GO FLY A KITE

Go Fly A Kite

February 21, 2015, my father will be 85. He is not reluctant to share his age with the public. My dad, William F. Hendershot is a man that I respect. I have come to find out in my 54 years of life, that many others respect him as well.

He is an accomplished Bio-Chemist with a well deserved title, Dr W F Hendershot, PHD.  My mother worked to help him through his graduate school classes. They raised 4 children with love and expectations as we all have successful lives.

But this is not about degrees, accolades, or achievements. In the movie ‘Mary Poppins’, the song Let’s Go Fly A Kite shares the feeling I get when I think of my dad... Let me explain. 

It began when he was 7 or 8, Dad would be known for flying kites. He along with his brother Bob had caught the wind currant at just the right velocity to produce the needed low pressure above the wing and a high pressure below it. The kite was strong and majestic as it flew, encouraging the young boys to stay focused on their success. That is, until they realized they would be late to school. Not wanting to stop their tethered craft from its flight, it was decided that they could tie the string to a fence post to let the kite play in the wind until they returned. However, they were never to see it again.

That didn’t stop my father.  After meeting my mother, his fascination with kites was encouraged by his father-in –law, Sollie Guthrie. They discussed, and maybe flew some kites as grown men. It was especially enjoyed after the birth of his first child, my brother.

I can remember on Summer Saturdays, when the wind was just right, my dad would often be outside with me, my sisters, and my brother.  Mom would come too. We would all have our own kites that had been purchased for our adventure.

As our kites would soar in the air, our dreams on free flight would join them. My own love of the wind is due to the power I have experienced. In bible stories that tell of the Holy Spirit coming like the sound of the rushing wind; In impressive ships and sailing crafts guided by the powerful air current; In precious time I have spent with family maneuvering our kites in the sky.

My dad didn’t give up when the wind wasn’t apparent in his life. He has struggled through some things and been blessed to glide high over other things. He taught me to give God the glory in everything.

I have followed Dad’s example as I fly kites with my grandchildren. We talk about the fun I had with my parents and children. We talk about the wind. We also talk about dreams and goals for our lives.

I pray that I can show the blessings of life as my dad has for me.

 These are some pleasant things that touch me as I think of this 84 year old Bio-Chemist that tied his kite to a fencepost in Dalton, Georgia.