My Father’s Day Memory
I know most people have a choice memory or two about their dad. Here’s mine:
My Father, Gustav Arthur Tafu Hannemann, of Samoan, German and English lineage, was the hardest-working and smartest man that I have ever known. He was also the consummate gentleman who treated everyone fairly and with respect; profanity and abuse were never a part of his makeup. There were no tasks or jobs that he wouldn’t do to put bread on the table to take care of my mom, Faiaso, and our clan.
He made many personal sacrifices so that he could always provide for his family. If I were to coin a nickname for my Dad, I would call him the “Great Provider.” His family, church and civic responsibilities were his priorities, and this was reflected in the way he lived his life.
Because of my Dad’s example, I found myself doing things that I thought I couldn’t do, like working in college on the dorm crew cleaning the bathrooms of my college mates so that I could supplement my education, or fasting for a while along with praying so that I could obtain divine guidance in some very important events in my life.
I am always so thrilled to run into people who tell me what a special man my Father was. He and my Mom will always be my role models. So whatever it is that you are doing this day, please take time to tell your dad, whether he is still with you or has gone to a better place, how much you love and appreciate him. Happy Father’s Day to all the dads!
