Father’s Day is right around the corner so, I thought I would pause for a moment to thank my dad. When I sat down to write this, I realized that I probably haven’t even mentioned him on the blog. He lives about seven hours away from us and we get to see him a few times a year, but he hasn’t appeared in a post yet.
When I was growing up, I had a Leave It To Beaver attitude of what a dad should be and I thought my dad should be just like that dad.
My idea of what a dad should be involved going to an office during the week in a suit and tie. He listened intently to what he children were saying and gave hugs at just the time you needed them.
Well, my dad listened intently to my chatting on and on about writing and encouraged me to do more with it. He was not the type of dad that wore suits to work. Actually he probably wore them when I was very little, but I don’t remember them as I got older.
He loved music, art and plays. So, that is what he took us to. We spent hours in museums looking at modern art, attending concerts or sing a-longs, and once a year going to a play at the Kennedy Center.
He took us to his mother’s apartment too. She lived not to faraway our house. I wrote about visiting her on Sundays in my post Sitting Straight and Tall on Sunday awhile back. She wasn’t always an easy person, but my dad taught me that treating her with dignity was important.
My dad was raised in a very formal home by parents that loved him, but weren’t big on letting him know that or that is the impression I have always had of them. He is not very formal, but he brought with him into adulthood some of the formality he grew up with. Although he has more and more shared how much he loves me. I don’t think his parents were big on saying words of love.
I grew up knowing my dad knew about a lot of things. He was always reading book and newspapers to gain more knowledge. You could ask him about any topic and he seemed to know something about it.
It was hard to really feel like I really knew him when I was little. My parents divorced when I was eight and we saw him mostly on Sundays. As I grew up, I got to know him better and learned that there are many dads that don’t wear suits and every dad is unique and special.
As I mentioned, we don’t get to see him often, but JDaniel has recently decided he likes to call him on the phone and draw him pictures. I am so glad they have made a connection.
I am also thankful that my dad is part of my life and that he shared with me the interests that he loved.
This post is linked to Pour Your Heart Out and Alphabe-Thursday.
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It must’ve been fun taking special trips with your dad to museums and plays 🙂
How sweet that JDaniel and your dad have created that special bond. There is something about the relationship between grandchildren/grandparents that is magical. Happy Father’s Day to him!
so glad your father has some connection with his grandson. we live far from our grandparents so I can feel this loss too
That is so great that your dad had that bond!!!
That’s great that you had a wonderful relationship with your dad as you got older. My family is far away (11 hrs) so I can relate to not seeing them much.
He sounds amazing :)I’m my father and I didn’t bond till I was an adult but I am so grateful for the relationship he has with my kids.
Great post – definitely something I need to do for Father’s Day!
What a great post and reminder to enjoy the moment
How sweet! It’s so interesting to reminisce about your childhood experiences. Sounds like your dad is quite the Dad to have around!
so glad that they are bonding now… thank you so much for sharing this with us…
That’s wonderful that he and your son have connected. I think a grandpa is a wonderful person to have in a child’s life!
=)
thanks for sharing something so personal 🙂
What a great tribute to your dad. I definitely am closer with my dad now than I was growing up. He just isn’t really a hands on kind of dad and even though he was always there I didn’t have much of a relationship with him until I was an adult.
Sounds like a great dad.
What fun memories. Sounds like he was a great dad.
Beautiful post!
{Melinda} Beautiful tribute to your daddy … and so wonderful that your son is initiating a bond with him. My husband’s parents are not well (and live in another state) and my dad lives 5 hours away (my mom passed away). I really regret my kids don’t have more interaction with their extended family. Hope he continues to watch to keep that going as he gets older!
What a wonderfully touching tribute to your dad.
That’s sweet that your son likes to call him and draw him pictures. It’s a special thing when our kids connect with our parents in spite of the differences we have. It’s like they just know grandmas and grandpas.
What a nice way to think of your dad.
What a lovely post – and so wonderful that JDaniel is connecting with your dad!
awe, that’s such a wonderful tribute to your Dad!
The plays and museums… what a great gift. It sounds like he tried hard to be different than your grandparents. A lovely tribute.
Dana
Very nice tribute and good D
I’m glad that your son has a connection with your Dad. Grandkids are the very best part of life and I’d hate to see him miss out on it…
What a sweet Fathers Day post!!!
My dad grew up in a time and parents that also didnt “show” as much outward affection or said “I love you”. Over the years, especially since my mom has passed away, he has said “I love you” more. Since we live so far away, I try to call him every night or may miss a day. How wonderful for you dad to have that connection with JDaniel :o)
Blessings & Aloha!
Been out of the blog loop, but happy to stop by and say hi!
Sweet post. I loved my dad; he was my best friend. I love how he became best friends with my daughter when she came along. There’s nothing like a food strong dad for a girl (and for boys too).
I hope you share this post with your father. I’m sure it will make his (Father’s) day!
Funny how tv gives us ideas of what a family should be- I wonder what our kids will expect. LOL
great tribute to your Dad!
JDaniel has recently decided he likes to call him on the phone and draw him pictures.”–that is wonderful! It’s great that they can forge their own relationship.
Your Dad sounds totally delightful!
I think it would be fun to have had such a diverse Dad!
Thanks for sharing him with us!
A+