Missing My Daddy....Never Forgotten

I not only miss my Daddy on Father's day but I miss him every day.

On June 26 it will be 45 years since I lost my "Daddy", Edward Franklin Hines, a volunteer fireman as he was responding to a call.

At 4:08 am firemen were awakened to respond to a tractor-trailer fire involving a truck parked along Route 209. The site is at the intersection of Hollow Road and Route 209. The truck was not placarded to warn the fireman of the dynamite it carried inside. It exploded leaving a deep crater and killing six, including three Marshalls Creek Firemen. Dozens of snakes and animals also escaped from the Pocono Snake and Animal Farm located on the site. This explosion started a chain of events that led to the creation of the Department of Transportation (DOT) Emergency Response Guidebook. This book has changed the way emergency personnel respond to incidents involving hazardous material.

I was only 6 years old but the memories of Daddy's presence in my life lives within me always.

Even though I lost my Daddy at such a young age I have vivid memories of him, his smile, his laugh, playing the "fiddle" with my uncles, family reunions, but most importantly his unconditional love.

Daddy and I were "tight".......I was his little girl. I was never far from my Daddy except when he went to work, as a welder or if he was responding to a fire or at a meeting. Often I would sit on his lap on his riding lawn mower while he mowed the lawn as he explained in detail all about the grass, the mower, danger and how it was important to mow our lawn in different directions every week. We made "mud pies" together, we skipped rocks in the creek next to our house together and talked forever about everything. Daddy always explained things to me - I asked a lot of questions (I still do to this day).

Daddy walked me every day across the street from our house to the bus stop waiting to be picked up for kindergarten. I remember watching out of the window of the bus waving to him as he waved good-bye until he was out-of-sight.

I wanted so much to learn to golf with him; Daddy was an avid golfer. I walked (no golf cart for Daddy, he loved to walk, I don't even remember if that had golf carts back then.....) with him on the golf course. Daddy determined that 9 holes of walking for me was plenty though when I went with him. Daddy bought me my very own first golf clubs with a cream colored canvas bag to carry the few clubs that I needed, my golf balls and tees. Daddy would hit his ball and I would hit mine. Of course his went so much farther than mine but he was always by my side, encouraging me and telling me, "Anny, just keep your head down and keep your eye on the ball", "Baby, you can do it - just take your time." Often we went to the range. Yes, I conquered the game of golf when I was in my mid twenties and love the game as much as he did.

Summers were so much fun with Daddy as every year the fire department had it's annual carnival. Daddy worked a booth and I rode on the swings and train forever. Often I would "help" Daddy in his booth as people would play the boards and help spin the wheel.

Even though I may have only had six years with my Daddy......his values, compassion, love and determination were forever instilled in me. I am truly a "Hinesy" (his nickname).

In closing, Happy "Daddy's" Day - missing you and never forgotten.

Firemen's Prayer

When I am called to duty, God
Wherever flames may rage,
Give my strength to save a life
Whatever be its age.

Let me embrace a little child
Before it is too late
Or save an older person from
The horror of that fate.

Enable me to be alert
To hear the weakest shout,
And quickly and efficiently
To put the fire out.

I want to fill my calling
To give the best in me.
To guard my friend and neighbor
And protect their property.

And, if according to Your will,
I have to lose my life,
Please bless with Your protecting hand,
My family and wife.

Wishing every "Daddy" a happy "Daddy's" Day!

Take care and STAY SAFE!
Anny
A Survivor
The Realistic Female Self-Defense Company
"Raising female awareness and skills to reduce susceptibility in response to violence."
www.annyjacoby.com
www.realisticfemaleselfdefense.com