Sunday, June 17, 2018

My Father's Days


My dad was not able to see 
his grandchildren very often.
Great distance and other issues
meant less than 1 week a year.


I have guilt and regrets about that BIG time.
When we would get together, he was always
intent on making memories.


Dad died when my kids were still quite young
so their memories are mostly 
through photographs and my stories of him.

That is true for all of us,
we live on in the minds of those who knew us, or 
who have heard our stories from those who loved us.

I don't think there is a person who knew
my dad who does not have a story about how 
he helped them, guided them, taught them.

When my first husband heard of DJR's passing he wrote
me and told me that is was because of my dad that
he knew how to set up an efficient workshop,
and how he thought of him often while in that room. 

After his passing,
I discovered dozens of notes from stranded strangers
he had helped along the highways.

He had an enormous retirement party
and everyone came because they wanted to be there,
to tell of their times with him.

He hit the ground running early, 
and either worked until dusk or
played by fishing and gardening.
His frequent neighborhood parties were legendary.

He filled his days well 

Grace Honor Love

Happy Fathers Day PapPap


"memory believes before knowing remembers
believes longer than recollects,
 longer than knowing even wonders. 
knows, remembers, believes"
Faulkner




4 comments:

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I am missing my Dad very much today and reading your post brings tears to my eyes. My Children knew my Dad as they visited several times a year and he too was all about being present for them when he was here. Memories.

Kit said...

Such a lovely post about your Dad. Makes me smile. :) Kit

Blondie's Journal said...

Your father sounds like he was a much loved and admired man. Thanks for your tribute. You and others have made me spend a bit more time remembering my father when its often been too painful.

Jane

Karen thisoldhouse2.com said...


Such a gift, to have a father such as yours.