I'm thinking about my family elders who have passed.
As is common for all of us, I was shaped by these early mentors. While I'm NOT a painter, I certainly appreciate art, and the framed painting shown here was created by my paternal grandmother. I've shared a bit about her over the years, including this past post published when my mother died.
My father died recently, of congestive heart failure. And while I'm missing him terribly, he had a nice, long life (91) and was calm and comfortable in his final hours. It's always hard to say goodbye, but I'm reflecting now on all the influences he had on my life over the years.
My father died recently, of congestive heart failure. And while I'm missing him terribly, he had a nice, long life (91) and was calm and comfortable in his final hours. It's always hard to say goodbye, but I'm reflecting now on all the influences he had on my life over the years.
Dad was a birder. Before he became nearly blind, he could identify most common native Midwestern birds by sight, and he recognized many of them by song, as well.
He was a scouting executive during my formative years, so we spent a lot of time at outdoor scouting events.
He appreciated, and cared about, the natural world. And he worked, played, and volunteered in several capacities over the years to show respect for it, and to help sustain it.
I could go on for many paragraphs about what a great papa and person he was and how much I miss him, but a short synopsis is that he was a very good man. I apologize for being away from blogging for a bit, but I'm slowly working my way back.
Hold tight to those you love, and listen to their stories. You will treasure them when they pass.
I'm sorry to hear of your loss, Beth. Memories help a lot in helping to keep loved ones close. Based on your post, you have a lot of good memories to offer comfort.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kris. Yes, memories do help. Dad was special, and I'm so grateful that he was my papa.
DeleteDear Beth, I am so sorry about your dad. I miss both my parents so much. One day you should write a tribute to your dad. It solidifies good memories. Sending you hugs.
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words and thoughts, Janet. They do help, and as you say tributes and reflections help with the memories and the mourning.
DeleteSo very sorry and many hugs from me ((you)).
ReplyDeleteThank you, Gail. You are so kind and thoughtful. :)
DeleteBeth, he sounds like a great dad. I’m sending you virtual hugs of condolence.
ReplyDeleteHe truly was a great dad and a great, but humble, person. Thanks for your kind words, Helen.
DeleteI'm so sorry you lost your Dad. I'm glad that you have many happy memories of him. Rest in peace.
ReplyDeleteThank you. :) Yes, the memories and the reflections do help.
DeleteA heartfelt tribute. Thanks for sharing your father‘s gifts.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lisa. He was a special guy...the memories help, but I miss him.
DeleteI am so sorry for your loss. As you say, a wonderful long life. His mother was quite a talented artist, now lovely you have some of her paintings.
ReplyDeleteThank you for your kind words, Lisa. Yes, I have been blessed with kind and talented family elders and mentors. <3
DeleteBeth, I expressed my condolences to you privately, but want you to know I'm still thinking of you, knowing how much you miss him. I don't know if we ever stop missing our parents when they're gone. But it becomes a bit easier to deal with, in time. You will love remembering him in so many ways. ❤️
ReplyDeleteHI Kylee: Your words are so true. Dad and Mom were great parents, so I was blessed. I miss them, but they both had long, fulfilling lives.
DeleteWhat a lovely tribute, Beth. Thank you for sharing a little bit about your relationship with him.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Kimberley. As we all know, it's hard to lose a special person, but the memories and the love help.
DeleteHello Beth, I am sending you a big hug. Thank you for sharing this lovely tribute.
ReplyDeleteDid he have a favorite flower?
Thanks, Carla. A very good question regarding flowers: Dad wasn't as into gardening as Mom was, but he enjoyed nature...especially when he was younger. He also had allergies, so that made some things a little more difficult.
DeleteI'm so sorry for your loss, but your dad sounds like he was a wonderful man and lived a great life. I'm glad you had such a good father and thank you for sharing this bit of him and his life with us. Wishing you strength and peace in this time. Tina
ReplyDeleteThanks for your kind words, Tina. I do feel blessed to have had Mom and Dad as my parents. <3
DeleteI'm so sorry Beth. To be able to say what you did, both sharing the qualities he passed on to you and that he was "calm and comfortable in his final hours" are big blessings.
ReplyDeleteThat is true, Loree. We were blessed. ♥️
DeleteSo very sorry Beth for your deep loss. I agree....listen to those stories. Such important history that is lost otherwise. Your grandmother was quite a gifted painter. And now I see where your naturalist self comes from. Your father left you a beautiful legacy.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Donna. I miss them all. Even though we know humans pass eventually, it's so hard when it happens to those we love. I've been blessed with amazing grandparents and parents. ♥️
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