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I enjoy seeing the “daddy” pictures on FaceBook saluting fathers. I think Father’s Day is probably one of the best holidays (excluding Christmas). The holiday presents a time to recognize, thank, and reminisce about the first man in our life!
I was blessed with an awesome daddy someone who always supported and encouraged me. The lessons I learned from him have stayed with me all my life. When things get tough or I am tempted to say something I shouldn’t I think back to one of his truths: “If you can’t say something good about somebody don’t say anything at all.” When daddy said those words it would make me so mad! I might want to tell a story or give my thoughts on someone. He was quick to put those words in front of me giving me reason to think before I speak. (I need a refresher course!)
My father is F. J. Dickey. Everyone called him “Dickey” thus I named my son Dickey! He was loved by many and loved many. I never heard a harsh word or criticism of my mother. He was good to everyone. He fought tirelessly promoting the Magee Fire Department. He served on a ship during World War 11. My daddy was Mr. Southern (now USM) and my mother was Miss Southern but one year apart. Their decision to come back to Magee to live and raise a family landed me where I am today and hope I always will be.
My daddy died from colon cancer at age 55. The hole in my heart remains. I am thankful to him for living a life of courage and honor. He loved the Lord and his church. He had his family in church when the doors opened! He loved Magee and its citizens. He loved all sports and was a huge supporter of Trojan football.
I miss my daddy. I miss having parents. I miss being unable to ask advice. Thankfully, I have the teaching of his years on earth to guide me.
Writing about my daddy is difficult for me. Those feelings are kept deep in my heart with the other heartbreaks of my life.
But with honor, I salute my father a man who gave me strength to carry on during the darkest periods of my life. I salute a man who truly put others first. I salute a man who made a difference in Magee, MS during his life time.
I salute all fathers! Little girls know their father is always the best father in the entire world! …and big girls feel the same.
Hug your daddy!
