SOL 5/31 - Remembering My Dad

Today would have been Dad's 99th birthday and I'm sure if he were still with us, he would have that same silly smile on his face, a song in his heart and chatting with whoever he would meet.  He would love and care for others and share his faith in God.  But, he passed away in 2003 - nearly 13 years ago.

It seems like yesterday that I received "that call" to come asap, he's in intensive care and probably won't live much longer.  That was one of the most difficult days that I had experienced.  As we traveled the 500 miles, I kept thinking and praying that the doctor was wrong.  That he would be up and waiting for us.  That he had many more years to spend with us.  He had a wedding to attend in three weeks.  But,  when I arrived I knew he had waited for me to come.  He kept telling me he wanted to go home and I told him that he could.  The next morning we received "that call" and knew that he was at peace, free of pain and with God, my Mom and others who had passed before him.   Knowing that made it easier for me to accept. 

I have written about my Dad every year since I started writing slices  (remembering-my-dad)
He was a great man and is still missed every day.  I was sharing my family scrapbook with my neighbor and it brought back so many memories of my parents. 

And so today, I wish you a fantastic birthday, Dad.  I miss you and appreciate you for all you taught me. 

Comments

  1. AnonymousMarch 5, 2016 at 8:55 AM

    When my wife and I received that call that her father had been killed in a farming accident, it was the worst day in either of our lives. The things we didn't have a chance to say, the memories not shared, the growing up of his granddaughters not seen.

    But as we visit his sister this weekend, and look at the memory quilt that was made, smile and laugh at all the silly things he did, we know that while he was taken too soon, he lived a fill and rich life.

    I can tell by your writing, with the voice you've given your words, that would be the same with your father. I'm sure he is honored today, that you've picked him to be the topic of your writing. Thank you for sharing this slice with us, and enjoy the memories that will be bubbling up. :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. aileenhowerMarch 5, 2016 at 10:01 AM

    I'm so glad that you write about/for your Dad every year. That's really important to keep his memory alive and share his life with others. My Dad will be gone 8 years this week. I will surely do the same.

    ReplyDelete
  3. AnonymousMarch 5, 2016 at 12:48 PM

    Thank you for sharing and for your vulnerability. It is so very important we remember our loved ones now gone.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Terje March 5, 2016 at 2:13 PM

    The love and memories don't fade. This was a sweet sad slice.

    ReplyDelete
  5. MichelleMarch 5, 2016 at 5:43 PM

    Aw, {wiping tears} happy birthday Grandpa! He was an amazing man. He lived an amazing life. He accomplished so much, and always remained strong in his faith. I remember that call too. I remember it was fitting that he passed away on Father's Day. He was a great father and grandfather and he was going to be with our Father.

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  6. LynnMarch 5, 2016 at 7:08 PM

    Losing a parent is so hard Judy! I remember each time you slice about your dad the memories you share are so heart felt! Happy birthday to what sounds like a wonderful human being!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Linda BMarch 5, 2016 at 9:26 PM

    It's wonderful that you write about him every year, Judy. He sounds like a wonderful man. I miss my parents too, and think of them often, and often it's because I want them to know their grandkids now, and then the great grandchildren too. They would be so proud.

    ReplyDelete
  8. AnonymousMarch 5, 2016 at 11:12 PM

    This is a sweet sweet slice. Thanks for sharing from your heart. Happy Birthday to your father.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Carol VarsalonaMarch 6, 2016 at 11:42 AM

    This is a beautiful slice to your Dad. I remember thinking when my daughter entered my mother's hospital room that she waited for her granddaughter to come before she said goodby to all of her family that were by her side. Passing is a difficult process but the memories of a life well spent are ever-present.

    ReplyDelete

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