My Father's Days

My dad was not able to see 

his grandchildren very often.

Great distance and other issues

meant less than 1 week a year.

I have guilt and regrets about that BIG time.

When we would get together, he was always

intent on making memories.

Dad died when my kids were still quite young

so their memories are mostly 

through photographs and my stories of him.

That is true for all of us,

we live on in the minds of those who knew us, or 

who have heard our stories from those who loved us.

I don't think there is a person who knew

my dad who does not have a story about how 

he helped them, guided them, taught them.

When my first husband heard of DJR's passing he wrote

me and told me that is was because of my dad that

he knew how to set up an efficient workshop,

and how he thought of him often while in that room. 

After his passing,

I discovered dozens of notes from stranded strangers

he had helped along the highways.

He had an enormous retirement party

and everyone came because they wanted to be there,

to tell of their times with him.

He hit the ground running early, 

and either worked until dusk or

played by fishing and gardening.

His frequent neighborhood parties were legendary.

He filled his days well 

Grace Honor Love

Happy Fathers Day PapPap

"memory believes before knowing remembers

believes longer than recollects,

 longer than knowing even wonders. 

knows, remembers, believes"

Faulkner