Sunday, July 9, 2017
My Dad
I am grateful for a childhood filled with memories of the outdoors, the songs of sea gulls as they greeted us each day, the gentle lapping of ocean waves, the movement of sand and salt and wind. And amidst this glorious moment, the fragrance of my Dad's breakfast, and the beautiful smile he wore as he rousted us from sleep.
I am grateful for an adolescence where any question asked, deserved a well thought out answer. That life was all about "trying and never giving up." That athleticism was an important and significant quality. Where true knowledge comes from experience and education and where shared stories could be told that made us laugh until we cried. I know the twinkle in his brown eyes, that is a quality that we share, and when I look in the mirror, I see the twinkle in my own eyes and I see my Dad.
I am grateful for my young adult life, having children whose grandfather was involved in their early years. A grandfather they admired and adored. And still, I laughed and tried new things.
I am grateful for my adult life, where I could share anything with my Dad, where he listened and shared his wisdom. Where we laughed until we cried and then laughed some more. A great grandfather to Kori, my Dad was always supportive of her dreams. My Dad taught me to take intelligent risks, to believe in myself and to work hard in the service of others and most important, I guess, to understand that not everyone held the same expectations of life as we did and that was okay.
I am grateful that I spoke with my Dad many times before his illness took hold and I could share with him the valuable lessons he taught me and how truly grateful I am that he is my Dad. I told my Dad that I loved him and that I will always love him and I am grateful for everything he did for me, everything he shared with me and the future he made possible for me and my family.
I know Dad that you are there for me, still. I cannot be at your Celebration of Life but I can celebrate in my own way the life that I shared with you.
With love and gratitude,
Deb
