Humph...it doesn't seem like much of a word, but in my father's vocabulary, it had more meaning than one could imagine. Although literally a genius with a photographic memory, "humph" seemed to be how he most often expressed emotion. One would think with such intelligence, he could muster more eloquent words. Thankfully, that wasn't the only word he spoke. He spoke plenty of words of wisdom, encouragement, and correction too, but for my Dad, humph seemed the best response for those moments when words weren't quite enough. It was his unique way of expressing "I love you", "that's a good one", "I'm proud of you" and "thank you" along with a myriad of other emotions.

When we'd tell him we loved him, he had an amazing way of expressing his love with a hug and a "humph". When the fields had been harvested, "humph" showed satisfaction of a job completed. He also had a wonderful sense of humor, so on the rare occasion when we pulled a fast one on him, the "humph" said it all. When we achieved something special, the “humph” accompanied his smile of approval. Although not often enough, when we thought to thank him, his "humph" meant, "You're welcome." If we truly wanted to get his special response, we would compliment him. Humility made it difficult for him to take credit for anything, even if due.

When we raised our 4-H animals and the time came to sell them, afterwards we'd sneak off to a quiet place and cry our eyes out. Dad always found us, ready with his long arms to hug it out and let us gather ourselves. His "humph" expressed his sympathies for our loss. If we had disagreeable words and needed to make up, his "humph" affirmed "I forgive you." College meant Dad and Mom dropping us off at our dorms. A "humph" accompanied a hug and a few private tears. Then came a day when we brought home our prospective spouses for his approval. Well, you know what he said.

Perhaps Dad took Proverbs 10:19 to heart, “When words are many, transgression is not lacking, but whoever restrains his lips is prudent.” (ESV). His restraint of words ensured that his words wouldn’t be misunderstood or used against him. Instead, his response spoke mountains of love.

It's been decades since we heard his last "humph" and not a day goes by that we all don't miss him and his special way of expressing himself. We can't help but think of how much he would have enjoyed this season of life, watching his grandchildren graduate and move into adulthood, adding yet another generation of children to love. One thing we know for sure; with each season, each life, and each journey, he would have assured, encouraged, and cheered us on with the one word that said it all...humph!