Some Memories Seem Like Yesterday

This is a day of remembrance and gratitude for my three brothers and me. Our father, Wilson F. Brooks, passed from this life into the next 44 years ago today.

Some memories seem like yesterday.

Everyone who knew Daddy recognized various aspects of his sterling character. Folks knew him to be cheerful and kind and a faithful family man. His honesty and integrity were never questioned, nor was his wisdom or his sensitivity to the plights of others. He acknowledged God’s standard for right–never his own–and lived by it.

Daddy was known best as a man of faith. Case in point: When my brother Dalton was involved in a near-fatal car accident in 1961 in a city hundreds of miles from our home, the hospital knew only the hometown of this young man who was not expected to live. So they spoke with a telephone operator.

“It’s Wednesday,” the operator said, “so the Brookses are at church. I’ll connect you.”

The phone call came to the preacher’s office just as we were filing out the door. I heard the phone ringing … can still hear it.

Seems like yesterday.

The extent of Daddy’s influence through his faith, love, devotion, selflessness, wisdom, and integrity is incalculable. Aside from Jesus, I’m most thankful for Daddy’s love and the life standard he set. I saw in him a tangible representation of Jesus and learned to appreciate a similar man: my husband Al. For now, I can’t touch Daddy, but I can feel him.

Like yesterday.

More than one man in The Calling of Ella McFarland possesses
character qualities like my father’s. Do you have similar memories? I’d love to hear about them.

A good name is more desirable than great riches;
to be esteemed is better than silver or gold. Proverbs 22:1 (NIV)