My memories of my father were foremost in my mind today. I
loved Dad with all my heart, imperfections and all. He died in 2001 and I miss
him every day.
At this time of year, I picture him smiling at my love of gardening. Dad grew big vegetable gardens, but also loved growing lupine. He loved feeding the hummingbirds too, as I now do. It's those little things I miss, like picking blueberries together, or taking him out to dinner.
Recently
a classmate from grammar school told me her husband, Bob, worked with my Dad
for years. I never realized that! And I cried when Bob said how much he liked my Dad, and that he was grateful for Dad's help on the job. He said that Dad was “one of the guys,” a self-appointed mentor to the next generation of
tool-makers, despite the managers who tried to make their shift miserable.
It's lovely to hear good things about someone you love, isn't it?
20 comments:
It's tough when a parent isn't here anymore for these days. I miss my mom on Mother's Day (and many other days) too. Your post is a nice tribute, some of the good things you remember him especially for, and I feel like we know him a little bit too now. Sweet of Bob to tell you that about your dad. It's nice that he lives on in good memories.
My dad died July 2000. It relate to all you said today.
How lovely. And how familiar. My father has been gone over twenty years now - and I miss him still.
Thanks, P. I'm sorry to hear you lost your mom.
Time eases my heartache, but I'll always miss Dad. To learn he lives on in others' good memories was a gift for sure.
Hi Bookie,
I'm so sorry to hear about losing your dad in 2000 - just 8 months before I lost mine. I try to write about him here and there as the spirit moves me. Thanks for your note. ;-)
Twenty years sounds like such a long time, but I know better! I'm sorry you lost your dad too. We have planted various specimen trees in our parents' honor....makes gardening even more dear.
Hello from Spain: I also miss my father every day. He died too young of cancer. In my country we celebrate Father's Day on March 19. I also cry when people speak well of my father. He was a great person. Keep in touch
I would love to be able to walk around our garden with my Dad who also loved gardening. It is nice that we have happy memories of our Dad's.
Thank you for you visit.Good to hear you enjoyed our little Island.
Carolyn
It's true that people do live on in our hearts and our thoughts, isn't it? I always try to remember the good things, but every now and then the sad ones pop into my head, too. I'm so happy for you that you had a great father, and also that your friend shared that info about him, too!
Oh, that must have made you smile hearing all those good things about your dad. Your dad had a vegetable garden too? My dad used to love to garden, and when he brought all the wonderful vegetables in, my mom would cook them up right away. When I read that your dad loved to feed the hummingbirds, it made my heart sing. The hummingbird is my beloved bird for so many reasons. What a lovely post this is to remember your dad by.
Have a nice week.
~Sheri
It's definitely lovely to hear good things about someone you love, Vickie. I'm sure your dad was very special. Look at his legacy to the world-----YOU! Susan
Awww, Marta! I'm sorry for your loss too. Thanks for writing. I appreciate your reply. I would love to hear more about your father. Stay well and keep in touch!
Hi Carolyn, Thanks for your kind words....yes we are fortunate for those good memories. As my garden chores get caught up, I'll be visiting more often! Take care, Vickie
Becky, your words mean a lot...thanks! It's up to us to write about our experiences, the good, the bad, and the ugly....I am grateful for the goodness of my Dad's heart. At the end of last year, I published my memoir. It took courage and about five years to write. I shed a LOT of tears writing about Dad. But it was so worth it! Yes, I am also fortunate that I was able to reconnect to my childhood friend, Linda - and it was all through publishing my memoir! Funny how much awareness that decision has attracted.
Hi Sheri, I appreciate your thoughtful note. Isn't it great that we copy those things we loved about our parents, like the gardening? As I wrote in my recently published memoir, Dad was chief cook in our house....good thing I got his sense of humor too. ;-)!
Vickie
Oh Susan, that is so kind! Thanks. You know, I'm so glad you influenced my decision to blog in the first place! It's rewarding to meet so many compassionate people form all walks of life! Bless you, dear Susan. Vickie
I can only imagine how difficult Father's Day is when you have lost your dad. I'm blessed that way---I still have both my parents. They are in their mid-70's and in pretty good health. I'll be taking a trip to see them next month.
Thankfully, you have wonderful memories of your dad, and those can never be taken away.
Blessings,
Patti
Vickie--Donald Graves once said that "Writers live life twice." They live and experience, and then they re-live as they write about their experiences. When we hear stories about loved ones who are gone, or we write about them, we bring them to life once again.
This post about your dad is heartwarming. Thanks for sharing it.
(By the way, all you had to do to "enter" the contest was leave a comment. Your name is in in the hat. Check back on July 1 or 2 to see who won. ;)
You are indeed fortunate, Patti! Look forward to hearing more about your trip to visit them, too. And yes, I'm grateful for the memories....thanks for your lovely note.
Sioux, I love Donald Graves' quote! It's so true. And I'm grateful for your reply.
Glad I'm officially entered into your contest, too! Thanks. I'll be checking back often anyway as I enjoy your blog.
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