Thursday, March 13, 2008
A day of celebration, a day of remembrance.
While many will be celebrating the good deeds of St. Patrick next Monday, I will be celebrating the life of another man - my father. The past 2 days I have found my mind swimming with memories of him and the good times we shared together. The man truly had flair - he entered the world on St. Patrick’s Day and departed it on St. Valentine’s Day. I am sad because I miss him and not a day goes by that I don’t think of him. During times like these I find myself fighting my emotions in order to get through the day so I have decided to use this as an outlet. Although I miss my dad, I must acknowledge that I have been blessed with two wonderful men in my life who I respect and love; both Chuck and Roger are there as a father for me. Even though it's a few days early, I would like to take this chance to celebrate in memory of his birthday, the life of the man who taught me among many other things how to hunt and fish, how to drive a car, and the importance of making time for family. As I look forward to my meal of Corned beef with potatoes, carrots and cabbage I will have a smile on my face as I remember my Fathers disapproval of my brother and I smothering our cabbage with tomato ketchup. I will reflect on my memories of days spent in the woods hunting, days off from school working with my dad in the big red truck (my dad was a truck driver), afternoons spent drowning worms on the banks of a stream, sledding at the local high school after a winter storm, Sunday driving lessons, listening to the baseball game on the radio while playing in the back yard, digging up wild daffodils and day lily’s on the side of the road for Mom's flower gardens, Sunday lunch together as a family, and the memories go on and on. I am thankful to have the memories that I do and to have had the privilege of being my father’s son. Remember the reality is we are only here for a season and it is up to us to determine how we spend that season. Life may throw us a curve ball on occasion but as the saying goes if life gives you lemons make lemonade! He may not be with us in the flesh but he is here in my heart and in my memories so for no other reason other than that of good memories…
Happy Birthday Dad.
Posted by Charles and Rebecca at 20:40
Labels: A day in the life of Charlie, Family
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2 comments:
Yup, I shed some tears watching the tribute to Stephen. Valentine's Day was special to him and me. I truly believe that is why God chose that day for him to leave this Earth and go to his Heavenly Home. It is a day of remembrance of him with me also. Roger and I have a special Valentine's Day together now. It is all about the memories. If you have memories---you have it all. I am lucky to have memories and pictures too. When Dad was on this Earth, he made sure he left us all with memories of time shared with him. I will always love him. Now my love is shared with Roger and that is OK. Thank you, son for remembering your Dad. My favorite memory of him is the time we spent every Saturday going to the fishing holes.....well, Salmon Brook especially. When he went to be with the Lord, I knew I would never go fishing again, as much as I loved it. I need to have it as a memory now. How I loved the excitement of wondering how many fish I would catch and where we would go to fish. It was so fun.
MOM
By the way, Son, how can I get the CD of the song you have playing? It is so beautiful. Please e-mail the name of the artist and the CD. I have to have it!!!
Mom
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