Sunday, June 21, 2009

Thrice Blessed

Fathers Day 2009

Unfortunately, the memories of my Father are limited.He passed away when I was 8 years old.
However, it seems the more I "let" my mind go back to him...the more I recall. It's amazing to me the things that have remained indelible in my mind.

The smell of his big, puffy winter coat...and the way the fur hood felt against my face as he hugged me when he returned home from work. The feel of his whiskers at the end of the day.
Sometimes I touch Tom's just to "go back"- if only for a moment.

His "silly" faces...as seen above :)

I don't remember the sound of his voice...but I
do remember how I felt when he spoke to me... important, treasured, and loved. Sometimes I am content with limited memories of him...
considering how painful it can be, as it is.
I miss him terribly - but catch glimpses of him from time to time...

My
children's sense of humor.
The sound of the instrumental "Music Box Dancer" on the radio.

Charleston Chews or the smell of popcorn.
Tom watching M.A.S.H late at night.
The sound of a train.

Looking in the mirror - and seeing his nose...and crooked smile.

Watching Tom play with our kids...
and knowing that my Dad loved us -
the way Tom loves them.



I am blessed with abundant memories of my other Dad, "Joe"....
or as I love to call him, "Pappy".

For 25 years he has been in our life.

Quiet, reserved, with a fabulous sense of humor.

He sacrificed so much in order to raise us.

We were a handful...but he still
chose us...
and I am so glad that he did. I love him.

Sometimes I think that I married a combination of my two Dads.
The best of both of them.

I seriously question how I could have been so blessed with such a great father to my children. They know him.
They treasure every second they have with him.

Everything he does - is for them....us.

Selfless, playful, hardworking,
and a powerful example to my children...
of what men
can and should be.
We gave him a photo book for Father's Day with a quote on the front:


"He didn't tell me how to live...he lived and let me watch him do it."


I am so grateful for the "Fathers" in my life...

Thrice Loved.

Thrice Blessed.

2 comments:

  1. What a beautiful tribute to your dads & your husband. They are blessed to have you as their daughter & wife. :)

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  2. I loved reading about your dad. You have been blessed. It's great that you share your gratitude with your children. What a beautiful family you have! Your dad must be so proud of you. And my goodness...you certainly keep his memory alive with your sense of humor...and now your children carry on the tradition! :) Tradition! Tradition!

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