Dads don't retire

Dads don’t retire either

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Dad_570

“In June you can change the ‘mom’ to ‘dad’ in your post and say the very same things. He’s an extraordinary father (and husband).”

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This is what my mom emailed me in response to my Mothers Day post this year, “Moms don’t retire.”

And it’s true. My dad is extraordinary—in the truest sense of the word. He is “outside of” what is generally considered normal. He goes above and beyond.

Extraordinary father

Dads don't retire
Always a dad

When my mentally handicapped sister was in the hospital for 16 days earlier this year, my dad arranged his work schedule so that he could spend as much time at her bedside as possible. He advocated for her with nurses, doctors, and therapists and kept a journal of what they all said. He shared information with the broader family through texts and phone calls.

Extraordinary son

Dads don't retire
Like father, like son

He did the same thing for his father a little more than a year ago. When my grandfather broke a hip at the age of 95, he spent the next three months in and out of hospitals, rehab, and nursing homes—and my father was at his side through it all. He had the foresight to realize that he would regret it if he didn’t spend as much time with Gramp as possible.

Extraordinary example

Dads don't retire
“Just another 10 years”

Now, my dad loves his job. He loves working, making a difference, having a purpose. He may or may not ever retire from that. (At 74, he keeps saying, “Just another 10 years.”)

But he also understands that his first job is family. And dads don’t retire from that.

Maybe that shouldn’t be extraordinary. Maybe it should be ordinary enough to take for granted.

But it’s not. So I don’t.

To my extraordinary Dad, I say these ordinary words,
knowing they are not enough—

Happy Fathers Day, Dad.

I love you.

 

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6 thoughts on “Dads don’t retire either”

  1. Allen Jongsma is truly one amazing guy, A great example of what a father should be and i thank God for allowing our paths to cross. I hope I’m at least half the man that he is when I turn 74.

    • Thanks Greg. I know he makes it look easy, but my dad would probably tell you that it takes a lifetime to become as amazing and extraordinary as he is. :) The secret is not to try and be perfect, but to just try each day to be a little better. You are well on your way!

  2. I am very blessed, honored and thankful to be able to do life with “Jongsma.” I have witnessed the amazing and extraordinary father, son, and leader that he is, not only to his very own precious family, but to many others. Thankfully, I’m one of the many that have truly been touched and transformed by this wonderful person. I will forever be impacted and grateful for all that he has shown and taught me. Like Greg, I thank God for allowing our paths to cross. P.S. He sure does make it look easy!

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