So I knew in my mind I needed to write this if for no other reason than for self-therapy. The day is fast approaching when it’s been a year since my dear Dad passed and joined our Lord. I have thought of this man every day since he has passed and that is no exaggeration. So I thought I would write a few jumbled thoughts and memories of this man.
He was not perfect…..unless of course you asked his opinion. He was loyal to all that were loyal to him. He loved to use his hands to craft just about anything and he indeed could craft just about anything. He was a very prideful man which could often be seen in his craftsmanship. He grew up in a time and place where men just didn’t express emotions outwardly. That being said, when he shook your hand and meant it….you knew. He never uttered I love you freely or openly…..but if he loved you…..you knew. As time went on he mellowed a bit with his emotions but he still had a very strict set of public display rules. I saw my Dad cry twice in my life. Once when he lost his soul mate and once as I was departing on one of my last trips North when I think we were both scared it might be our last face to face encounter. Both times were difficult for me but the last time was much harder. I was privileged to be able to spend alone time with him after losing Daisy and I could share what I went through losing Karen and he really listened to what I had to say and I think we connected in a way I never had until that time. I will never forget that.
More memories of this man….I remember brook fishing with him…..I remember when I was 13 being hit by a car while living in Lyon Mountain. He was sitting on his recliner (which he loved to do after a hard day of work) and heard the siren of the volunteer fire department all the while thinking someone else will get this call. Little did he know at the time I was the reason for the siren! I remember our shopping trips to Malone to the Ames Store….big doings for me…and then eating at the A&W. I remember him teaching me to drive. (Or at least trying to teach me)
I remember when his Dad was aging and getting near death how difficult it was for my Dad. He had to go and do some of the most basic things for him. I don’t remember him actually crying about this time but I do remember how sad and frustrated he was. Ironic but I was probably feeling some of the same emotions before my Dad passed as he did years ago about his Dad.
I remember his smile…..I remember the mischief in his eyes almost always followed by and action to reinforce the look. I remember his patience (OK this was in his earlier years as his patience wore thin over time)…..I remember all of his Arthurisms i.e.…”oh my aching back…holy mackerel,” etc. I remember his firm handshake. I remember my one spanking…yep I deserved it. I remember his trumpet playing in the basement that so inspired me. I remember playing with the hair on his arm as a child and getting the firm stop it and it only took once. I remember the wafting cherry tobacco smoke of his pipe. I remember his annual Christmas Eve parties. I remember our cross country jaunts with travel trailer in tow and listening to him an Daisy argue about the best route…I remember keeping my mouth shut during those arguments! I remember our political jousts which we always thought in the end we each won.
I suspect I lost everyone reading this who doesn’t know either me or him in some capacity and that’s fine. I really didn’t write this for anyone but myself. That being said, I think it important for everyone to realize and consider how your actions throughout your life can both impact and inspire. I was fortunate to have a Dad that did those things for me and so much more.
I love you Dad…..I will always carry you with me….and I will always remember……..
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