A Tribute to My Father

In honor of Fathers Day I would like to write a tribute in admiration, respect and love to my beloved father, Frank Joseph Sass. He was born in Pennsylvania and raised in New Jersey where he enjoyed playing sports as a young man such as football and baseball. He joined the United States Air Force after high school and dutifully and loyally served as a computer programmer until he achieved the highest rank of Chief Master Sergeant. During his service in the armed forces, he faithfully and courageously fought for his country, family and friends in the Vietnam War. He always had a strong work ethic and good character. Today he is retired, but still working and resides in South Korea.



But of most significant importance, he was husband to Yoko Sass and devoted father to his only daughter, myself, June Elizabeth Sass. I remember many wonderful and praiseworthy things about my father as a child growing up. He used to frequently take me to the library and there we would check out mountains of books--- little did he know this would spark and cultivate a lifetime of love for reading. This was one of my favorite past times I spent alone with him as I still enjoy a hearty appetite for reading books today thanks to those library visits. He also used to always enjoy having me bake cookies and cakes for him, encouraging me in my homemaking skills. I remember once when we lived in Guam having brought home a bucket full of tadpoles that later turned into frogs and he having to mow the lawn with all these frogs everywhere. He was very patient asking me to move the frogs out of his way. One time when we were moving to another home my father carried my beloved pet turtle in his suit pocket on an airplane so it would safely reach its new destination. Another time living in Washington D.C. there was a huge snowfall. My father built a huge snowfort in front of the house for me and him to enjoy playing in.



My father always told me something very important that would stay with me the rest of my life. He told me I could always become anything I wanted to become---even president of the United States. Do you know what this does to a child? He fully equipped me with courage and confidence to go out and take on the world with the mindset that all things are possible. I don't think I have ever thought that I couldn't do anything because of his powerful, lingering words. I now share this with my children, encouraging the way their 'Poppy' encouraged me. He always told me that I was smart, I remember him spending many patient hours helping me at the kitchen table teaching me how to do long division.



He tried his best to give me advice and direction. Even as I went through some turbulent years, I knew he was always there for me. Whenever I needed him he was right there for me and I know he still is. I always had more than enough growing up. I had clothes, food, an abundance of toys and love. He would always buy me educational gadgets to challenge me intellectually. And he always spoke kindly and patiently to me (it's really difficult to finish this with these grateful tears in my eyes). He always told me that he was proud of me and to always do my best.



One of the greatest things I am thankful for is that he took me to church. As a child I was first exposed to Jesus Christ sitting in the pew and looking up at a statue of Christ on the cross. I was sent to private school where I learned much more about the Bible. My first exposure to spiritual things were quite pleasant. I believe this first exposure from my father, watching him sit in church, tithe, sending me to private school prepared the soil of my heart for the day I would become an adult and give my life to Jesus Christ and my heavenly father, God, which became a life-changing, pivotal point in my life for all eternity. Today I am married to a husband who would like to plant a church and we share eight precious blessings who are learning to love the Lord!



I am grateful for and indebted to a loving and caring father who invested so much into his family. There is nothing more powerful than a fathers loving hand to impact a daughters life. He loved us and did his best and in return I would like to thank him for his great sacrifice as it has been an honor to be his daughter. I am proud of the man I call my father. Thank you, Dad, for influencing me and molding me and helping me to become the person I am today. I love you very much! Have a Wonderful Father's Day!