Today is one of the few days each year that half of me looks forward to with glee and the other half dreads.
We are starting to see the hints of spring and with the celebration of a great man now known as St. Patrick there is an abundance of green to cheer one up (along with a full growler of stout) yet I find myself struggling to celebrate the day without letting my mood turn to sadness when my thoughts become overrun with memories of my father.
Today would have been my Fathers 65th birthday. It seems like just yesterday I was saying my goodbye's yet the fact is that it was over 15 years ago now.
As I type this I find myself struggling with he fact that I allow my emotions to rule me at times - they say that it gets better with time but I have yet to find that saying true.
While sitting on my father's head stone today I was reflecting on all the happy moments and wondered what the dashing young man from my memories would look like now if he were still alive (my luck he would still have more hair on his head than I do!) and wondered what would our relationship be like now that I am an "adult" with a family of my own.
As I sat there under the blue sky watching the robins search in vain for the first worms of the spring I became thankful that I have a reason to celebrate. While my wife might have some Irish heritage - the closest I come is English but thanks to my father's date of birth I too can be Irish for at least one day a year! I began to feel my mood change more to cheer and on the spring breeze there was a hint of corned beef and cabbage and despite the lack of a rainbow with a pot of gold at the end I knew I was the luckiest man alive.
I was alive and had my own little leprechauns waiting for me at home - as well as a wife who also shares my love for corned beef with potatoes, carrots and some nice green cabbage. Thank goodness for St. Patrick's day!
My Dad's favorite song played on my favorite instrument.
Happy Birthday Dad
Stephen Patrick Wearne SR
3/17/43 - 2/14/93
Gone but not Forgotten
Tuesday, March 17, 2009
An Excuse To Be Irish?
Posted by Chuck at 20:00
Labels: A day in the life of Charlie
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3 comments:
I remember and think of your Dad just about every day but especially on his birthday.
If he were still here, he would enjoy spending time with you, hunting with you, fishing with you and enjoying his Grandchildren. It is sad that he did not live a longer life, son, but it was not meant to be.
Amazing Grace was his favorite Christian song.
He would want you to enjoy the life you have and your wife and children. I am glad that you realize that.
I love you, son.
Mom
Charlie,
What a great tribute to your Dad. It made me so thankful to have my Dad who is feeling the effect of his age.
Your love & honor of him is so evident & that is the greatest tribute you could give him.
I remember him & that unique smile of his. He always struck me as a man's man & as a kid that just really impressed me. I also saw his heart for Christ & even that was masculine which impacted me as well.
Thanks for the great tribute. Just imagine what our children will write about us one day.
Grace & Peace
What a touching tribute to your Dad. It is wonderful that you are able to be so open with your emotions and not keep them hidden. Your Dad would be so proud of the beautiful life you've made for yourself!
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