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Thanks to the efforts of a distant cousin, I have for the first time in my life seen a photograph of my father when he was young. I’ve got to admit, I was completely taken back by the photos. The file name indicated it was my brother, Charles Kielhurn jr., but when I opened it I knew immediately that it was my dad…the eyes, the hair, I don’t really know what it was, but I was sure it was my dad…
Having never seen a photo of him as a boy, a few things popped out at me, like it was obvious where I got my good looks from! Fashion aside, it a snappy little pic, but that face; it is one that has been engraved in my soul forever, and I am proud of that. I can be, there aren’t many men out there that can say that they successfully raised 11 children, and never faltered in his love for his wife. People are quick to note ones flaws, and speak about them as if we were better for not having those flaws….we just have different ones. People are also quick to honor thy mother, and my mom was certainly a saint, but today is for dad…not because it is fathers day, but because I am just getting a chance to see how you looked as a boy.
I find it ironic that it’s a sailors uniform, dad was a real WWII type, and be I damned if the American flag touch the ground during our raising ceremonies! He did instill good values in me, without even knowing that he was doing it; honor thy mother, country and God…he taught by modeling those behaviours.
Dad, you were a farm boy! I had no idea! Do you think that you could pull those pants up any higher? Both my mother and father had fantastic senses of humor, they had to to tolerate myself and my siblings!
I’ve gone to sleep over the past few days thinking about these photos. I guess I always presumed that my dad was born an adult…! I’m very thankful to my cousin and his father for sharing these with me and for all their efforts as genealogists…my dad may be gone, but he is remembered and still loved by many…
April 16th, 2008 at 9:03 pm
What a delight to come across this post! Your dad was a piece of work, that’s for sure. I will always remember my “Uncle Charlie” with liberal slices of affection. (As opposed to the slices of cake he was able to cut; the man could get two dozen slices out of the smallest cake - I was always impressed.)
Hope all is well with the family. Send my love to your sisters on their birthday.
April 17th, 2008 at 12:52 am
Hello Jane Trancho,
Been a long time…
Yes, my dad was a piece of work, eh? :}
I will tell my twin sisters of your birthday wishes, please say hello to all in your family from me…keep in touch
Philip
April 17th, 2008 at 4:11 pm
Hey Phil: Thanks for the wishes and passing along Jane’s remarks. . .I assume this is Aunt Jane rather than ‘Janey’?
Hopefully, we’ll speak soon. xx
April 18th, 2008 at 1:14 am
Nanc,
I am thinking not, she did say Uncle Charlie :}
Sorry I missed you and Laura. Just for the record, I phoned you first because I like you more (just kidding L), hope you both at least got the message…and had a great day….Philip
August 29th, 2008 at 3:18 pm
Hi Phil! Looking at your site (ours?) on you bday to say hello. These pics are so emotional and interesting. Can I somehow get hard copies? Send me them electronically for me to print? I’ll find another spot to say happy bday… 47’s not that old!
love you Phil,
Maria
August 29th, 2008 at 5:29 pm
Hi Maria,
Funny how we never forget each others birthday, they are just too close to forget! Thanks for the message. If you right click the photo, you can save them to your hard drive. They were sent to me as jpegs, so that is all there is…let me know if you need help..PK