This post was originally published on 06/18/08, on another blog that I post to for family. I suppose when we lose our parents, it always leaves an emptiness, regardless how old, or how young we are... Revisiting Father's Day and My Dad...
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and a Happy Father's Day to all the Daddys out there giving their children love and security... and wings.. Thanks Daddy.
This is my Dad. He died when I was 21 years old. He was 46. That was in 1976, 32 years ago. It dawned on me today, that I have been without my Dad longer than I was with him.
That fact led me to wonder why it is that I still miss him? Why I always think of him at birthdays, holidays, Father's Day. Why I wish he were still here when I have a problem and need some advice? Thirty-two years is a long time.
That's him... showing off his fish - one of his favorite sports. And with that big King Edward cigar hanging out of his mouth. He was an outdoorsman that loved hunting and fishing of any kind. He was a muscian who loved to play the guitar and sing Eddie Arnold and Jim Reeves songs on the front porch of the farmhouse.
He was tough, and tender. Angry, selfish - Fun and generous. On my 18th birthday, he gave me a beautiful card wishing me the happiest of 18th birthdays. On the inside he had written, "18 years ago today was one of the happiest days of my life". That was my Dad. I still have that card.
He was a complex man. He had a hard life, and in turn, did not make life easy for those that he loved. He never quite found happiness, and he left his children still searching for that elusive happiness after he died. Some of us found it, and some of us still search.
I loved him. I was "Daddy's Girl".
Happy Father's Day Daddy. I miss you.
He was a complex man. He had a hard life, and in turn, did not make life easy for those that he loved. He never quite found happiness, and he left his children still searching for that elusive happiness after he died. Some of us found it, and some of us still search.
I loved him. I was "Daddy's Girl".
Happy Father's Day Daddy. I miss you.
Reading this reminded me so much of my daddy. I lost mine when I was 34, but it still feels like yesterday. Your dad sounds a lot like mine. Did he by any chance serve in WWII. Daddy had a hard childhood and the war didn't help any. But he was a sweet man.
ReplyDeleteI don't guess we ever quit missing them. I read once the hurt is a reminder of how much we loved and how much we were loved.
Debbie
Oh Dixie....I'm so sorry about your dad. I know exactly what you mean when you say you wish he were here when you have a question or a problem. I think the same thing. My dad died 31 years ago....and I still miss him too. I wonder if the giving the family sort of a tough time was part of that era? Things were so different then, weren't they?? I have a picture of my dad with a fish too. It's hilarious. I'm so happy that you have the card from him. Those kinds of things are irreplaceable treasures, aren't they?
ReplyDeleteBig hugs dear Dixie........
Spence
This really touched my heart Dixie. My father passed 7 years ago tomorrow, and I still miss him every day. I'm very excited about your theme for this Wordless Wednesday. I guess deep down we are all daddy's girls aren't we. Hugs, Kathy
ReplyDeleteA Wonderful post about your father. I can bet that you have found your elusive happiness AND that this has made your father very happy....
ReplyDeleteI hope you have found happiness,nice you still remember your dad.
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful post about your father. Hope you have found your happiness.
ReplyDeleteChristi @ A Southern Life
http://asouthernlife.com
Dixie, I didn't realize we had this in common. I lost my daddy in 1974. He was 38 and I was 18. And you are right, we have been without them longer than with them. I guess it shows us that time doesn't matter when you have love for someone in your heart. 35 years is a long time ~ and with all that has happened in life in that time it does seem long, yet it seems so short. Thank you for sharing this post. Your last sentence brought tears.
ReplyDeleteI'm lucky to still have my dad. But I know that we always miss those we love. I can tell you loved your dad no matter what.
ReplyDeleteDear Dixie, What a moving post about your dad. My dad was similar to yours in many ways. I do think he finally found a bit of happiness when he and my mom retired and "returned" to their roots in Arkansas. Unfortunately, just one and one-half years after they returned and finished building their little dream home in the woods, he was diagnosed with lung cancer. He died one and one half years later. He was also a musician and he could fix and build anything. Like your dad, he could make life really rough on those around him (especially his own little family), but he could also turn around and do the most wonderful things for us. He wasn't showy with his affections, but when you got a hug from him--it meant a lot!
ReplyDeleteThanks for this post, Dixie. L, Dana
Dixie, It seems like your Dad and my DH are much the same, everything you said about him is true about my DH. He had a hard life growing up and is still hunting happiness even though it is right here in front of him,....
ReplyDeleteI don't think they really know how to be happy. When things get too good, I think he feel he don't deserve it so he find something to be sad about.
And believe me he has never made life easy for those he loves either. He also loves playing the guitar and singing Jim Reeves, his very favorite.
He was tough, and tender. Angry, selfish - Fun and generous describes him to a T.
But one thing for sure you will always be Daddy's Girl.