My Dad -- Not House But Home
Posted: Friday, June 17, 2011
by Nancy Daniels
Voice Dynamic
When I think of my dad, I consider myself incredibly lucky to have been blessed with a father who always thought of others before himself. Considering that one of his great strengths in medicine was his ability to diagnose, it is difficult not to compare ‘Gregory House,’ of TV’s House to my dad, Harris Fister, general practitioner, who spent his entire medical career interrupting his dinner, his sleep, and his day off to make house calls. Even Thanksgiving, Christmas and Easter were no exceptions.
When they were out, he would take her into the ladies room if there was no one around to guide her. No one ever questioned him. His compassion and gentleness spoke through his mannerisms as he carefully led her throughout their life together. She saw the world through his eyes as did many of us.
Almost everyone in our town knew him, loved him and went to him. There were no appointments. If you were sick, you went to the doc’s office and waited. You may have been ‘hanging from the chandelier,’ but, you would be seen that day. If you were really sick, you knew not to come in and infect the others in the waiting room. In that case, you requested a house call.
When my mom would confront dad about raising his prices, he would resist. She was the business wizard – keeping tract of their financial situation in her head before my dad could get even get his calculator out of his pocket. In fact, when he retired in 1988, he was charging $15 for an office visit and $18 for a house call. I was paying $35 at that time just to walk into the door of my veterinarian! And, if you didn’t have the money, homemade bread, fresh grown produce, or a bottle of wine paid your bill. Sounds like medicine today, doesn’t it?
One of my greatest memories as a child was when I was about 6 or 7 years old. Pain in my stomach woke me up and I knew that I was going to be sick. I jumped out of bed, covering my mouth with my hand and then ran to my parent’s bedroom. Unable to yell for help, I kicked their door and proceeded to the bathroom. Immediately, my dad came to my aid where he stood over me and gently held his hand over my forehead. I know that all parents help their children in times of need, but dad’s way was so reassuring and so comforting.
While my mom was ever concerned about dad’s health and his hectic work schedule – from dawn to dusk and often during the wee hours of the morning as well, my father has outlived my mom by more than 8 years. Although he now only drives during daylight hours, Pop comes to my home for dinner almost every Thursday.
I’ve always felt tremendous security with this man; and, I know others have felt the same way too. Dad could never be a House – he’s a Home and, without a doubt, the finest man I’ve ever known.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Hi Nancy! It's been a long time. How are you doing? What a beautiful story! It's wonderful to hear these stories from children who do not take their dad's for granted and realize how blessed they are. And though I don't have many endearing childhood memories, I'm so blessed that my children say many of these kinds of things about their father. Thank you for sharing! Hugs and blessings, TeresaTeresa,
I am delighted to hear from you! While you may not have had fond memories of your childhood, what a blessing that your kids have you and your husband and the Lord in their lives. Hugs to you as well, Nancy
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