Happy Father's Day!

Happy Father's Day! My Father and I (thankfully) are very close. There are so many things and memories I could write about today, but, perhaps one of my fondest childhood memories was our trip together each Thursday for my cello lesson. My dad has been a lifelong lover of fine music. As a boy, he was fluent in piano, organ, clarinet and several other woodwind and brass instruments. There was even a time in his life that he thought he might like to be a school instrumental music teacher. He was certainly qualified, but that didn’t happen. However, the one instrument he most wanted to study didn't come to fruition until it was determined that I had a "good ear" for music and I was given the opportunity to take cello lessons at school. My father was over-joyed, because this was the instrument he loved most! After several years of piano lessons, I began taking cello lessons in the 2nd grade. My dad was ecstatic. When we moved to Warren, Ohio (1967-1972), my cello instructor was the 1st chair cellist in the Youngstown Symphony Orchestra. Every Thursday afternoon, my Dad and I would go to my cello lesson together. Dad would help me practice too. And, when I would finish practicing, he would take the cello and practice the weekly lesson too. When I left home to go to college, and by that time we were living in the Cleveland area, Dad began taking cello lessons with the 1st chair cellist in the Cleveland Orchestra. Dad has continued his love of the cello even in retirement. My Mother accompanies him on the piano and together...even in their retirement they continue to make beautiful music together. All those years ago though...after my Cello lesson in Youngstown we would be in a hurry to get home for my Mom's waiting dinner. There was a wonderful donut shop on our way home and if I'd had a good lesson (and sometimes even if I didn't) we'd look at each other as we were approaching the shopping center were the donut shop was located. My dad would make the right hand turn into the parking lot and we would both go in to enjoy a wonderful blueberry powdered donut. As we'd wipe our lips of powder, my Dad would say, "you can't let this spoil your dinner". On Saturday afternoon I went to Atlanta Hartsfield Airport to pick up my Mom and Dad who were returning from a two week cruise. We've had a delightful weekend catching up on all their cruise activity and generally enjoying out time together. I LOVE my folks more than my mere words can express! I'm thankful that I was born to them and blessed to have them in my life! My Dad is the most wonderful man I know. There isn't enough space here to adequately describe my Father or my feelings for him. But, I hope this little poem by Joanna Fuchs will help you to enjoy your Dad today as you celebrate this Father's Day Sunday together. Happy Father's Day! Life Lessons You may have thought I didn't see or that I hadn't heard; Life lessons that you taught to me, but I got every word. Perhaps you thought I missed it all, and that we'd grow apart; But Dad, I picked up everything, it's written on my heart. Without you, Dad, I wouldn't be the person I am today; You built a strong foundation that no one can take away. I've grown up with your values, and I'm very glad I did; So here's to you, dear Father, from your forever grateful kid. Sara Hibbard is a licensed Realtor in the state of Georgia. Sara looks forward to answering your many questions regarding the Atlanta metro real estate market in general or specifics regarding the buying / selling / relocation / short sale process. Sara is easily reached at 404-660-2481. Sara Hibbard is Glad Georgia Real Estate is on Your Mind!