Here is a Post I made today on my Main Blog. I thought I'd share it here.
Today I am thinking of my Dad, it is 26 years ago that he passed away on this date and I am being swept away in a Euphoria of Memories of him. I am not mourning him, missing him or wishing he was still here, but rejoicing in what a wonderful Dad and Human Being he was.
I am remembering going fishing with him and he letting me reel in his trout he caught. I am remembering Dad stopping the car at a Railway Crossing somehow knowing that a train was soon to come by. Going to Town on Saturday Morning with allowance in hand to do the shopping with him. Mum would have the Grocery List made up the Night Before. But somehow Dad would find time to stop so as we could get a Bottle of Pop for the trip home, which he'd pay for so as we could keep our allowance for the Matinee later on at the Capitol.
The little errands I'd do with him, like helping to change the Licence Plates on the Car when the new ones came in the mail. Putting the banking up around the house to keep it warm in Winter. Sitting on his lap watching Petticoat Junction when it came on TV on Monday Nights.
Years later I came to appreciate Dad for the Kind Soul he was and how he'd help someone in need. How he visit the neighbours and tend to there flowers and plants to keep the nasty wee critter away. The wry joke he'd tell from life experiences (which I think I got a part of), the way he could look you in the eye and say something that if you knew him you'd smile as he was having a bit of fun with you. My Dad if he liked you would tease you. Once you had Dad as a friend, it was a friendship for life.
Dad had a wonderful Sense of Humour, I remember Dad telling me about the time when he met the Local Undertaker Downtown. Vince looked as Dad and asked "Jimmy how are you feeling"? to which my Dad replied, "Don't get too excited, I never felt better".
Dad taught me how to drive, to this day I feel as if he is still sitting in the Passenger Seat telling me when to put my blinker on, or to watch the car in front as I may be getting too close for his liking. Even when I am Driving my Bus in my days work, I know he is there. He always wanted to move back to the West. I sometimes wonder if I was meant to live his dream by moving to Alberta. Who knows, he may be my Bus Companion keeping watch over me.
I remember after Dad was gone, as well as Mum, and friends coming up to me and saying how they wished that their folks were more like our Mum and Dad. I just thought Mum and Dad were just any ordinary Mum and Dad. Now as the years go by I can see they were more.
Thanks Dad for letting me have a peaceful day with you. No I am not missing you and feeling loss, I did that when the Lord called you home in 1983. I just taking a day to remember you. Tell Mum I said Hi and give her a Hug for me.
Till the next time.
All Aboard
"The Old Fart"
2 Whistle{s}:
What a wonderful tribute to your Dad (I love his sense of humour) and great memories.
I lost mine 23 years ago this coming winter, and it's funny but I love him more with every year that goes by.
And we both LOVED TRAINS! lol He used to let me sit on his lap as he drove the diesel locomotive down the line, and let me believe I was 'driving'. Wonderful memories of miles of track.
I realize you posted this awhile ago but I just now ran into it. What wonderful childhood memories you have of your father.
I wish I had them as well but my memories are filled with his anger and his severe abuse.
I realized awhile ago after being away from him for so many years that he is no longer the same man and I forgave him for his past. We are close now and try to make up for the lack of good memories I should have had as a child.
He doesn't act like a father, even now but he is trying as best he knows how for the little time he likely has left and I thank him for that.
Thanks for the post, it was very nice to read.
Erik
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