Happy Father’s Day!
A Glimpse of a Great Dad on Father’s Day, 2022:
James F. Massa (1913-1997)
by his younger daughter, Alice Jane-Marie Massa
On this morning of Father’s Day, memories of my wonderful, dear, and extraordinary dad brought streams of tears to my face as I face another Father’s Day without my most special dad. Through all stages and ages of my life, my dad—James F. Massa—was there for me wherever and whenever I needed him. He was always there to give a hand, a kind word, an encouraging nod, and a warm smile to his family, friends, fellow firefighters, neighbors, and others. As I was growing up, I thought my dad knew everyone and cordially greeted everyone. With a positive attitude, my dad, who saw only the good in other people, always seemed to be there for others and for me.
When I was a junior in high school, I was inducted into the National Honor Society; of course, both of my parents attended the ceremony in the large gymnasium of Clinton (Indiana) High School. However, at the time of the National Honor Society ceremony during my senior year, I told my parents that they need not attend the weekday afternoon program since both were working and since I had been inducted the previous year. After the event, I was walking out of the Gym, somehow, between the scotomas of my legally blind eyes, from the top of the stairs outside the façade of the gym, I spotted my dad in the crowd. In the total spectrum of life happenings, this one was mighty small; but there my dad was again for me. He did come to the ceremony for me, and I beamed a broad smile of gratitude and love back at him. Perhaps, this minor incident sticks in my memory album because I did not expect him to be there. Throughout my older adult years, I have realized that he may not always be “there,” but he is always here—in my heart.
Some people may think that I have not had a very lucky life; however, with each day that dawns, I know that I am forever fortunate because I was powerfully blessed with one of the world’s greatest dads. With a wink and a wave, I am blowing a kiss to Heaven on this Father’s Day.
Blessings to all who are celebrating and/or remembering dads on this Father’s Day!
Alice and Leader Dog Willow (who honors her canine dad Sergeant)
June 19, 2022, Sunday—also Happy Juneteenth Day!
alice13wordwalk 
Alice, A beautiful tribute to an exceptional man as a father, husband, son and brother. So many happy memories. Love Aunt Kathy
Good evening, Aunt Kathy–So nice to have this comment from my dad’s
younger sister on this post! Many thanks for reading this post and
writing a response.
Talk with you tomorrow!
Love, Alice and Willow
I love hearing about your dad, Alice!
I am fortunate to still have my 96 year old father, alive and aware, in the world.
And every time we chat, remember, delight in the small joys of gardens and family, we never fail to say “I love you” before hanging up.
Blessings and Love to you and Willow, my dear friend!
Joan–What a blessing that, at age 96, your dad can still hear those
words “Happy Father’s Day” from you! Many thanks for sharing your sweet
story about your dad on this blog post! “I love you” is also how my
dad ended phone conversations with other family members and with me.
Best wishes to you for the upcoming three weeks–Alice and Willow
Tried to comment your site but it didn’t go through. This post is such a nice tribute to your father. You just added another example of how special he was.
Good Monday morning, Sue–Thanks for taking the extra time to post a comment! I do appreciate your very nice comment. One point I did not add to my post was that my dad was dressed handsomely with a suit and tie. As usual, I was proud of him.
Thank you for sharing this beautiful story about our remarkable dad, Alice! We are truly blessed to be his daughters. I love you and Willow, too, Mary
Sent from my iPad
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Good Monday morning, Mary–Thanks for posting a comment on this
particular blog post about our dad.
Enjoy lots of swimming this week!
Talk with you later–Alice and Willow