What do you think of when I say, “Father’s Day?” Does your mind instantly bring up an image of your own father? Of a childhood memory you shared? Is it something that brings a smile to your face?
Since coming to the city 25 years ago I’ve had a strong connection to the Old Town area. My first volunteer work was with Sister Maria and the homeless folks she cared for. I took photos of her clients and mailed them out to family so they would know they were loved and cared for.
Many of the men Sister Maria cared for were fathers. Many of the men you see on the streets around Old Town waiting for food at the Union Gospel Mission or catching a meal at the Portland Rescue Mission or the Blanchet House are fathers too, but mostly they aren’t honored on Father’s Day. Many fathers have been forgotten.
Father’s Day is a day to honor fathers. Even the fathers we don’t know or who seem so invisible to us as we pass them on the streets. Pictured here are some of those fathers from Westward Hotel, the Stewart Hotel and the streets in Old Town. To each I asked, “What advice did your father give you? What advice did you give your children?’
— Benjamin Brink
Christopher Barone, 72: The best advice Christopher Barone’s father gave him was that work is most important. Go to work. Christopher says he didn’t know much about being a father to his two girls and one boy. He says, “I was just there for them.”
Wesley Appling, 64: Wesley Appling was adopted and it wasn’t until later in life that he learned his “Uncle Bob” was his dad. His father wasn’t a good role model. Wesley says the best advice he’s ever given his adopted son was, “Don’t use drugs or alcohol. It will screw up your life. You’ll never forgive yourself for the people you hurt.”
Paul Brundridge, 63: The best advice Paul Brundridge ever got from his father was, “Take care of your family.” He has one daughter and the most important thing he’s ever told her was that he loved her.
George Luis, 60: George Luis is from Cuba and it’s been twenty years since he’s seen his two girls. They are still in Cuba. He misses them very much. He said the most important thing he ever told them was, “Be nice. Be good. Take it easy.”
Francisco Thomas Farah, 63: Francisco Thomas Farah loved being a father but doesn’t want to think about it now. He had one girl but she died. Thinking about being a father only reminds him of her death and he does not want to remember that.
Bruce Mackintosh, 58: The most important advice Bruce Mackintosh ever got from his dad was, “Always tell the truth.” Bruce has two sons and he passed one his father’s advice to them. Always tell the truth. Bruce says there’s a lot of responsibility with raising two boys but he is proud to be a father.
Scott Elliott, 66: Scott Elliot says his father was the most honest person he ever knew. He lead by example. Scott says that’s the most important thing he’s passed on to his son too. He says his son is also very generous although he doesn’t think he learned that trait from him.
Eric Thomas, 78: Eric Thomas says it was hard to get good advice from his father because he was always on the wrong end of the stick. His dad grew up in an era of tough disciplinarians. Eric stays in touch with all six of his children by phone every week. Eric says he told them, “Stay out of trouble. Get your education.” He figures he must have done okay. All of his children are in the ministry.
