Well, I come to Father's Day and remember a dad who was a rock in my life. I had more of a dad in 21 years than I know some have in a lifetime. His middle name is Constant and that is what he was, always a constant for me, someone I could depend upon always. We didn't have lengthy conversations, but when we did, I listened to everything he said. What do I remember? I remember seeing him kneel by his bedside at night praying, waking up each morning before six, making breakfast and lunch for us, dropping off my papers en route for me, turning my light on to get me out of bed, watching my hockey practices and games and always ready with a coke and a chocolate bar for me. I reflect on these everyday things and he was just there for me. I want to be like him with my children in that same way, faithful and one who can be counted on. He would turn off the TV after the second period and tell me don't worry son, the Leafs are going to lose anyways and send me upstairs to do my homework. He would then bring me tea and rub my back.
He certainly didn't have it easy, he almost died of malaria in a Japanese concentration camp as a boy for 4 years while growing up in the Dutch East Indies which is now Sumatra, Indonesia. My mom and dad left Holland for the dream 0f starting a new life in Canada and while he never fully realized his personal dreams of having a farm, he lived sacrificially and gave to us as his children. Even as he was dying, he never blamed God, but he continued to think of others. I thank God for my dad and the inspiration he was and is to me. Rene Constant Ninaber July 15th 1934 - August 22nd 1989
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