(See video below)
My dad (lower right hand corner) was a compact kid whose four big sisters called him “Wee Willy.” But he was a scrapper. Bigger and tougher inside than out.
At 15, he forged his parent’s signature and joined the Marines, never finishing 10th grade, so he could whoop Hitler’s ass. Or Tojo’s. Or whoever’s ass needed whooping. Instead, fresh out of boot camp, he explained carefully to a bluto of a sailor why the Marines were superior to the Navy. And the sailor respectfully disagreed. With a beer bottle. On Dad’s jawbone.
Dad spent the next three months in a military hospital. With his jaw wired shut, sucking chocolate malts through a straw. During which time both Germany and Japan surrendered. So, no, Dad never saw action. But he never lost his love for chocolate malts.
Or my mom.
And then I came along.
Dad loved us with a fierceness that would’ve made Hitler and Tojo tremble. And he would’ve whooped their asses if they’d tried to hurt us.
By the time I was 5, I realized this. And so I wanted to give him a gift. Just from me.
I’ve told this story again and again over the years because I think it makes a terrific metaphor for the “What can you give a God who has everything?” question. But before it was a metaphor it was simply a true story. About my dad. So some years back, while on staff at a church in Cincinnati, Ohio, I made this little video as a belated gift to my father, because, well…
I love you, Dad.
Here’s the video:
P.S. Churches and Drama groups, My Father’s Apple Trees is also a available as both a Father’s Day and a non-Father’s Day monologue.
Click here to download the script!
WOW! So touching.
A lovely tribute to your dad and fitting for father’s day. 😀
Great story and video, Mitch. Happy Father’s day.
You too, Bill!
This is a GREAT video and story. Enjoyed it so much. But what’s a “bluto”? Thanks for sharing this moment.
Bluto is Popeye’s big, muscle-bound arch-nemesis.
Yes, I forgot about him. Thank you for explaining it. Have a Wonderful Father’s Day.
Thank you, Shasta.
Beautiful Story. Thank you for sharing it so creatively. Timely for Father’s Day
Wonderful! And in it, I see the strong connection that you suggest to our relationship with God! This was just perfect all the way around, Mitch! And was that you narrating the video? You have a fantastic speaking voice! I loved this!
Yes, that’s me narrating. Thank you, Lynn!
I think I must be having a senior moment here.
I don’t see the video or the link to it. Is it….
ok, It was I.E. I tried Opera and of course I’m grabbing
for more tissues. It is wonderful…a gift to everyone
who experiences it.
Glad you found it, Sarah.
My dad was a Navy corpsman who worked with Marine Seabees in the South Pacific during WWII. They were a construction unit, also never seeing combat. Still, I wonder how much of Dad’s work involved such disputes as your father’s. God bless, Mitch!
You too, Nancy!
WOW!!! Thank you Mitch.
John.
Delightful, heartwarming, and a natural prelude to a prayer of thanks for ALL our Heavenly Father’s gifts. Superbly well done, Mitch! And Happy Father’s Day!
Aw, thanks, Nancy. Wishing you, Steve, and the fam a great Father’s Day, as well!
Beautiful! Thanks for sharing that amazing tribute.
What a terrific Father’s Day video. And it works on so many levels!
Thank you, Ann. Blessings.
Beautiful!
Thank you, Patti.
Dad loves us even when our apples aren’t perfect.
totally Late to the party, but i Loved this.
You brought tears to my eyes, Mitch…..and thanks for the reminder!
Aw, thank you, dear Matilda. It’s been a while. Hope you’re well and thriving in the Lord.
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