Laura Ingalls Wilder and Her "Pa"

Laura began her "Little House" series by including stories told to her by her father, Charles Ingalls.  From the manner in which she describes her father in the books, he must have been a role model for her.  And, from the writings we can surmise that they had a very close relationship.  She wrote how he gave her a pet name, (Half-pint) and how they worked together to do some important chores for the family.  His other daughters didn't have quite that close relationship with their father; although I'm sure he loved them as much.

As we approach our celebration of Fathers Day, I wonder how it would have been celebrated in Laura's family.  The holiday hadn't been established while she was a child.  If it had I think that it wold have been a grand day of celebration!  This is not to say that Laura didn't love her mother; she wrote about the times they had together as well.

The Bible tells us that we should honor our father and mother so that we will live a long, happy life.  How sad it would have been for Laura and her readers if she hadn't followed the Word of God!

Charles Ingalls was quite a man among men!  He was not only ambitious and provided fro his family, but he took it upon himself to help build the town of De Smet, almost single-handedly!  He was active in his church. He was a vital part of his community.  But a man is more than his accomplishments or obligations.  If Charles Ingalls hadn't established a loving relationship with his daughter his life would have never received the accolades as it does today.

Maybe your father is, or was, the same type of individual - or not.  Either way, I hope you honor him!  To honor doesn't necessarily mean that you shower him with gifts, or put him up on some pedestal of admiration.  But it does mean that you should live you life in such a way that would make him proud of you.  The Bible tells us that we should so honor our Heavenly Father through our good works.  Laura understood that; and I believe it is one reason that she wrote about her life.  She lived a life that honored, not only her earthly father, but also God.  Each of us has the obligation to so honor them in what we do and how we live.

Charles Ingalls was a husband, a father, a pillar of his community, a pioneer, a farmer, a good neighbor and friend, a wood worker, and a musician.  It was mainly through his music that he "spoke" to all the readers of Laura's books. He always had a tune to play on his fiddle.  And those tunes were always apporpriate to the moment.  In my shop I have music CD's of the music from Laura's books.  The collection is called, "The Pa's Fiddle Project".  The producers have brought Pa's music back to life!  These are professional musicians of our day, playing those 127 tunes mentioned in Laura's books.  These CD's make great souvenirs to visitors of the Laura Ingalls Wilder Historic Home & Museum, here in Mansfield, where you can see Pa's fiddle on display.  They would make a great Fathers Day gift too!  And they bring a new dimension to the writing in Laura's books.

If your father is living today I hope you are working to build a good relationship with him.  Some never know their father.  Some aren't even raised by a father.  And others have lost their father. But it is still their obligation to honor their Heavenly father.  I'm very impressed by those organizations which supply a male role model for fatherless children.  We need more men who will live honorable lives and mentor others.  But the greatest legacy a father can give is that he had developed a lasting memory with his children.  We need more men like Charles Ingalls!