I just finished helping my dad with their department’s publication for their Year Book. As I was going through the image files to choose photos for the publication, for the first time, I realized what my father did for a living. For at least 25 years, he has been working for the L.A. Sheriff Department’s Evidence & Property. Sure, I knew he worked for the Sheriff’s Department and wore a blue uniform…but in these 25 years or so, I never really took the time to find out the specifics of what his work entailed. All I knew about my dad was that he was a wonderful provider, intelligent, amiable, has a lot of patience when it comes to my mom and us kids growing up, and that out of all us children, I was definitely my father’s daughter.
Its funny, my husband said it was like this one episode of the “Wonder Years” where Kevin Arnold was clueless about his father’s job. All he knew was that he would come home moody from a long day’s work. In our school days, we never had a show and tell where we would bring our parent and showcase them in front of the class. Growing up we were pretty lucky in that our basic needs were met along with disciplinary actions, when we needed it. At times, I however wished my parents were more involved with our school activities. With five mouths to feed, it was understandable that sacrifices had to be made.
As I’m already in my 30′s and will someday have kids of my own, God willing, I can finally truly appreciate the unseen love and care both my parents have provided us children through the years and continue to give until this day. My wish is that we, us future parents can meet the standards of our parents, the hard work they have endured in their jobs and lives to provide us kids a future that will keep the light of their love and hopes shining.
