstairs was only allowed for girls!
We eventually grew to a family of 7, myself being the youngest.
Then..
And now...
BBQ chicken was Dad's specialty. He only grilled 1 chicken, and that was enough to feed all 9 of us!
But on this occasion it was hot dogs and we would be able to eat more than one.
Our Greenbrier van we called "the bus". This transported us on many trips to Minnesota and back.
Most people get rid of a vehicle once they have to start making repairs to it. Not my dad. He just kept fixing it for 25+ years! His actions taught us "it's not necessary to buy new even though you can." As a result, we have great memories with the bus!
He and my mom had a group of friends that met monthly. This showed us the importance of friendship. I have great memories of these gatherings.
It was fun to watch grown adults acting goofy. I don't think you'd find adults nowadays with as much confidence in themselves to act like complete goofballs and enjoy their activity regardless of what people think! I was taught laughter keeps you young.
Having a house full of females always seemed to lead to plumbing issues! I don't ever remember him complaining. He just did what was necessary to keep the drains clear.
Even if it meant the pipes in the yard! It didn't matter that Dad was getting older. He just solicited help from the next generation, handing down skills that kids nowadays don't have a clue how to do.
He wasn't materialistic either. If you have what you need, that's all that matters. It doesn't matter if it goes out of style. If it works use it. I remember this lamp from the time I was little. Heck, Diane and Jimmy used the living room furniture, and when they were done with it...I got it!
In today's society, everyone thinks they are entitled to start off with everything new. I wonder if they would have survived just a generation or two ago.
The lamp is still around 53 years later! Oh, and that's a blue dresser that has been around the same amount of time. Go into peoples houses today. Most get new furnishings every 10 years or so as to not get "stuck" in an era. But according to my dad, keeping up with the trends is just a waste of money. I guess he'd rather spend it on traveling to see family, or helping out someone in need. All noble causes of course. Us kids...we'd encourage him to buy something new. He rarely budged.
He taught us to stay true to your vows. Raising 6 girls and a boy couldn't have been so easy, yet my parents stayed married until death did they part.
This is their 25 wedding anniversary.
This is their 40th.
This was on their 43rd wedding anniversary trip. The last one before my mom passed away in the Fall of that year. Many men fall apart after their wives pass away, but not Dad. Sure he had his grieving and adjusting to do, but he made the best of it and lived his life to the fullest.
I don't think he missed 1 Holy Communion. He went to all of ours....
...and then to all the grandkids.
He went to all the graduations. High school...
College. Notice he still wears the same shirt. Now that's being frugal. He didn't see the need to buy new clothes when the others do just fine.
Academies.
He attended every wedding...
even if it meant being inconvenience by the weather.
When we were little, he always walked to Dairy Kurl for ice cream, many times taking one of us with him. I think Diane went the most because I don't remember going nearly as often as she recalls going. The tradition continued onto his grandkids and great grandkids.
Family time has always been his priority.
From preparations...
...to celebrations...
...to getting in on the action on our level...
and his nephews level. He made sure each of us knew we were the apple of his eye.
As time went on, we realized that it would eventually come to an end. Ceasing the opportunity would be our greatest reward. We celebrated his 80th birthday.
We also celebrated his 85th birthday.
We helped him complete his bucket list. Father's Day at Mount Pisgah to bring back memories from the 1960's.
Waiting for an up close and personal shuttle launch. Notice he has his Sudoku and Crossword puzzles at hand.
He couldn't have asked for a better view!
He got to take a boat ride.
And have a "selfie".
We had our 2 reunions this past August. Who would have known that in just a month Dad would no longer be with us? I am so glad he was able to see everyone. I think this made his passing easier to grasp...knowing that he didn't have any unfinished business to take care of. This taught me to live life each day to its fullest and be prepared because you never know when it will end.
"It's Miller Time"
The Millers
The Dusbabeks
Notice he wasn't too proud to participate in a silly activity? The great grand children in attendance LOVED IT!
Dad we love you so very much. You will be sorely missed, just as we miss Mom. But we know you are both now on your new journey in Eternal Life where we hope to see you one day. We love you!
We had asked that donations be made to favorite charities in lieu of flowers. Little River employees bought Sunshine State books for their media center and put this sticker in the front of each book donated. To me this was the most thoughtful contribution ever made.
