40 years ago today my Dad passed away. So many things seem unreal about that. First, I thought he was indestructible....you know, larger than life. Second, I didn't think bad things would happen to my family. Sound silly? Well, that's how I felt then but know much better today. I was 23 when he died. We were getting ready to move to Ohio as Jack was finishing up his Chiropractic schooling. It was hard to say goodbye when everyone was grieving. Thanksgiving, my oldest son's first birthday and then Christmas just were not the same that November in 1976. Dad had plans to help us move. Plans don't always go as we think they will. But the one thing that did not change or stop was time. It moved on even though it seemed like it should have stood still. A lifetime ago. Dad was 56. More time on this earth than some, less than most. Certainly less than Mom who turned 90 this year. She was widowed at 50 and never remarried. Time moved on for her too. I can't even imagine my Dad at the age he would be if still living...96. And somehow I know that even if he lived these passed 40 years and died at an old age, I would miss him just as much and would wish for more time. Love you Dad...see you again some day...what a reunion that will be!
9 comments:
Oh YaYa, this is such a beautiful and sad tribute to your father on the 40th anniversary of his death. What a great man he was. I can feel how much you still miss him and will always miss him. Your father was younger than you and me when he passed away and that does not seem fair, but a man is not measured by how long he lives but by how he lives and the example he sets. You have every reason to be proud of your dad. Thank you for telling us about him again this year.
God bless!
What a handsome man he was! Not that I'm an expert on this, but I think it is harder when our parents die when we are young, like you were at 23, at what we now would consider not an old age. When our parents are in their late 70s and 80s we know it is just a matter of time, but 56 is way too young to have died in your father's case. My mom died in 2006 so it will be 10 years this year; she was 85 though when she passed. I too look forward to that reunion some day.
betty
A beautiful tribute to your dad, one that speaks from the heart of a loving daughter.
This one struck home Yaya. I had a few more years with my dad but he died at 63 which is still much too young.
R
Such nice memories....and thank God we have them. I miss my daddy every day, too. Now, around the holidays, I miss him most. He loved Thanksgiving and Christmas. Isn't it wonderful to know that we will see them again, one day?
What a reunion indeed!!!
I lost my Mother to cancer when she was 49 and my Uncle was 100 years old when he passed away, (healthy and happy to the very end). They were two very different losses, but the pain does not change.
I love to think of the people who have gone before me, a collection of sorts, of beautiful souls, waiting to greet me when it's my turn.
Sending Love to you,
Andrea
Oh what a handsome, handsome man, this is a great photo of him that you have shared with us, along with your memories of him and your feelings at his loss.
"We'll sing and shout the victory"...that is what came to my mind when you said you would have a happy reunion one day!
Daddy and daughter is a special bond. My dad just died a couple years ago at 94. My biological mom died in her early fifties, I was 19 at the time. I tell my kids all the time that life is short, and to be the best you can while you have the chance.
What a sweet remembrance to your dad. He died young, but it sounds like he made the years he had here count.
=)
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