GREEN EYES
These eyes don't have the depth of my father's...
They were green eyes… I realized with time his eyes really did most of the talking for him during his lifetime. It wasn’t as much the look or expression on his face as it was the focus or emotion in his eyes that could portray any sense of feeling he had.
They were his mom’s eyes. His dad was half Native American, or at least that’s what his dad told everyone. His dad most certainly looked half Indian, in fact, to say he looked full blood would be a bit more accurate. He had some of his dad’s attributes, but the eyes were from his mom’s side of the family.
Those eyes were strong first, they showed intent in everything he did, but they also carried in them peace and joy. Long after I first began to understand the strength in those eyes, I would slowly, with time, realize in those green eyes were comfort.
As I looked out over my guard, which was identical to his, due to his teaching, I saw joy. Those green eyes told me he was having fun. I also saw intent, but alas my age, speed, skill, strength, and quickness would be a bit too much for the man behind those haunting green eyes…
As we moved, sidestepped quickly, carefully positioning the members of our bodies to best the other, I saw something else in those eyes. I saw extreme joy mixed with intensity… I didn’t see a shred of doubt…
The confidence in his eyes caught me a bit off-guard. The man behind the green eyes was underestimating the skill behind mine. I knew I was physically superior. I had longer, quicker and stronger arms. My feet and legs were superior as well.
It was all in fun, we weren’t going to throw full punches, just a hard, stinging pulled punch or slap in order to prove who would be the best for that day.
The confidence in his eyes was backed up by, not the grin on his face, but the full blown smile. I was smiling as well. His boxing career in the Air Force and Elks Lodges for extra money when his kids were babies was twenty-five years in his rear view mirror.
I wasn’t even born at the time. What those green eyes couldn’t see was my skill that had been developed. “You have any idea how fast I am”? I asked as we were moving around each other, having already started the sparring. “I bet you’re really fast”! He said almost laughing.
Then he said something like, “Why don’t you show me some of that speed”! Still smiling big. Right before he could get the last syllable out, I launched, lightning fast left jab getting ready to “slap” his right cheek… It never got there…
He parried my jab with his right hand and landed two straight jabs to the side of my face while I thought I had my guard up. It went on for another 20 or 30 seconds as the kind eyes and smile pummeled me gently.
By that time, his eyes were pouring emotion. He laughed his high-pitched perfect laugh, “Ha-Ha-Ha-Ha!!! I laughed too… He grabbed me and hugged me, laughing. “Son-your faster than I thought you were”! He said still laughing, but sincere in his assessment.
His green eyes were proud, not of himself, he didn’t matter to himself, he was proud of me for really nothing, just for belonging to him.
I was proud for who he was as a man. His eyes hid no intention other than the truth of God he lived his life by, and that could be clearly seen in his eyes.
As time goes on and God reveals to and in me who I am in this world, it changes me from not only the inside but the outside as well.
On a rare occasion and the light and angle are just right, as I glance in the mirror, I can see them, faintly, deep inside I spot them, my father’s eyes. I remember the eyes looking back at me, reminding me of the man I can still be.
When God took my dad home to be with Him, He plucked a piece of my heart and took it with them. Through the sorrow, I’ve learned it was His way of preparing me for when it is my turn to be taken home.
I’m also left with the memory and the love I will always carry with me, captured in those green eyes…
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 8:53 am
So much to be seen in the eyes if we take the time to look. What a beautifully written reflection of your father.
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 11:50 am
Thanks Amy, God really blessed me with a wonderful mom and dad. My heart breaks for those who didn’t get to have what I did.
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 9:03 am
Great post. Sometimes when I catch a sideways glance of myself in a mirror, I see my father’s smile and the twinkle in his right eye. But when I speak to someone I’m concerned about, I hear my mother’s voice coming out of me. We carry them with us, don’t we Floyd? I mean, I know they are in heaven, but they still have affect here, you know?
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 11:54 am
I absolutely agree with you Helen. We do carry them with us, and I really thing God takes a piece of our hearts with them when He takes them home. They do have a profound impact on us. You and I were blessed to have great parents that have left some of themselves inside us, and God waters those things and makes them grow even stronger with time. I’m with you, well said. Even though we have sadness, we have warmth because of them still with us…
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 6:00 pm
Excellent post. Took me almost to the end before I realized the Green eyes belonged to your Dad. My Grandmother on my Dad’s side was Cherokee, and my Grandfather on my mother’s side had Indian blood also. Blond and blue eyed as I am because of my German Irish and English blood, I am probably a quarter American Indian. All was never documented so we can’t take part in the kickback earnings at the Indian casinos. Smile!
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 6:59 pm
Thanks Hazel, yeah I hear you on the bloodline issue. My grandpa, (dad’s dad) didn’t have a birth certificate. I don’t think too many of the Native Americans did in those days. That makes me one eighth. Like you, you could probably never tell it by seeing me.
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 6:06 pm
The ole adage of “never judge a book by it’s cover” holds true with our elders’ and our fathers’ ….
During my college days I played a lot of hand ball, it help with speed, timing, foot work and helped keep me in shape during the off season. One summer a buddy of my dad came to visit. He and my dad were in the Navy together. During dinner one night playing hand ball came up and my dad’s friend said he still played and asked if I was willing to play him. I said sure but at his age I knew it would not really be a fair game. I was in prime condition and 30 plus years younger then him. He beat me like a drum, my strength, speed and quickness was offset by him never being out of position. He had all the finess shots and had we from the 1st serve. It was a few weeks after the match I mentioned to my dad that he had beat me like and drum. It was then that my dad shared with me that his buddy was a champion hand ball player in the Navy and continued to win state open championships even at his current age. Experience trumps youth most of the time. And you know I think he had green eyes. Bt
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 7:23 pm
My wife thinks I’m insane! I was belly laughing out loud!!! “Beat me like a drum”!!! That’s a classic, it never gets old! In fact, I think it gets better with age! Especially the age of the guy who beat you like a drum! Big tough Division 1 one linebacker getting beat by an old man! Man am I glad that didn’t happen to me! Although, I’ve had more than my share of those type of events in my life… That’s probably why I think it’s so funny! Can’t tell you how glad I am that you shared this story. Shows the security and character of you now, some years later. Thanks BT!
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 7:21 pm
Floyd,
Since I, too, have green eyes, the topic caught my “eye” right away. It’s amazing what our parents see in us and what we see in our children. I love to think of being God’s child and how perfect he sees us…through His Son, Messiah Jesus.
I love your writing–your heart!
Thanks for sharing with the Fountain Hills Writer’s Group today. We are learning a lot about blogging, through your eyes. The Lord bless you, my brother.
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 7:30 pm
Thanks Effie! You are to good at this “eye” game! (I’m really very impressed!) Our eyes designed by Him are intriguing, it sees and shows so much more than I think we comprehend.
Thank you for having me as your guest today. What a wonderful group of sister’s and writers! It was my complete pleasure, I feel honored to be able to speak and interact with such a solid group of believers. You guys were great, everyone made me very welcome. Thank you.
Friday, September 9, 2011 @ 10:12 pm
Hey Floyd!
It reminded me of Jacob wrestling with the Angel. Jacob wouldn’t let go and that Angel could have beat (killed) him anytime but ended up blessing him because he held on.
Revelation knowledge is irreplaceable, and we want our kids to grow up knowing HOW to obtain that from God for themselves.
Blessings!
You held, and still hold, on to those memories and lessons. God, your Heavenly Father will make sure your legacy is passed on in the same manner!
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 6:50 am
Thanks Nancy, those are kind and very wise words. I haven’t even looked at it from that perspective, these are really deep and profound thoughts. I always enjoy the ones that make me ponder.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 10:45 am
Floyd, I heard great things about your teaching and fellowship at the FH Writer’s Group. Loved reading that Effie enjoyed your teaching. I agree with her, you have a great heart for Jesus and you are an excellent writer. Your voice is unique and I believe it’s a simple outpouring of who God made you to be. Your father would be even more proud to share in your writing.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:28 am
Those words are too kind… I appreciate your support and encouragement, especially coming from someone as gifted as you.
My secret? Oh yeah! I had an ace up my sleeve!!! I think I gained incredible credibility when I shared with them that you guest blogged for me! Actually I shared it by chance, but it did seem to work in my favor! You know what they say, “It’s better to be lucky than good”!
That whole group was a complete joy, time just flew by… What an incredible gathering of talent…
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:29 am
Ooops! And, THANK YOU!!!
Monday, September 19, 2011 @ 1:52 pm
Now it’s you who is too kind. But I’m respectfully so grateful to know you and help you.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 11:29 am
I’m so glad to enter this blogging community. Audra, I look forward to more of your blogs, too. For the first time, I just realized that if you double click on my name, it takes you to my web site. How neat is that? Have a great day!
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 1:25 pm
WELCOME ABOARD!!! It’s nice to have you! Do me a favor and remind the others in your group; the world needs one more Christian writer, and each one of them count as one…
Heading over to your site to check it out.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 3:24 pm
good story 🙂
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 4:46 pm
Thanks Nance.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 4:03 pm
As secretary of the Fountain Hills Writers I got feedback on how much we all enjoyed your presentation. At lunch afterwards that’s most of what we talked about. It was so informative and inspired us to be the best we can be through blogging. There’s a lot to learn but we’ll all encourage each other.
And as the daughter of a half Cherokee, half Irish mother, we chose blue eyes to go with our faces. : ) But my father had green eyes. He taught me by simple actions and worthy words a lot of what I am today, plus handing down some of his talents to me. I know God decided it first, but I sometimes wonder if I would be a Christian today if it hadn’t been for my father.
Saturday, September 10, 2011 @ 4:59 pm
We have many parallels in our lives. I’m certain your father was an absolute gift from God, His plan is perfect. I’d say we are all proof of that plan and His perfect grace.
I was honored to spend time and be part of such a special group of people brought together by God. I’m thrilled to see more Christian writers share the words God has placed within their heart with the world. I’m humbled to be part of that process… Thanks to you for arranging that engagement. It was wonderful.
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 12:04 pm
Those green eyes were very comforting & he passed mad athletic skills down to us. Miss him. Loved this.
Monday, September 12, 2011 @ 3:37 pm
That they were, and that he did… I miss him everyday…
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 @ 6:06 am
I’m so glad you have good memories with your father. It’s amazing how important that is. I have a kiddo that I take out every Monday night whose father hasn’t been in the picture for a long time. He and his mother get a collect call every time the man goes back to jail for drug use and it kills him. I wish Tristan had a better father, but you know what? We’ve got plenty of guys at my church who are stepping in to try to be just that for him- It’s great to see the body functioning as it should.
Wednesday, September 14, 2011 @ 9:42 am
How cool that you’re making lasting memories for that child! When an adult takes the time to genuinely care for child that child knows it. Kids can’t express the things that mean the most, but you can see it in their eyes and actions. Good for you Jake! I’m encouraged by your actions, I know how busy you are. God’s smiling my friend…
Friday, September 23, 2011 @ 9:11 am
A very mature man by the time he was 40. That kind of wisdom and love he had could only come from God. I still miss him alot. A man who’s needs and wants took the back seat to almost everyone. (oh yea and lighting fast).
Friday, September 23, 2011 @ 8:08 pm
Yeah… For sure. It’s a good thing we have witnesses of our dad’s life, if we didn’t, I don’t know if we could get anyone to believe us. God gave him an extra dose of whatever it is that makes those types of people. Sure glad and blessed to have the example our dad set for us. You’re right, it could only have been from the hand of our heavenly Father.
You know I know a bit about that type of speed, I’ve only seen it one other time my whole life.