Wednesday, February 13, 2013

My First Valentine

Valentine's Day always makes me sentimental. I dig into my stacks boxes of photos and look back on the love I've shared. Today I want to share my favorite photo of my first Valentine - my dad.



This photo was taken on Easter 2007 on a sunny, seasonally warm day. The scents of lilacs and daffodils was drifting through the air. The grandkids had just completed their scavenger hunt; one of their prizes was egg shaped sidewalk chalk. Daddy being the hands-on grandpa that he was got down on the ground and started drawing with them. They drew Easter eggs, kitty cats, puppies and rainbows. The entire patio was decorated before they decided they were done. My children who were at least five years older than my sister's children even got in on it. Their job was to blow bubbles for the kids to chase when they weren't drawing. If you look closely you can see them floating by.  The afternoon was filled with giggles, bubbles, sidewalk art and love.

This is the way I choose to remember him, He had an infectious laugh, gave the best hugs and at 6' 2" he was one of the biggest teddy bears you could ever meet. He loved a good joke, riding his motorcycle, and good times with family and friends.He was taken from this world on his 61st birthday in 2009, even though his presence was removed from us in the years proceeding by the early onset of Alzheimers. 

I'm closing with one of his favorite songs - it will always have a special place in my heart (and not just for the guitar solo.)








18 comments:

  1. What a great tribute!

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  2. This is such a sweet, heartwarming tribute and even though I never met your Dad, it brought tears to my eyes.

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  3. Thank you - you should have seen me writing it.

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  4. What a sweet tribute. Thank you for sharing!

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  5. Aw, that's such a special memory. Tears ...

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    1. He was a very hands-on type of grandpa - silly at times too.

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  6. What a wonderful way to remember your dad. Thanks for sharing a bit of him with us today. :)

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    1. He's part of who I am so sharing him seemed appropriate. Thank you.

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  7. I am all the richer for having read your tribute. Thank you for sharing. I lost my dad at 57 so can well relate.

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    1. That's too young to leave. He made those close to him feel loved.

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  8. Such wonderful memories of your dad for you to hold on to. Beautiful post.

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  9. Wow !!! you are so lucky :) Thank you for sharing!!

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  10. I know the troubles of Alzheimer's myself. It is such a terrible, terrible thing to deal with. I do not wish it on anyone. I am glad you have such sweet memories of your father though. He looks to have been a great father, and grandfather. This is surely a memory that your children will forever cherish!

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  11. In the end the memories of good times gone by will be the strongest and bring the most comfort and happiness.
    I like your blog. I enjoy reading it, so much so, that I nominated you for the Liebster Blog Award. Follow back to my blog to find out what is is and what to do if you want to accept it:) http://lovinthegoodoledays.blogspot.com/p/liebster-award.html

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