Honoring Dads

by | Jun 16, 2018 | Uncategorized | 13 comments

Hi Friends, This Sunday we’ll be celebrating Father’s Day with a cookout and some fun family time, and I’ll be remembering some very special men in my life. I was blessed to grow up in a home where my dad, Bob Swain, showed me a lot of love. And when I married, I added another dad in my life, my father-in-law, John Turansky. Both of these men have had a profound impact on me, and I have been blessed to be their daughter.

Carrie and her dad Bob Swain at the lake

Carrie and her dad Bob Swain at the lake

Bob Swain was just about the sweetest guy you could ever meet. He was soft-spoken and kind, yet also strong and determined, and best of all, he was a man of his word. Born in 1920, Bob grew up durring the depression and had his first job, selling apples from a wagon, when he was eight. As a teenager he ran track, did the pole vault, and became interested in airplanes and skiing. When he was 21 Pearl Harbor was attacked, and he joined the Army Air Corp. He fought in the Pacific during WW2, and he told some very chilling stories of dangerous situation and close calls.

After the war her returned to Portland, Oregon, where he married my mother, Dorothy Brown, and started his life as a husband and father. He worked for the Union Pacific Railway and volunteered as an officer in Civil Air Patrol, teaching teens about aviation and search and rescue. He also enjoyed camping, hunting, and fishing, and often took the family along on these adventures.

My dad never let a holiday pass without buying a card or small gift to show he cared. Ever watchful, he kept a good eye on me and my brother Mark and made sure we were safe and protected. Dad was an honorable man from the greatest generation. He went on to heaven in 1986, and I still miss him. I am looking forward to a great reunion with him and my mom one day.

Dad

John Turansky, Carrie’s Father-in-law

When I married Scott, I was blessed to add another dad to my life, my father-in-law, John Turansky. John was an energetic pastor who planted several churches and discipled believers for almost 50 years. He memorized hundreds of verses of Scripture and preached countless sermons. But even more than all those things, I remember the fun family times we shared with him. He loved to play games, especially backgammon and card games. He also enjoyed traveling and liked to take his kids and grand kids on adventures. He was wise and thrifty, often saying things like:  “Do your homework before you spend any money.” And, “Turn off the lights.” He also loved to share practical advice with young people: “You don’t fall in love – you fall down stairs. You plan your love life.” And, “You’ve got to marry someone who is going places.” His most famous saying was added to all his sermons, encouraging us to apply what we’d heard: “So what— How does this apply to me?”

John was always a great encouragement and support to us as we raised our children. His impact on our children’s lives cannot be measured. He invested love, time, and attention on each one, often making cards and booklets by cutting out photos from magazines to create funny stories or to illustrate Bible verses or topics. Even though he lived in Hawaii for many years, he would make the long journey to New Jersey to see his grandkids on a regular basis.

John went home to be with the Lord after a stroke slowed him down for quite a few years. When I remember John, I think of faithfulness, devotion to God and family, humor and creativity. We still miss him very much.

Scott with three of our grandchildren, Hanalei, Everett, and Hayden

My husband, Scott, is a great dad and husband. He has a heart to help other dads and spends a great deal of his time counseling, writing, and encouraging dads and moms to love their children and raise them to love and serve the Lord. Even though our children are grown, he communicates with them all regularly and invests time with them and our grandkids. I admire his commitment to family and his devotion to God and His word. That has given him the ability to offer practical advice that blesses me, our family, and many others!

Happy Father’s Day to all the dads who love, protect, and provide for their families. May God bless you all and give you His grace for your role as husband, father, and grandfather.

Until Next Time, Happy Reading,

Carrie

13 Comments

  1. Karen Surprenant

    Wow, my dad was in the Army Aircorp also. I wonder if they knew each other. He was in the Pacific also. Funny, my son moved to Hawaii last December. He’s living in Kauai.

    Reply
    • Carrie Turansky

      Hi Karen, thanks for stopping by. It does sound like we have a lot in common!

      Reply
  2. Claudia Erickson

    What sweet tributes and a great heritage! Claudia

    Reply
    • Carrie Turansky

      Thank you Claudia!

      Reply
    • Carrie Turansky

      Thank you, Trisha!

      Reply
  3. Tina Rice

    Wonderful memories and tributes Carrie. Thank you for sharing.
    Blessings, Tina

    Reply
  4. Suzanne Sellner

    You are indeed blessed with great dads. I had a great dad too and a loving father-in-law. My own husband has been a superb father! I thank God for them!

    Reply
  5. shirley turansky

    I am always blessed by your writing Carrie. Thank you for this beautiful post w/ so much detail. I was honored to meet your father and get to know him somewhat while he lived in Hawaii – and he was indeed a very sweet and generous man. Thanks too for sharing good memories of John. He definitely was a fun “go go go” guy – even while we were dating and loved the Lord. My heart is full for all the memories of purposeful living with him.
    I am grateful too for my son Scott who is doing a great job of loving his kids and grandchildren and teaching others to have great families. We are blessed as you said.

    Reply
  6. Dalyn

    What a beautiful tribute to the men in your life. I never knew my father, but my mother had a boyfriend for most of my childhood that I was very close to until he passed away in February this year. I have a wonderful husband and we made some fabulous sons ❤️
    I loved to hear about the history of your father and father-in-law. Truly the greatest generation!
    Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  7. Andrea Cox

    What a lovely article about the dads in your life. Carrie, thank you for sharing them with us like this. Hugs!

    Reply
  8. Melissa Henderson

    My Daddy was in the Army Air Corp, too. My Daddy went to Heaven on April 12, 1998, Easter Sunday. I miss him very much. He was a true gentleman.

    Reply
  9. Nancy

    You indeed were greatly blessed to have a Godly, good dad. People sometimes take for granted what God has given them, and forget to praise Jesus for His love and tender mercies through our lives.

    John 3:16-21
    Romans 10:8-13

    Reply

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