Beech Tree News Network

It’s that time of year when we take the time to tell our Dads how much we appreciate them by giving them the standard tie, goofy card or in my husband’s case, a day to watch a whole baseball game preferably the Mets or the Yankees, uninterrupted.  My mother will tell you I was very much a “Daddy’s Girl”.  I always went to my dad first no matter what.  Need money?  Ask Daddy.  Need the car fixed?  Ask Daddy.  Need to explain why I was failing high school Algebra?  Tape a letter to the toilet...wait, that’s another story…
My father was a Bowling Green police officer and I was very proud of him even when he picked me up from the skating rink one time in his cruiser.  Try explaining that to your friends.  I always loved my dad’s personality.  He got a kick out of watching Wile E. Coyote and Roadrunner cartoons and ALWAYS rooted for the coyote!  I asked him one time why he wanted Wile E. to catch the Roadrunner.  He simply stated that he knew how the coyote felt; sometimes even when the things you want are out of your reach you can’t give up.   If my dad didn’t have something nice to say, he just didn’t say anything.  He was quick witted and funny and the last thing I ever wanted to do was disappoint him.  I would have chosen a “whooping” than to know that my actions had let my father down.  I always knew that my dad would be a great “Pappa” (pronounced PAP-PAW) just like my Pappa was to me.  Unfortunately, my father did not get to meet my children, well not here on earth anyway. 
I think what amazes me most is that I see so much of my father in my boys.  I have always been a sucker for brown eyed boys probably because my dad had brown eyes.  Take a guess how many men in my house have big brown eyes?  All of them!  My father had a gift for serving and helping others.  So does my 15 year old.  My father liked to work with his hands.  My 11 year old is constantly asking how something works.  My 9 year old, when he is up to something mischievous, he gets this twinkle in his eyes, that if he turns his head just right, it’s like having my father looking back at me.  My dad did a lot of drag racing at Beech Bend when I was a little girl and as a matter of fact, was racing on the day I was born (much to the chagrin of my grandmother).  If you knew my 6 year old son, you would know that to say my son is the fastest kid I know, is an understatement.  He definitely takes after his grandfather when it comes to the need for speed.
I have always been thankful to the biological mothers of my sons but I’ve never said thank you to their biological fathers.  So, even thought it’s late it is heartfelt.  Thank you, sirs, for my beautiful boys. 

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C. Denise Lambrianou is the Program Coordinator for Family Enrichment Center-Adoption Resource Program, which is funded in part by a grant from the Cabinet of Health and Family Services, Department of Protection and Permanency and Wendy’s of Bowling Green.  If you would like information about becoming a foster or adoptive family, or you would like to inquire about a featured child, please call (270) 781-6714 x 3 or (866) 842-9032 x 3.

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About Jasmine

Looking at Jasmine’s (08/96) picture, you will see an adorable young girl who is sweet and a little bit shy at times. When being taped for Wednesday’s Child Jasmine tried hard to do her best, and loved learning some gymnastics basics. The teacher said Jasmine has a natural talent for it! She manages to have a smile and a good attitude even though she has been through some difficult losses. Jasmine has made progress in the last year but will continue to need assistance. Jasmine is friendly and sociable but still needs lots of attention and parental approval. Jasmine talks about adoption and is hopeful for a home. She just needs someone to tell her that she matters. Jasmine likes dancing and crafts. In school, Jasmine does well with her work and with organized activities. She recently enjoyed going to Kings Island and the Kentucky State Fair. She also likes going shopping (like most girls!) and to movies and playing games. Jasmine misses living with her little brother but they stay in contact with each other—this will need to continue even after Jasmine goes to live with her adoptive family. Jasmine is a teen now and needs the support of a strong, loving family in order to help her develop confidence and learn to be a good friend. Are you the family that can help Jasmine succeed and be happy?