In Loving Memory of my Dad
It is hard to believe that today marks the 20 year anniversary of my Dad’s passing. I know I have posted about him in the past and I will spare you the details of his accident, but I just can’t let this special day go by without mentioning him and trying to honor him in some way. If you are interested, I posted a little story last year about the last time I saw him. You can read it here.
Before his funeral, I was asked to write a few things about him to be read at the service. I recently found the paper I wrote. (It’s amazing how my hand writing has changed over the past 20 years.) Remember that I was 21 years old, still in college, and not yet married. This is what I wrote…
“When I was asked to write down one or two things about my Dad, I sat for a long time before I realized that I can’t narrow 21 wonderful years of memories into one or two sentences. Many things ran through my mind from dancing on my Daddy’s feet when I was 6, to waving good-bye to him after moving into my college dorm.
So many people keep telling me how lucky I was to have had such a wonderful father. If these people only knew just how wonderful and caring I thought he really was. Tell me, how many people would keep a log book for their 7 year old daughter, so she could follow in his footsteps and someday become a pilot herself? (That never happened. I hate to fly! LOL!) How many fathers would take off work during his busiest season to take his daughter and her boyfriend fishing for the day? Not too many!
Those of you who knew my father well, already know how special he was. But those of you who didn’t…well…all I can say is listen to those who did, because they know what they are talking about.
The selfish side of me keeps asking why he had to die so young, before he could give me away at my wedding or before he could play with and spoil his grandchildren. But the reasonable side of me says that I indeed was lucky (blessed) to have had those 21 wonderful years with him that many children don’t get in 50 years with their parents.
I also realize that he’s never really gone in spirit. He’ll be at my wedding someday and he will find a way to touch his grandchildren’s lives. He will always live in my memory, and rest assured, he will always live in yours.”
(My younger brother actually walked me down the aisle when I got married. It was a bitter sweet moment. I LOVED having him with me, but it would have been so nice to have my Dad walk with with me.)
So today, on the 20th anniversary of my Dad’s passing, I want to honor him by letting everyone know that he was an incredible man with a huge heart! I loved him very much and miss him terribly! I love you Daddy!!! Rest in peace.
What a special post, Lisa. Thank you for sharing your father with us, and your heart!
Beautiful Lisa. And what a wonderful legacy your father has in you.
I, too, lost my dad at 21, Lisa. Even after 20 years, some days are still hard! But what a wonderful tribute to your dad, and what wonderful photos. I'm sure he is looking down on you and smiling with love and pride.
Although I never knew your father, Lisa, I feel like I did from all that you told me about him. What a lovely tribute you have written for him today. I said an extra prayer for him today…and one for you, too!
Hugs,
amy
I lost my father just over 5 years ago and I'm not sure it ever gets any easier as the years pass. Your father is obviously looking down on you with pride and and love today and always. He certainly left a wonderful legacy in his daughter and your tribute certainly showed your love and honour for your dad.
Hugs to you.
Alyson Mayo
Lisa not only have your honored your father with this post but you have honored him by becoming the wonderful, caring, kind woman you are today. I am so glad you have so many wonderful memories.
Thank you for sharing your Dad (handsome man) with all of us. I am tearful and happy for you, he would of (is) proud of who you have become. Cherish your memories (as you do!) That is what keeps their spirit alive for our children and so on!
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What a wonderful tribute, Lisa. It was just 24 years for me on Oct 8th. My Dad was taken from our family in a tragic accident and I think of him everyday. I was touched to read about your father. Thank you for sharing this with us.