Twenty six years ago I lost my Daddy. So many of my readers know the story of my mom and of her continuing journey through dementia but probably not much about my sweet Daddy. When I say that I miss him every day it is absolutely the truth. I do and I always will.
He was a kind and gentle man and that is what most people remember him for. He never raised his voice -even though as a minister I am sure he had many times of frustration. He was gentle, soft spoken and loving. He accepted everyone right where they were at. He taught me early on that the color of your skin does not matter. We are all humans.
He even sang to my mom at their wedding.
When Parkinson’s began to rob him of his abilities to function as a minister he went on disability leave and we were blessed to have a lot of people that helped my mom out occasionally with respite care. She took him to an adult daycare once a week so she could shop and have a day to herself. They absolutely loved him there and it eased her mind that for a few hours a week he had someone else who could appreciate and care for him.
The gifts that my Daddy gave me were many. While he did not have the means or desire to lavish expensive gifts he lavished me with love and compassion. He gave me the gift of time. He gave me the gift of wonderful trips and memories from those vacations. He gave me the gift of the love of all kinds of music and the love of reading. He gave me the gift of unconditional love and encouragement.
Being the “baby” of the family afforded me some extra special time with Daddy when the other siblings were not around. I loved that and we shared a very special bond during those college years and the summer before I got married. You know how sometimes there are moments marked in time that you will never forget? I have a lot of those during those years and I am so grateful.
When I visit my mom we look at pictures of Daddy and even though she often does not remember his name her response has been “He was a good one.” Yes, indeed. He was one of the best and today if I am a little reflective you will understand. My Daddy helped shape me into the person that I am today and I am so very grateful to him for always seeing the best in me. I know that he would love where we live now and would be happy to sit on our back deck and watch the birds and wildlife.
I mourn the fact that he only had 66 years on this earth but I am grateful for the impact he made and the legacy he left. I miss him so much but sharing him with you makes me happy. Have a wonderful Tuesday, my friends.
