A lot of people think they had the best dad ever. I don’t claim that mine was the best, but I can say he was among the best.
Jim Bowden, my dad, was hardworking, both at his job and at showing affection for his family. His faith in God and his teach-by-actions guidance helped mold my sister and I to be the women we are now.
Daddy was a self-made man. He lacked extensive education, but he made up for it with hard work and determination to succeed.
He, along with his older brother, John, owned and operated a successful land leveling business for many years.
Daddy gave all the credit to God. He showed by example the faith he had and his willingness to share with others.
Countless teenagers found acceptance by both Mother and Daddy. They knew our house was a safe place. Our house always seemed to be the gathering spot for our friends.
As the story goes, my dad wanted a son. He had two girls, me being the youngest. My willingness to go to the field with him, work hard, and not being afraid to get dirty was the closest he got to having a son.
There was an occasion some years ago when I spent a whole day mowing weeds on an otherwise dirt-filled property of my folks.’ At the end of the day, I was dirty, hot, and sweaty. But, I was happy. I felt my dad’s presence with me the whole time. I felt as if he was watching and cheering me on. Furthermore, I felt as if he were proud of me.
Having lived once again in California during the last years of my parents’ lives, I had opportunities to continue learning life lessons from both of them.
It seems sad to me that it takes us so long to realize the wisdom of our parents.
I have spent many times wishing I could once again ask them questions.
My granddaughter Latrice came for a visit this week. She showed a real interest in learning more about me and my family.
It is a blessing to have the younger generation eager to learn from us. Surprisingly, we are now the older, wiser ones. I guess it is true that with age comes wisdom.
Life is good today. ■
