Vic. 1932 – 2006. Tall. Handsome. Twinkling blue eyes. A ready smile. Always a kind word. Patient. Laughter and good times always nearby. Smart. Korean War veteran. A lover of nature and the great outdoors. Loving husband. Fabulous friend. The best father ever.
On Friday, June 2, Mom called to let me know that Dad had been sick all week with what appeared to be a cold or the flu. Late Saturday evening, June 3, she called again. Dad had been moved to the hospital, as his cough was truly horrible. He was put on a morphine drip to ease his cough and to make him comfortable, and the doctor gave him 72 hours. Just about the time I was getting off of the plane on Monday June 5, my dear, wonderful father got tired of struggling with the Parkinson's Disease that claimed him, and died peacefully between one breath and the next. Mom was at his side. My aunt and uncle (Dad's brother and his wife) picked me up at the airport and drove me to the hospital, where we all made our goodbyes.
Dave drove up to join us on Friday, June 9.
On Saturday, June 10 friends and family gathered for a memorial service for Dad in his next door neighbor's backyard. Their yard provided a glorious, park-like environment that Dad always loved, with huge old trees shading a blanket of green, green grass.
Dad's ashes will be spread from a spot on Mt. Diablo, where he loved to hike.
I miss Dad desperately. So does my sweet Mom.
Mom took the first picture some years ago before he got Parkinson's. It explains why it was usually Dad or I taking the pictures. She cut off the top of his head in the photo. In spite of that she caught him, his easy smile, his charming manner. This photo was used in a memorial card. The second photo has always been one of my favorites. It was taken in February, 1964, just six months or so after we moved into the house where I grew up, where Mom still lives. I had turned four just a couple months before this picture was taken. Wasn't Dad handsome?
I found this John Muir quote, and it was included on the memorial card.
Climb the mountains and get their good tidings. Nature's peace will flow into you as sunshine flows into trees. The winds will blow their own freshness into you, and the storms their energy, while cares will drop off like autumn leaves.
Your dad was indeed quite handsome, Laura, and I really love both of those pictures, especially the one with you on your dad's knee. I'm glad that you have so many fond memories of him. They will carry you through this difficult time and into the future. His memory will live on forever! *hug*
ReplyDeleteLaura, I just wandered into your blog, as I was looking for someone else who was as inspired by the Persimmon Lace Shawl as I was (May 31 post). I was moved by your loving tribute to your dad. We lost my MIL to ALS about one year ago. Our hearts are with you as you walk through this season of grief.
ReplyDeleteLaura, I, too, was just blog hopping and happened upon your blog.
ReplyDeleteI'm very sorry to read of the passing of your father. It sounds like he was a really wonderful guy.
*hug*
That's a beautiful tribute Laura. Both photos are lovely but the one with you is wonderful. Your dad was very handsome indeed. {{{hugs}}}
ReplyDeleteI am so, so sorry. What a wonderful tribute, and great photos.
ReplyDeleteMy deepest condolences, Laura.
ReplyDeleteThe picture of you and your father is amazing. Handsome? Oh yes!
My heart aches with a familiar sense of loss when I read this post and look at the pictures. You're right, you can see something special in the first picture and that second one is so wonderful. I'm glad that you have so many memories to treasure. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteYour dad was indeed very handsome, reminds me of a film star! You were a little angel too, and you still are.
This entry is a touching tribute to your dad, and you, Laura, are a tribute to him too. I've only had the pleasure of meeting you face to face a handful of times, but your tranquility, kindness, and warmth are for sure in part due to having such a wonderful dad.
When we drove down to Terri's GTG together it was very apparent just in how you spoke of your dad that you loved him incredibly and he was a special man.
You're so blessed to have had such a patient, loving, devoted dad who taught you to love natur and enjoy life.
Take care of yourself and know my thoughts are with you.
Susan in So Cal (Sue)
Laura, I'm so very sorry about your Dad. He sounds like he was a wonderful man and a great father. And you're quite right about his having been handsome! In that second picture, he looks a bit like Kevin Costner. {{{ hugs }}}
ReplyDeleteI was thinking of Kevin Kostner, too, in the baseball movie! It's late for me now and I can't recall the name...oh right, Bull Durham!
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry to hear about your dady - what a beautiful tribute this post is. He sounds like he was a remarkable man.
ReplyDeleteLaura, I am so familiar with the particular grief you are experiencing right now. I am truly sorry for your loss. The pictures you posted, especially the one of you and your Dad together, are wonderful.
ReplyDelete