sages and fathers ...

The first sage to grace my path became well known to me at a very early age. With the patience of Job and a profound love of simplicity, he accompanied me for long periods of time in animated conversation and debate. His earliest words of wisdom, that I am able to recall, came in the form of a song that I proudly shared with my Kindergarten teacher and classmates at the age of five:

♫ A smile is such a funny thing it wrinkles up your face;
And when it’s gone you’ll never find its secret hiding place. ♫

That special sage is my father, who, 42 years later continues to be one of the wisest persons I have ever known. What a gift it is to have a sage for a father. HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, DAD!

There are many fathers in my large family, but I must make mention of the newest one who will be christened this Sunday as we gather to celebrate with the wisest one already mentioned.

Mert is the proud father of the little peanut from last week's Keeping Me Sane post.

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY, MERTY!

And while I am tempted to further elaboration, I will conclude here with the words of that first sage to grace my path; that special sage known as my father:

"All that you say need be true.
However, you need not say ALL that is true."