ALT-13 Fathers Day Gift Ideas
Father's day is getting to be an awkward time of year for me. I'm pretty sure my dad has everything he could want. One year I was really stumped, right up until the week before. Then I spotted one of those model-sized motorcycles made of wood. I thought, "That would be perfect for his office." The problem was, he didn't have a particular love of motorcycles, and I was sure he had never owned one. Nevertheless, I purchased the bike in hopes that it's interesting design would add a certain flare to his workspace. To my surprise, he was elated with this unusual gift. It was far more creative than socks!
When I was in my twenties, I found an interesting gift for him at the Natural Wonders store. The Breezy Singers were small plastic birds (of varying breeds) that would chirp when rocked or touched. They were perfect for the patio, where a strong breeze could get them singing. He enjoyed the birds so much that I ended up getting him most of the set in the next few years. It became a tradition, and he actually looked forward to getting another one each Father's Day.
Last year, I was truly befuddled. As I sat in my room and thought about Father's day, my spirit was quickened to do something I had never done before. You see, my mother is an accomplished painter, and I always told her that some day I would like to take up painting as a hobby. But, with work and life always getting in the way, I often found myself with little time for hobbies.
I began to think about what it meant to be a father, and all the sacrifices my father had to make for our family. Then I remembered that it was during a time of great sacrifice that my father became ill. His kidneys had calcified and stopped functioning. He was forced to quit working, and had to suffer through dialysis for years and years! Just recently he received a new kidney. His health has since improved quite noticeably, and he is praising God with each new day.
As I thought about his ordeal, and how he met each day with a positive attitude and resolve, I began to envision a Father's Day gift that would commemorate his valor. That's when it hit me; I was to paint an award plaque for him. Mom had given me some supplies for painting (should I ever have the time), and I purchased the rest from a local art supply.
In my mind's eye, I pictured the highest medal given to fallen soldiers-The Purple Heart. I soon found a picture online, and began to sketch it out on canvas. Instead of the traditional George Washington relief, I decided to use a Jesus profile inside the golden heart. Since my father was the one responsible for keeping me in church and on the straight and narrow, I thought it would be fitting to award him the "Kingdom Purple Heart." And, since he was a Marine for the US Armed Forces, I knew he would appreciate the sentiment. I had no idea how much until I saw his reaction.
When I presented him with the painting, it was in a beautiful golden frame with an inscription plaque at the bottom with these words printed in Script:"This Purple Heart is hereby awarded to *his name here* for being wounded in action against the enemy of the United States and the Family, herein named Satan. This award attempts to honor his brave service to the Kingdom of our Lord, from the year 1976 thru 2007. The troops (being his children and Bride) do hereby pledge an oath to uphold the memory of such service and cherish this Hero until the meeting in the clouds, and beyond."
When he unwrapped the painting and read the inscription, he cried. This was the first time I can remember seeing my father really cry. It was a heartfelt moment I will not soon forget.
A few weeks later, I went to see him and noticed the painting in his office, propped up on his desk. I asked where he was planning on putting it. He said he was thinking of hanging it in the office. That made me feel honored, as he spends quite a bit of time there. When Thanksgiving rolled around, we all got together at Mom's place (as we usually did). When I walked into their home, I saw the painting on the living room wall! It had been hung in a very prominent position, across from the sofa, and it complemented the rest of the decor rather well. I couldn't believe my eyes! I didn't want to bring up the subject but, my father asked, "Did you notice the painting you made?" He was very proud of it, and expressed how he wanted to show it off. I was floored! This truly was an inspired gift idea.
This year, I'm hoping to spend some quality time with him during a barbecue get-together. There's no way to top last year's gift so, why even try? I know...I should ponder making something again, considering the response I received last time. Maybe I will.
