A few years ago, my parents were celebrating their 65th wedding anniversary and we thought it would be a good idea to make a memory book having each child, grandchild and great- grandchild, share a special memory they each had of the couple.
After all, what can you buy a someone who’s been married for that long? Not much. But, you can remind them of how important they’ve been in your life. How you’ve admired them. Trusted them. Learned from them. Tried to be like them.
I wrote each of them a separate letter of appreciation. I thanked Mother for making sure we always had a new Easter dress. It was only when I got older I realized she never got one in order for us to have one. I thanked her for the special attention she gave me when I was sick. I can still remember how just the touch of her hand on my face made me feel better. I thanked her for so many things, insignificant to some, but monumental to a child.
I thanked Daddy for teaching me how to drive and not getting angry when I wrecked the 53’ Chevy he’d just restored to mint condition. I thanked him for teaching me to ride a bike, change a tire, for taking the time to play baseball with us in the back yard and a hundred other things.
Last week, I got out the memory book and read the entries again.
On Sunday, for the first time in my life, I won’t have a Father’s Day gift, or make a Happy Father’s Day phone call. Instead, I’ll remember my daddy and what he meant to me and be thankful I told him so.
I hope you take the opportunity to tell your dad how much he means to you.
Such a neat idea! I, too, remember a Dad who never said the ‘love’ word but his actions spoke louder than words. I didn’t wreck his car, but on his first attempt to teach me, I managed to wedge the car against a driveway fence when trying to get turned around. He took over and maneuver the car back to driving position. First and last lesson but never a word of complaint or criticism.
Thanks for the comment, Gay. Daddies are such special people to their little girls. My daddy was strict, but fair. He wasn’t a good husband, but he was a wonderful father. If love from his children could have saved him, he’d still be here.
So beautifully said, Ann. I know how you feel about your daddy not being there anymore. Seems strange when you think about them on Father’s day, but they’re gone. Mine left in July of 2004. Strange thing is it doesn’t change as the years go by. You still miss him.
Thanks, Joss. Those of us lucky enough to have a great dad in life are left with wonderful memories once they’re gone. I know what you mean about still missing them. I lost my maternal grandmother when I was 16 and I still miss her sometimes.