FACES & PLACES
LOCAL COLOR June 2006

Editor's Note: This month's Local Color is a tribute to Fathers everywhere . If you would like to add a tribute to YOUR dad, please send it in by June 15 to editor@bullockmarketing.com.

Unlike Mother's Day, which started in 1910, Father's Day did not exist until much later. In 1956 Father's Day was recognized by a joint resolution of Congress. In 1966 President Lyndon Johnson signed a proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father's Day. It wasn't until 1972, however, that President Richard Nixon made Father's Day a permanent holiday.

Father's Day Tributes

Below is a poem my grandfather wrote in 1914. Everyone in my family has a copy of this poem and we read it each time we need to be reminded of the mission of our family's life. While my grandfather died long ago he continues to remind us all how to live a fullfilled life. I thank my dad for teaching us Grandpa's ways so that we can pass his guidance down to our children, too. ~Heather M. Boardman

Life’s Canvas
By Evan D. Boardman 1914

Sunshine and shadow and laughter and tears,
These are forever the paints of the years.
Splashed on the canvas of life day by day,
We are the artists, the colors are they.
We are the painters, the pigments we use,
Never are we wholly permitted to choose.
Grief with its gray tint and joy with its red,
Come from life’s tubes to be blended and spread.

Here at the easel, the brushes at hand,
Each for a time is permitted to stand.
White was the canvas when first we began,
Ready to picture the LIFE of a MAN.
Now we are splashing the pigments about,
Knowing the reds and the blues must give out.
Soon we must turn to the dull hues and gray,
Painting the sorrows that darken the way.

Now with the sunshine and now with the shade,
Slowly but surely the picture is made.
Even the gray tints with beauty may glow,
Recalling the joy of the lost long ago.
Let me not daub it with doubt and despair,
Deeds that are hasty, unkind and unfair,
But when the last pigment is dried,
Let me look at my canvas with honor and pride.

Let me when trouble is mine to portray,
Dip, with good courage my brush in the gray;
After the tears and the grief let there be,
Something of faith for my children to see.
Please let me paint not in anger or hate,
Grant me the patience to work and to wait.
Make me an artist, though humble my style,
And let my life’s canvas show something worthwhile.

Dad - you taught me to do things for myself and to be my own person. With never a complaint or negative word, you provided for me, protected me, and nurtured me. You took the family on vacations and bought us cool stuff. You taught me how to play ball and didn't laugh when I threw like a girl. You were the only dad who came down to Graham's pond in the winter to ice skate with the neighborhood kids and you built us fires to keep our feet warm. You always helped out at the family get-togethers and gave us delicious roasted corn on the cob. You taught me to be kind to others and to not complain when something goes wrong. I didn't appreciate you then as I do now for all the wonderful things you gave me and taught me. Thank you, Dad. I love you. - your loving daughter. ~ Marsey