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This Father’s Day, I want to say a huge thank you to the very best daddy in the world.

Daddy worked so hard six days a week, all of his life, just to keep my brother and me fed and clothed. Even though both of my parents worked, there were not too many extras, but there was enough love to make up for it. We certainly never did without.

My daddy, Jasper Clevon Oldham, was very strict on us. He raised us religiously by the Bible. He taught a Sunday School class and everyone in our church wanted to be in there, because he was such an extraordinary teacher.

I can remember Mama telling us to be quiet so that Daddy could “study” his Sunday School lesson. We couldn’t understand it, because he had just taught that morning. She explained that he wanted to study every night, so that when members of his class asked questions about the scripture, he would know the correct answers.

My daddy has had four heart attacks and two strokes. He turned 88 June 16. The second stroke was 13 years ago and the reason he had to quit working. It also changed his personality and affected his memory some.

Oh, how I miss his booming, loud voice. His laugh was beautiful, and most of the time, he would laugh until he cried.

He rarely laughs now. When he speaks, it is in a quiet voice, and sometimes he cannot get the right word out, but we usually figure out what he’s trying to say.

All of us are so lucky that my mother is an excellent caretaker.
Daddy is aware of his dependency on Mama and, bless his precious heart, he often apologizes to her because she has to run the household now and do all the driving. He is so humble and easy to love.

When I visit them, I usually hug both of them and tell them “I love you.” Daddy usually says “Yeah.” The other day when I did it, he said “I love you.” I squeezed him so hard and kissed the top of his head (he was sitting).

I thanked the good Lord that He has given me so many years with both of my parents. I think my brother and I are the luckiest children ever born, especially since we are both in our 60s.

I also hope inside that Daddy knows exactly how much he is loved. We do adore him.

— Diana Lynn Oldham Hipp, Greensboro