ROBERT L. DENWIDDIE 
March 25, 1936  – March 20, 1988

Happy Birthday Daddy! Today would have been my father’s 79th birthday. He died when he was 51 years young, shortly before his 52nd birthday. To say I still miss him would be quite an understatement. I still talk to him, and I still feel his guiding influence in my life.

Every year to offset the emotional whirlwind that accompanies the anniversary of his death, I find a way to honor his memory by focusing on celebrating his birthday. Most of the time, I do what he would occasionally do. Back then, it made no sense to me. He would go off and get a room for a couple of nights at the Marriott in Lincolnshire. From his example, I learned that sometimes you need to retreat, rest and recharge. Now that I am an adult, it makes perfect sense! I challenge myself to find different and creative ways to do that each year.

I titled today’s post after a memorial poem I wrote for Daddy in my self-published book of poems The Power of Poetry: From the Heart. Here are the opening lines of Tribute To The Man:

Father you were not perfect.
But then you weren’t
Supposed to be except
In the eyes of those
Who believed you were.

Strong Work Ethic

My father is largely responsible for the person I have become. He instilled a strong work ethic within me. Growing up I often felt he was very critical of my work tasks, and he would make me re-do anything he felt was sloppy work. Once I was brave enough to bring this to his attention. 🙂 He emphasized that he expected the best from me. That foundation has served me well throughout my life.

Daddy’s Teachings

To this day I remember things he taught me growing up. “Your word is your bond.” Daddy said if people could trust your word in all things, then even if times were tough, you would be okay. To this day I try to live up to his advice in this area. Even sharing seemingly little things like “If you take care of your car, your car will take care of you.” He imparted this piece of wisdom after I drove over a pothole in the street without slowing down. 🙂 Much of the lessons I (and others) learned from his example.

Mr. Reimer

Many people remember my father as “Mr. Reimer” because of Reimer Records, where I and some of my friends worked for him during our high school years. NOTE: Unfortunately this address no longer exists. 🙁

Even now people still tell me stories about my Dad. I treasure them. Especially stories of things that occurred after I left for the Army. Just last year a friend shared that he remembered my father’s booming laugh whenever he hung out at the skating rink with them. (I actually had to fact check this tidbit when I first heard about it. Apparently he never skated but just hung out.) Another friend told me that she got some very wise advice about men from my Dad. (Hey! I missed that lecture series!)

Anyway, today I wanted to give a shout out to my father. I love you Daddy! (Yes he reads my blog. No, I don’t have to prove it!) If you knew him, or have a special memory you would like to share, please leave a comment and help me celebrate this special day. Thanks in advance!