Father took care of own dad for years
To his children, Kym Foss, of Evans, is the ultimate father.
Rachael Foss, 18, nominated her father, Kym Foss, for Columbia County Father of the Year because he took care of his own dad, who died June 11, in addition to supporting his children. His son Chase, 13, said his father spends time with him playing the guitar. Foss won the award Tuesday.
Photo by Jim Blaylock
"He's so humble," said his daughter Rachael, 18. "He is just so caring and he gives, gives and gives. He gives in all aspects."
His son Chase, 13, agreed.
"We spend time together playing the guitar," he said.
It's that giving spirit that family members say kept Foss going as he cared for many years for his own father, Robert C. Foss, 80, who had been battling Alzheimer's and died June 11 at the Veterans Affairs medical center.
"Every week, he would visit with my granddaddy and take care of him," said Rachael, who wrote an essay nominating her father for this year's Columbia County Father of the Year contest, sponsored by The Columbia County News-Times and First National Bank & Trust Co. "I realized not every son or daughter would do that."
Today marks the first Father's Day that Kym Foss will spend without a father of his own.
"This whole experience has taught me to invest more time and energy with my family,'' he said.
"You only have one dad.''
Foss was named father of the year Tuesday. His name will appear on a permanent plaque inside First National Bank, and he will receive a personal plaque. Rachael will receive a $100 savings bond for the nomination.
"It was a big surprise," Foss said about receiving the honor.
"I had no idea she would send something like that in."
He said he couldn't have received the award if it were not for his family.
"I'm blessed," he said. "I have the best family. I'm very proud of my children. I have my wife, Cyndi - mother of the year. It's a real team effort."
Foss said the award is a great Father's Day gift. It gives the holiday a little more significance this year, he said.
"One thing you find out about your kids in sharing words of wisdom, you don't think any of the things you say are settling in,'' said the winning dad. "Turns out, they've been listening all along. It's very gratifying and rewarding.''