My dad used to say, "There are as many ways to do things as there are people to do them."
"And that is as it should be," he said explaining that we each have our own God-given agency to think and make choices for ourselves. We also have minds that should be CURIOUS as to how things work and natural creativity to experiment on how to make things work better.
My dad was a scientist. He always told us kids that one of the most precious gifts we humans on earth were given is CREATIVITY. He always encouraged us to come up with our own solutions to problems. He said that as a scientist he was basically a dreamer. He would sit at his desk a lot thinking about how to solve problems. He worked for NASA during the Apollo program. His science was hypervelocity impact physics. He figured out how to test materials for the surfaces of the spacecraft and space suits that would keep the astronauts safe.
"And that is as it should be," he said explaining that we each have our own God-given agency to think and make choices for ourselves. We also have minds that should be CURIOUS as to how things work and natural creativity to experiment on how to make things work better.
My dad was a scientist. He always told us kids that one of the most precious gifts we humans on earth were given is CREATIVITY. He always encouraged us to come up with our own solutions to problems. He said that as a scientist he was basically a dreamer. He would sit at his desk a lot thinking about how to solve problems. He worked for NASA during the Apollo program. His science was hypervelocity impact physics. He figured out how to test materials for the surfaces of the spacecraft and space suits that would keep the astronauts safe.
So, I drew a picture of my dad once for a Father's Day Contest advertised in the local Pasadena, Texas newspaper. Indeed I pictured him in his office with his feet up on his desk dreaming about solving Space/NASA problems. The picture was printed and written up in the paper. I even won a gift certificate for $25. (I have no idea where that went over the years...)
I was so blessed to have a dad who encouraged my curiosity and creativity. He also applauded my efforts and was always there at the momentous and even the small but formative events in my life. My Dad was the best role model, defender, and storyteller there ever could be. Besides that, you always wanted him in the audience for your show. His laughs were infectious --- he had a whole repertoire of laughs from humorous giggles, to guffaws, to full out belly laughs. He also had a whistle that could rival a fog horn for keeping ships safe at sea!
I was so blessed to have a dad who encouraged my curiosity and creativity. He also applauded my efforts and was always there at the momentous and even the small but formative events in my life. My Dad was the best role model, defender, and storyteller there ever could be. Besides that, you always wanted him in the audience for your show. His laughs were infectious --- he had a whole repertoire of laughs from humorous giggles, to guffaws, to full out belly laughs. He also had a whistle that could rival a fog horn for keeping ships safe at sea!
When I took my fiancee' to a family gathering to meet the extended family before the wedding, my uncles announced to the group that Betsy was marrying her father. Ellis had many similar characteristics to my father. He had the same look of an engineer/scientist. He wore glasses. He was a great storyteller. He even had a wonderful infectious laugh. Best of all Ellis appreciated my dad and sought him out for counsel and encouragement in his work, Church callings, teaching and testifying of Christ, Scouting leadership questions, and about raising a family. I couldn't have asked for a better companion.
Happy Father's Day to all of those great Dad's out there!
Happy Father's Day to all of those great Dad's out there!
This song is in memory of my Dad who loved ball games----any kind of ball game! "Take Me Out to the Ball Game"
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