Sunday, June 19, 2011

My Dad

He was the first person to tell me I drank too much. I rolled my eyes every time, which was often, that he'd announce the best day of his wife was when he met my Mother. He was so proud of his cement mixer and the modest houses he and his brother built that I think he infused some of that pride from work into my veins. Before he died, he told me was sure he would see his Mother again and he asked me to make two promises. First he asked me to return to the Catholic Church and second he asked me to take care of his dahlias.

.

I couldn't bring myself to rejoin the church and although I tried the dahlias died. I imagined I would carry a certain guilt about one or both of those unfulfilled promises but I never did. My father died at home in his own bed and on the day he died I stopped being afraid of dying. My memory is that my Mother told him he could go and my Father left us escorted by his own Mother.

Happy Father's Day, Dad. I turned out to be honest and hardworking too and I've done my best to help Mom. I think you would be proud of me and I thank you for teaching me the most important things simply by how you lived and by how you died.

Love Me

14 comments:

  1. this is really beautiful, kj - it brought tears to my eyes. you were lucky to have such a loving dad - and he a loving daughter.

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. You've had a good loving father just like me. We are blessed, KJ.

    ReplyDelete
  3. I know your Dad would be proud of you KJ......you've accomplished a lot.
    More than most.
    Do you think he is discussing cement with *my* dad today??? (they've probably built a new section onto heaven....)

    XXOO~~
    Anne

    ReplyDelete
  4. I always used to think that we had to keep promises we made ... especially ones to loved ones now gone. Nowadays I think it's about honouring their memory and living in a way that would make them proud. I bet your dad is proud KJ.

    And I expect cement comes in pretty handy ... even in heaven. xx Jos

    ReplyDelete
  5. Parents (and Fathers in particular) are forgiving when one cannot fullfill a promise. I know your Father is proud of you - the life you have created, the people you help and encourage to live.

    You were a wonderful daughter to him - as you continue to be to your Mum.

    I KNOW you, JB and Lo are having a great time today!

    Love to all,

    ♥ Robin ♥

    ReplyDelete
  6. That's really sweet. And I'm with you on the promises....

    ReplyDelete
  7. What a beautiful legacy he left. I've a black thumb also. I cannot grow flowers. I would promise to try, just as you did...but dad would know the flowers would join him, rightfully, on his journey home.

    ReplyDelete
  8. I'm sure he knows somehow that you turned out to be a good daughter. Those of us who have had amazing father's with good souls are indeed blessed.

    ReplyDelete
  9. My Dear Dad died a few years ago but I feel he is always with me.Women who have good Dads are so lucky/

    ReplyDelete
  10. Its so nice to meet your Dad through your sweet words Kj.I cant help but believe that Dad is smiling down on you,and he is Proud,so proud of you.Hugs,Cat

    ReplyDelete
  11. What a grand tribute to your dad. I miss my dad every single day...

    ReplyDelete
  12. He's forgotten about the dahlias and is instead admiring your zinnias in their place of honor by the cement birdbath ;)

    And you can be sure he's by your side beaming with pride.

    xo
    Lo♥

    ReplyDelete
  13. you are lucky kj. and i know you know it.

    love,
    lori

    ReplyDelete
  14. There can be nothing better than that, kj...what a great gift from your dad!

    Love to you...

    ReplyDelete