My childhood was not the best, but not the worst. My mother was in and out of our lives and my dad spent most of our early years as a single parent. Since this was in the 1960's, definitely not the norm. I always was and will be a daddy's girl. He was the rock that stood as our protection and showed his love every day. The words "I love you" were used freely. He did remarry when I was about 12, but then my life took on shades of Cinderella. All I can say is this...some people do not add to the world, but only take...
So, today is bittersweet. We are now two years and sixteen days into Hospice. With Parkinson's and dementia, my dad is not the same. I try to think of happier days and surround myself with pictures of my dad when days were good. I am blessed to be able to care for him in these last days, though it is the hardest thing I've ever had to do. My husband is amazing with my father and does as much of the day-to-day care that I do. I could not do this without him.
My first birthday party...even then a Daddy's girl...
My dad at a cattle round-up. This is how I remember him best, working with the cattle, on his horse...
About ten years ago. I miss his smile most of all.
Hold your loved ones close, be kind to one another.
Aww Angela. What a loving post. I had a bad childhood. I always longed for a loving Daddy. Never happened. I am so glad you had your loving Daddy. And still do. God bless you for what you are doing.♥
ReplyDeleteI never thought about how lucky I was to have a father than loved his children like my dad did. As I got older, I realized that not all dads were like mine. I was blessed.
DeleteAngela, what a touching post. Sad, yet reaffirming; from early challenges you have overcome and now the loving mom and daughter you are.
ReplyDeleteThank you. Father's Day was tough this year...
ReplyDeleteOh poor love what a sad time for you but such lovely memories of your dad when he was well and you were little. A lovely pic of you and him for your first birthday.
ReplyDeleteLovely blog I have become a follower.
Chrisx
Thank you for your kindness. As much as my early life was filled with uncertainty, I always knew that my father loved me and my siblings. I think that it made me a better parent and I never finish a phone conversation with my son with saying I love you.
DeleteVery sweet post. Life does not always take the path we want it to take. But we are lucky and blessed when we can still see the good things and fell happiness!
ReplyDeleteI was fortunate to have a very happy childhood and life, even though my sweet daddy passed 29 years ago. I have missed him so much for all these years. But I know he loved me and that keeps me going!