I miss my Dad!
(the song in the background was from my previous post but I left it up because this is the song my dad would sing all summer long while working in his garden -
he loved the outdoors)
he loved the outdoors)
When I was a little girl, I would stand by the door
when it was time for my dad to arrive home from work...
all bubbly with excitement to greet him...
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| Me and Dad! |
He'd pick me up
and give me a big kiss on the cheek
such a wonderful moment...
the best!
He was a hard working man; a wonderful provider for his family and a great example of what hard work really was. Knowing the value of a dollar, never squandering a cent, he always reminded us to save. He was a child during the great depression and knew first hand how difficult times can become. I don't remember him sitting down much. He would come home from work, and work some more...in his amazing vegetable garden, in the yard, in and around the house. He could and did repair and build anything... a jack of all trades, he took great care of us!
He served his country in the navy and fought in WWII.
He had the gift of discernment...to see through a facade and tell it like it is...he was a very truthful man.
He was a Golden Gloves Boxing Champion ~ As a result, he could be intimidating to some...(perhaps the reason I didn't have many dates)???!!!
My dad had a sense of humor...a silly one! He made us laugh quite often with antics, jokes, made up names, etc. He was most humorous when he wasn't really trying! ;)
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| Mom and Dad |
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| Mom and Dad |
Yes, he was tough; he was strong and his "love language" was one of works mostly. I suppose I don't have as many soft and sugary moments to tell about my dad as I do about my mom. She was the soft place to land - he was our protector and defender...a place of security, with a sensitive heart hidden just beneath the surface. He had layers...depth!
Despite the fact that my dad is now home with his heavenly father, I still miss him! But...someday, I'll arrive home and he will be waiting by the door for me...
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| Daddy's kiss |
At his memorial, the pastor said "I believe Jim is tending to the most beautiful garden he's ever laid eyes on right now, and I also believe that if Jim could tell you one thing, he'd say....'you've got to come here'!!!"
I wrote this poem after he had major heart surgery...his life was saved...
He Cried
Solid as a rock
Carried no fear...
He was a tough guy,
A hard working man,
Showed his love by the work of his hands...
Not a man of flowery words,
Nor of many words at all,
But as far as I was concerned,
He was ten feet tall!
I was sure he could carry the world on his shoulders,
Sometimes I think he even tried,
Never a doubt in my mind,
That because of this strong man,
Life would be just fine...
Every day after work, I’d greet him at the door,
He’d pick me up and kiss me on the cheek,
There was nothing in the world I wanted more,
Than this moment of the day – so sweet.
Years later…
One day after work…
He laid down to rest,
He said he felt a “funny” pain - deep inside his chest...
We knew this was bad when he didn’t fight,
And the ambulance rushed him off that night.
His heart was opened by that surgery,
And then it began to melt,
With words of kindness and expressions of love,
He finally told us how he felt!
The feisty fighter had a soft side,
He showed that side to mom and me,
In a three way hug that lasted a long time,
And his tear filled words “I love my family”!
Feelings trapped inside began to flow,
In words now, not just deeds,
The size of his heart began to grow,
His spirit was set free!
I’m grateful for the tears and expressions we shared,
They mean more than one could know,
I always knew how much he cared,
But I’m glad he found the words to show.
He was a strong man
And he made it clear,
That a strong man’s
Not afraid to shed a tear...
He was a strong man
With a gentle side,
The gift he gave me etched precious in my mind...
Was the day my daddy cried.
(written by Lorraine Brown/ copyright 2007)
H A P P Y F A T H E R' S DAY!
"Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, Who loved thee so fondly as he? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, And joined in thy innocent glee." -- Margaret Courtney ..
"Be kind to thy father, for when thou wert young, Who loved thee so fondly as he? He caught the first accents that fell from thy tongue, And joined in thy innocent glee." -- Margaret Courtney ..
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16 comments:
What an incredible tribute to your father...he lives on through you, and I know you'll be with him again~
So so precious Lorraine.
I cried too..this was so beautiful.
What a day that will be when face to face you see one another again, and he takes you up in his arms and kisses you.
What a beautiful legacy he has left you..thank you so much for sharing xo
Much love,
Deborah xoxo
This is just wonderful...I can't help but think the world needs more of your type of Dad...maybe we all would be doing better. There really was a wonderful work ethic in that generation. I love your tribute to your Dad...the one who was hand picked by God to be your Dad.
Oh, Lorraine, that is so beautiful. I'm glad he was able to share how he felt with you two like that. What a tender moment.
I know how it was with you two too, because I have the same with my dad. I'm so very fortunate.
wow what a great post and great poem.. it in so many ways was describing my dad too..who also is in heaven.. he was a strong man who worked inthe coal mines,and then laid asphalt for the rest of his working life when they moved to Fla.. His word was his bond, and honor and respect was easy to give to this wonderful man..he took goooood care of his family, we never lacked for anything, yet never had an extra penny to spare.. Thank you for sharing that great story about your dad, and for honoring him with your loving thoughts.. God Bless...
Wow, what a touching tribute to your dad, he sounds like an amazing man. It looks like you have amazing memories of your parents, you are so blessed to have that.
New to your blog. Glad I found your blog, nice blog.
What an incredible tribute to your father...he lives on through you, and one day you will be with him again. He sounds like an amazing man.
I am now following you.
This was sooo moving, I'm still wiping away tears.Your father reminds me so of mine. Thank you for sharing your love with us!
I'm so glad I found your blog...I am now your follower...won't you come over and follow us too? We would love having you! Thanks again. Hugs! loretta
Oh, I'm crying right now...everything you wrote is so beautiful, you had a great father and you're a lucky one!
What you wrote reminds me how much I miss my dad and how I wish I could share my days with my family :(
Very moving post to your dad, and a great poem, too. Sounds like he was quite a man. I hope my two daughters will be able write a post like this about me someday! Good post.
tears well up in my eyes as I comb through your words...oh how I look forward to the day when even death will pass away. I can imagine how it must have felt like your feet never touched the ground when you were with him. I absolutely adore the picture of him holding you as a child...just beautiful! p.s. sophia loved hearing this song play :)
a lovely tribute to your Father. I hope you feel this HUG ♥
This is beautiful. My dad is the same as yours in the part where he doesn't love to show his feelings but he definitely has the softest heart. :) Thanks for sharing your story.
What a beautiful tribute! I cried like a baby...and called my dad to say hello and tell him that I love him. Thank you so much for sharing! Cynthia
Lorraine-that is the most beautiful tribute you shared about your father. He was a wonderful man, serving his country, and being there for his wife and family.
I love the photos you shared, and the poem was "heart wrenching" and oh, so beautiful, and sincere! I too miss my father as well, who has been gone for a quarter of a century:-((
What a beautiful tribute to your dad. I'm sure he is still your biggest cheerleader from up above, along with your Mom. Hope you had a wonderful weekend.
-GIna-
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