I was the second child and the second daughter of this Wein "six-pack"... but my dad made each of his kids feel like they were number one. I remember hearing him say he always wanted a BIG family and God generously fulfilled that wish. Father God knew that this humble man, who possessed an equally BIG heart, would rise to the challenge of fatherhood with honor, integrity, devotion and unconditional love.
Some of my favorite memories includes Dad walking home from work at Akron Typesetting with that big stainless steel lunch box swinging in his hand, buying the three oldest kids brand new bikes and then patiently teaching me how to ride mine, all the excitement and hard work of building a new home in the country, drawing up plans for my two Industrial Arts furniture projects in high school, driving me and all my stuff to college, walking me down the isle on my wedding day, rocking my first baby in his arms, and all the years of long-distance phone calls to North Carolina.
One of the greatest influences his word's had on my life was his assurance that I could "do anything I put my mind to." That phrase was a motivating force reinforced by his refusal to place any limitations on my abilities. He was always quick to bless my goals and dreams; and I attribute many of the accomplishments in my life to a dad that saw no limits even in the sky... and yes, I think Julie is right... if there are any limits up there, I suspect that he is busy petitioning for that to change.
My list of fond memories includes the hours he devoted to making tiny elf houses to hide in the branches of the Christmas tree; the incredible financial sacrifice required to deliver the mountain of presents for six kids each magical Christmas morning; the Dunkin' Donuts and egg hunts on Easter Sunday; the family picnic excursions to all the nearby parks; the consistent and memorable visits to the homes of our grandparents and other relatives; Saturday evening church Services in Rittman where he served as a "layman" while his kids sat in the front row trying not to giggle, snicker or wiggle too much; his loving patience through the teen years when we thought we knew more than him; the annual trips to Cedar Point and trying to decide who got to pick the next ride; giving us a used car to drive that was in better condition than his rusted out and duct-taped-together Ford Pinto; the snow storm that swallowed his Pinto in a drift while driving home from work; mowing five acres in mid-summer heat; planting, watering and weeding a huge garden and then washing, cutting, blanching, canning and freezing the fruits of our labor; letting us have pet mice; learning how to tend chickens, rabbits, ducks, dogs and cows; the testing of his fortitude and endurance through those dating years; our one big family vacation - camping and sight-seeing in New England; Saturday morning pancakes; and finally his sadness at seeing each child marry and move out of the house - some farther than others.
We knew we were going to be missed. Now it is your turn to move away, Dad, and we are sad too. You will be sorely missed but we have so many wonderful memories to hold onto. We also have great peace knowing that you are living in a mansion built by God and basking in the glorious light of His presence. Your mansion probably has a kitchen even more beautiful than the one you built for the Sterling house with all the fancy spice cabinets, cutting boards and other nifty features. If Jesus still tinkers around in a carpentry shop I imagine you are right there by His side giving Him a helping hand! And some day we will get to see all your heavenly handiwork. I also look forward to meeting with you in the throne room of God as we cry "Holy, Holy, Holy, is the Lord, God Almighty..." Save us all a spot near the front and until that day arrives we will keep doing everything we "put our minds to" for the glory of God and to your honor. I love you more than words can say and I will teach my children and grandchildren that even though they will not carry on the "Wein" name, they do carry a mighty inheritance as the offspring of Robert D. Wein.
Enter into your inheritance, mighty man of God.
your daughter,
Anita (Louisville, KY)
With over a quarter century of memories it is clear that Dad will be long remembered in my book. From the days in Sterling to the little shop in Wadsworth up through the last visit when I stopped by and spent the night at his home last summer. It was an honor to know Dad, the man who gave me the biggest blessing in my life when he walked Anita down the aisle and presented her to me as my bride. I am forever grateful and will miss him always.
Russ
No comments:
Post a Comment