A couple of days ago marked the anniversary of my dad's passing. It's always a refective time for me because he is someone I aspire to be. He was a quiet, gentle soul and was always slow to anger. I think I can count on one hand how many times in my lifetime he was angry with me. (Not something I'm very good at but I'm working on it.) He was always a patient teacher and I recall the first time I drove a car. Up till that point tractors was all I knew to drive (I was 13) He thought it would be a good idea for me to give the car a try. I remember telling him I wasn't ready but he thought I was. Everything was fine until I drove into the yard and almost into the barn. He quietly got out the car looked at me and said " maybe we'll try again when your 16."
He was a survivor of WW 2 in the Netherlands and that in itself is an entire story all on its own. He loved a good joke and a good prank and would bring flowers to my mom for birthdays, anniversaries or just because.
I was 17 when he died, he was only 56 and as I sit with tears streaming down my face missing him like crazy I know his legend will live on in the stories I tell about him to my children and grandchildren. He will forever and ever be in my heart. I miss you and love you my dearest dad.
what a beautiful tribute - thanks for sharing...
ReplyDeleteLolz Mom has lots of stories about him teaching her to drive too. And about how he bought her a standard care to drive, gave her one lesson, then let her run wild!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing about your father and his life with us, dear Debra. I'm truly sorry you lost him at such a tender age. He sounds like a strong, caring, fascinating, and very wonderful man and I can certainly see elements of him in you and how you interact with people online, my sweet friend.
ReplyDelete♥ Jessica
Your dad sounds like such an amazing person I am sorry for his passing. I lost my father a few years ago and I feel that he liveson in me as Im sure yours does in you
ReplyDeleteretro rover
Ps lovely blog