Right now I'm listening to "Sinatra Style" on Radio AOL, and wee one is singing along. You really haven't heard anything until you hear your nine year old crooning along with Frank Sinatra!
I made a great dinner tonight. Homemade potato with bacon soup and garlic cheese biscuits. Oh man, it was so freaking good! Tasted like an autumn meal. The only thing that would have made it better would have been to walk outside to a 50 degree evening, with the smell of burning leaves in the air. Boy, do I miss that....Sometimes my heart actually aches with melancholy when I think about my life in Indiana....the traditions I had to leave behind with the weather and old friends. Yet, if I went back, things wouldn't be the same. My best friend has been gone for over 2 years now, other friends have moved on with their lives, people change, time goes on....
I've been having dreams about my dad too. I dream he is well, and can walk and talk and is happy. My childhood memories of him are so wonderful, as are my adult memories. He really was a spectacular father, husband and man. It's really hard to see someone so outgoing and full of life, wither away before your eyes. Whenever I hear this music, it reminds me of him. When we were kids, my mother was the queen of remodeling. She would always be wall papering, painting, cutting out a wall....and dad could be found pipe in mouth, cup of coffee in hand, and paint speckled glasses, listening to old time radio. Every Saturday in a 2 hour block on Chicagoland radio he would listen to Amos and Andy, Fibber McGee and Molly, Glen Miller....he had the biggest homemade cassette collection of radio shows ever. The Mike Rapchack show on WGNradio....that was it! I remember when I would go to my piano lessons (from 2nd grade to senior year), he would sit outside in the car waiting for me, smoking his pipe and listening to old time radio. The only other thing he would listen to would be the Cubs games during baseball season....No matter what project mom would have for him, as long as he had his coffee, pipe and radio he was a happy worker. I suppose that is where I get my love of painting and working around the house.
Well, I'm off to iron, as wee one is pacing the floor, waiting to get her Sims fix. What would kids do without their computer games? LOL....
14 comments:
Well. it looks as though you're just going to have to get used to the new traditions of fall in Florida which apparently are boarding up your homes, and heading north during hurricane season (that would be one way to experience cooler weather and changing leaves). Sorry about your Dad. I'm glad you have happy memories of him. I keep him in my prayers.
What sweet memories of your father. Cherish them and pass them on to your children. I've spoken with friends and relatives down in Florida and supplies are pretty much gone. I'd say come on up and experience the 80 degree weather we're having. It isn't quite the 50 but it sure beats the 95! ;)
Your Dad's body may seem to be withering away, but his heart and soul remain the same. Seasons change around us, our bodies change, our children grow up, our grandparents and parents age... but the heart has this miraculous ability to hold everything we love inside us, not allowing that to ever change. It is a perfect example of God's love, how it remains steadfast regardless of where we are in life. God sees you now, as you were when you were a child pecking on the piano, enjoying the smell of your Daddy's pipe. At the very same time, He sees you as a mother and fills you up with undying love for your baby girls. He hides the memories you have in His own heart of you holding them when they were infants as well as now. It's like God can see our entire life all at the same time, and he sees your Dad well right now, just like you do.
And Sherry, that is what the Bible refers to as PERFECT LOVE. It's the same perfect love that drives out fear. God takes our burdens, and in exchange gives grace. I pray you find rest in that perfect love.
~Erin
What great memories! And they are yours forever and so is your dad. When I dream of my dad he is always laughing, always. Isn't it amazing how clear our memories are, like a hologram. They are there, you can see them, hear them, even smell them... you just can't touch them. I'm sorry you are feeling sad and lonely for home or what was home. It's kinda of all piling up on you. Wish I were closer to help you. We could be having coffee right now and donuts of course. I always an IM away if you need me.
What wonderful memories of your father. It is so hard to see our parents getting older and having health problems but wonderful you live nearby to help out.
You are so right about people and things changing - going back is never the same.
I will keep you in my prayers through this new hurricane threat.
I have a feeling that your "dreams" of how your father was are actually what he is feeling now as he is drifting through life at this point. He is remembering the person he was, but he is not sad about it, the memories make him happy and feel at peace. They are such wonderful memories Sherry and I am happy you shared them with us. It's nice to hear about good memories people have of their fathers every once and awhile. And, it's also nice to know that you are taking after him in many ways. I had to stop by your journal before heading to bed to "check in" on you. Be safe!!
Hugs and lots of love, Lisa
awwww such sweet memories of your father. Maybe during the storm if you get stuck home you can share these memories and make some kind of sscarp book about your dad. I pray you guys are safe and dont have that problem though. I guess you are a remodeler like your mom. Lori
((((Sherry)))) I know exactly how you feel about your Dad. Your entry about him was beautiful and from your heart. Thank you so much for sharing those wonderful memories. It's so hard to see someone we love, just not the same anymore. I know your pain right now. If you need an ear, I am here for you.
I am praying for you and your family with the storm approaching!! Keep yourselves safe.
Your in my thoughts.
Hugs, Julie
What lovely memories you have of your younger days with your dad. These can never be taken away and are so precious. I am so sorry he is ill and wish with all my heart he could get better. All the modern science we have around and there is still illness that can't be cured, life sucks. I hope you all stay safe during the storm, my love you and all your family...........Jules xxx
http://journals.aol.co.uk/jules19642001/Itsmylife/
I'm sorry your Dad isn't well. When you were discribing your memories I could almost picture the whole thing. You have a wonderful way with words and feelings. ((((Sherry))))
Bacon soup? I have never heard of it. I bet that is fattening! What does that soup look like if you let it sit for a while? Does all the fat harden in it? ewwwww. I'm thinking skinny thoughts and the thought of boiled bacon is scaring me. We have had a few chilly nights in the past few weeks. Fall is my favorite time of year. I don't blame you for missing it. I couldn't ever live in florida. I can understand the things you miss being i live in a four season place.
mmm your meal sounds wonderful! I yearn for autumn weather like I had growing up in KS, its nothing like that here in GA.
Memories are always treasured and I often think of my own dad this time of year....
I've been thinking of you Sherry and hoping that all will be well with you and your family. Prayers and hoping that the hurricane decides to go elsewhere.
My neighbors burn leaves and I hate it! The smell practically chokes me. I guess everyone likes different things. I can't stand the smell of fresh cut grass either. LOL I hope you guys will be safe during Frances. Unfortunately, it looks like north Florida is right in it's path. I'm so tired of this. Stay safe! and make sure you let us know how you are when it's over. ~Melissa
I hope all goes well with the hurricane and all.Praying you guys don't it too bad.I can't imagine how hard it is to see your father in this condition.My heart goes out to you and your family.KIM
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