My sisters and I are all grown-ups now, we have our own families. Our dad, Robert Hodde, deserves a lot of credit for his part in our upbringing. He has always held high standards for each of his children, as well as for himself.
Through the years we have seen many changes in our lives, and in our dad’s life. When we were small, for instance, if a mouse had somehow gotten in the house, we couldn’t count on Dad to take care of it. Instead, we would find him on top of a chair trying to escape! Part of this fear may have subsided over the years, now he calls the exterminators!
One thing about Dad is that he gets embarrassed easily. When we were small, if one of us acted up when our parents took us out to eat, Dad would be the first one to pick us up and find the nearest bathroom to have that talk in private with us. He just knew everybody was staring at us and saying he couldn’t control his kids! That was his thinking…actually, we weren’t that bad!
When our kids, Dad’s grandchildren, were smaller and we went to eat with him, Dad wanted us to clean the table, pick up the napkins and all the crumbs off the floor. He would have preferred us to sweep and mop the floor before we left. He didn’t want any telltale sings of a messy family! The grandchildren are getting older now, so he doesn’t have to worry so much about leaving an impression of an unruly bunch!
We have seen Dad’s hair styles change through the years. At one time there had been a part in the middle, then a part on one side, then on on the other. Today, because of conditions out of his control, he is usually seen wearing a ball cap!
We have seen him with a sophisticated moustache, then one which was was a wisp of an after-thought above his upper lip. With or without one, he was still our dad!
The postal creed is “regardless of the weather, the mail must go through.” Being a rural mail carrier in the Tecumseh area for years, Dad adopts this creed for his personal life, too. The mailman must come through. The father and grandfather must be there if there’s a need in his family.
We girls know that our dad will be there if there is any possible way he can make it. He will turn every stone to rearrange his schedule to meet us at that point.
Actually, he goes beyond what is expected of him. You will find him at almost every ball game, the grandkids can count on “Papaw” being there. They also know he is eager to accompany them to the concession stand when the parents have already said, “NO!”
We are grateful for our dad’s steadfastness, we had to teach this by example. Dad did so by being just that - an example.
On this Father’s Day, with all of our love, we wish our dad, Robert Hodde, a perfect day. Dad, thank you for loving us and encouraging us to live life to the fullest!
Brandi Davis, Kristina Odle and Hollie Garcia
SHAWNEE, Okla. —
