My father, Paul T. Weisser, was an interesting and devoted family man. He needed to be. He and my mother raised ten children, no twins, six boys and four girls. I was the third oldest, also the third boy.
Dad worked hard to keep us all fed and clothed. We only had one car growing up, so you can imagine how crowded that would be on a trip to grandma's house. We were not poor, every family in the neighborhood was working class, and we didn't know anything different.
Dad served in World War II, a tail gunner in a B-29. He married mom in 1950, and embarked on the American dream of raising a family and owning a home.
He was active in church, an accomplished artist and photographer. As an adult, when I returned home, dad and I would go out and take pictures together. It was the one thing we did together, just me and him.
We even had a running joke. When we showed each other our latest photo we would always say: "These are really great pictures, I need to take a picture of them!"
Dad had cancer and we lost him in 1995. His cameras were given to me and I was shocked to discover that the camera he used to take all those beautiful slides when we were kids was a very inexpensive off-brand, all manual settings.
He guessed every exposure and f-stop, yet he took many magnificent photos. I'm still amazed at his level of skill. Had he had expensive equipment, who knows what he might have accomplished?
Here's to you dad. You passed your love of photography on to me, and I hope that I am doing you proud! I miss you every day.
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Richard Weisser, Broker, Associate Broker, Auctioneer, E-Pro, CE Instructor |
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All content, including text, original art, photographs and images, is the exclusive property of Coweta Fayette Real Estate, Inc., and may not be used without the expressed written permission of Coweta Fayette Real Estate Better Homes and Gardens Metro Brokers, Newnan Georgia. All information is believed to be accurate but is not warranted, Copyright 2003-2009. Richard Weisser REOS, E-Pro. licensed Auctioneer. 770-827-6225.
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Richard my friend,
That is an awesome tribute to your DAD. I think that you are doing him proud.
Don R.
Richard - What a terrific tribute to your father, and a great picture of him, too! You can place this post in Family Ties if you like. I would like to feature it there. Have a great week, and I hope you had a terrific Father's Day.
Wow! Great story but I have a problem, that is way too many kids!!! I am sure your siblings are nice but dear Lord!!! I have two and cannot get a grip on them.
All kidding aside, it really is a great story. I lost my dad in 2002. I think of him every day as well.
Richard, What a wonderful tribute to you father. I'm sure he would be very proud to hear the words you spoke of him today. Have a great day.
Don...
Thanks my friend, I appreciate it very much!
Jason...
Thanks, I had a great day! And i just added the post to the "Family Ties" group!
Mel...
My siblings and our spouses and kids number around 40 now. We're quite a troop. Sorry about the loss of your father, I know there is a void there on Father's Day!
Bob...
Thanks for reading about my dad and your nice comment!
Richard, nice ThemThem to Paul Dad. Love the photo. I'm sorry for your loss.
Richard -- One thing is for sure, there is no mistaking the fact that you are his son. Your dad sounds like an amazing man...way to follow in his shoes!
Clint...
Thanks, my wife says the resemblance in the old photo is apparent, but he looks EXACTLY like my brother Greg!
Richard...a very heartfelt tribute to our Father. ON his photography, isn't it a wonder how our parents did so well with basic equiptment, and we sometimes struggle with the newest tech gadgets. Thanks for sharing.
Bill...
Thanks for commenting. In those days, everyone made-do with whatever they had. there was very little disposable income. Heck, with 10 kids I'll bet he has NO disposal income.
Your dad sounds like he was a great guy and I am sure you miss him every day. Thanks for sharing him with us.
I hope you had a great Father's Day, Richard.
Amanda...
Thank you, I did. I got to play golf for the first time in over six months following surgery to repair a shredded biceps. I played great and NO PAIN. I also enjoyed chatting at length with my daughter in Philadelphia as I watched the US open on TV so it was a wonderful Father's Day!
It's amazing how Dad found something in common with each of us. Of course you know I also think of him and Mom evry day. Your blog brought back a whole new set of memories for me!!! Thanx Richie, I love you brother!!
Duane...
So I missed replying to you! Thanks for the nice comment, I appreciate it very much!
To my brother Jim in Pittsburgh PA...
I love you too, and I'm glad you enjoyed the post! Also, thanks for calling this morning, it was really good to hear from you1
Richard, no problem, I knew you would be back for it..... you are welcome.