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.
22 Comments
Leave a commentYou certainly had a very special dad. I loved this post and the pictures. That certainly was a very special letter he wrote. Yesterday was 13 years since we lost our dad. I understand when you say you think of your father everyday. We were both very blessed to have these men in our lives. Hugs my friend.
Darlene, thank you so much. I can understand what you feel as well — I think many daughters have a very special place in their hearts for their daddy and it is good to be able to share that with others today. Thanks for the hugs!
You sure had a wonderful dad! I wish I had known him and sometimes wonder if he and my dad knew each other.
Memories are the best! ❤️
Thanks, Joanna. He really was a pretty special guy and one that touched a great many lives over his years. I love hearing stories from others about his impact on them.
What a beautiful and loving tribute to your father! He certainly must have been an exemplary man, husband, father, minister. You were blessed to be his little girl. I too was the baby of my family and I had a special bond with my dad because he and I spent a lot of time together especially after my mom passed away. I know exactly what you mean when you say you miss your daddy every day because I’ve been missing mine every day for the last 11 years. <3
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Thanks, Cindy. It is on oof those days that it is hard to not feel a bit sad but grateful at the same time for the influence he had in my life.
I met your dad when we lived in base housing. Your mom said it well, “He was a good one.”
Yes! I remember that I ran across a picture not too long ago of Micah’s baptism and you and Frank and Michael were in the picture. Those a good memories, my friend!!!
Beth Ann, thank you for sharing your daddy with us. What an incredibly loving and caring man. Just like his youngest daughter. Blessed be his memory.
Thanks, Audrey. I am just missing him a lot today as you can imagine. It is always amazing to me how much his memory stays alive and how many people still remember him as being such an influence in their lives over the years. That is a true testament to his life I think..
He sounds like a great guy, and a good father! Playing the trumpet there, next to a grand piano, I figure he was doing some sort of solo, so he must have been pretty good! I’m sorry he had to move on so early in his life, and I know you miss him.
I was just doing the math….mine has been gone 16 years, was 75…so was probably about a year younger than your dad. Mine also served a couple years doing clerical work in the military. Said Uncle Sam made him an offer he couldn’t refuse just out of college. I imagine they might have enjoyed each other’s stories, if your dad was anything like mine he always had a story to tell.
Yes, they would have been close to the same age and I am sure they would have been able to share some stories.
That trumpet got passed down to my brother and actually I found a letter in the huge totes that I have from his uncle, I believe, who shipped that trumpet to him. so that particular trumpet got a lot of use. I am not sure if my brother still has it or not . I need to check on that.
What a beautiful tribute to your special Dad. He sounds like a extraordinary man and very handsome. I can plainly see him in you, my friend, in many ways. .
Thank you so much, Shirley. He was such a genuine man full of compassion and love. Hard to believe it has been 26 years.
This was beautiful, thank you for sharing loving memories of your dad.
Thank you so much for reading. I loved sharing him with you.
Your dad sounds like a wonderful man. The love you had for him shines through in your words. Sending you virtual hugs!
Thanks so much. He was a really great guy. 🙂
Dear Beth Ann, thank you for sharing this post. What a wonderful tribute to your Dad, he was a fun and kind person. I could also see that he was kind and perceptive in the note you shared. The people we love are always with us, and I think that goes triple for family. – hug, David
He sounds like a wonderful man!