[He would have been 76 today. But where he is, he can choose the age he wants to be. And I think he would have chosen those golden years of my childhood, and his early fatherhood.]
Most people measure life by how far they have come. Not so my father- he was content to stay still and watch the moss grow. While other fathers were in the bar sharing a drink, he was teaching me to appreciate rocks- the whorls on piece of agate, the jagged edges of a quartz crystal and the mica powder that clung to your fingers. No mindless movement for him; he had time for those he loved.
Some stones can never stay still, rocks cling steadfastly to what they hold dear. Solid, as a rock was my father- always gathering moss.
_____
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What a beautiful and loving tribute to your father. Well said!!
ReplyDeleteHugs
SueAnn
Sounds like he cared about what mattered most.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post, makes me miss my father who I lost 7 years ago. He was a quiet man but had a calming strength about him.
ReplyDeleteAww... I love that! My dad is that way too.... content with the wonders of the world.
ReplyDeleteLovely tribute!
@ SueAnn- thank you. He was such a gentle soul, he inspires that
ReplyDelete@ Alex- that he did. Left me not too much materially, but his legacy is precious.
@ Dyche- our fathers must have been cast from the same mould
@ Pk Hrezo- and every girl deserves a daddy like that, doesn't she?
Rayna - What a beautiful tribute to what must have been a wonderful man! You are fortunate to have had a father who truly loved you and devoted himself to you rather than running around trying to acquire things.
ReplyDeleteSounds like he understood what is important in life!
ReplyDeleteGreat tribute to a man who sounds like he was a wonderful father.
ReplyDeleteMason
Thoughts in Progress
@ Margot/ Debra/ Mason - thank you. He was all of that. Just wish I could be even a fraction as good a parent to my kids- but I think not- too selfish for that :-(
ReplyDeleteRayna - I believe you learned all his lessons in parenting very well.
ReplyDeleteYou are the best tribute to your father.
That's a great trait in a man.
ReplyDeleteCD
Your dad was awesome. What a wonderful memory. Thanks you for sharing.
ReplyDelete@ Mary- while I would love to believe that, I know I am not a patch on him :-(
ReplyDelete@ Clarissa- it is, isn't it? In a parent, and definitely in a father.
@ Holly- he was. Thank you.
What a beautiful way to remember your dad!!
ReplyDeleteThe memories are clearly etched in our minds, parents are very special, although many times we realise it only after we have become one.
ReplyDeleteMy father is nearing 90, and I am grateful to God that he is still very actively managing his own affairs, not dependent on anyone. To think he still rides his Moped: it is really amazing.
God bless all parents.
@ Anu- thank you
ReplyDelete@ Rama- your father is really amazing. My grandfather was like that- he passed away at 93, but till the last few weeks, he was as active as he was during the rest of his life.
And yes, we realise the importance of parents only after we become parents ourselves.