Sunday, June 21, 2009

Monday 6/22/09 - "HAPPY FATHER'S DAY & HAPPY CHARLESTON, W.VA.




"HAPPY FATHER'S DAY"

My father died in January, 2000. I wish to pay tribute to him on this special day. My dad was always there for me, for the family, for anyone in need of a caring hand and open heart. He was a wonderful, loving father, husband, grandfather, man....

My dad was not healthy as I grew up and it affected me greatly. He had asthma, ulcers, and had a heart attack when I was in high school. I was always sure he was going to die and I was filled with fear. As is so often the case with fear, it was "false evidence appearing real". He outlived the poor prognoses over the years many times over and lived to the age of 86.

My father was active in his church, involved in scouting with my brother, was a ham radio operator, did fly tying as a hobby, and participated in many other activities. He loved fishing and we spent many hours over many years sitting in boats and by lake sides fishing. He taught me how to bait, cast, and reel in a fish on the rare occasion I actually caught anything. Dad and my brother and I caught fish and mom pan fried them. So good!!!

I remember the model railroad set up in the basement of the house where I grew up as a child. I loved going down there with him and my brother to set up the scenes, run the train, and generally have a great time.

Dad was an electrical engineer and had a very mathematical mind. I remember him "trying" as best he could to help me with math homework - me frustrated and him as patient as possible.

My father's patience was tested as my mother developed Alzheimer's and the descent into that disease was a very difficult thing to deal with. My father cared for her long beyond the time he probably should have. It is a wonder to me that he survived her.

I love my Dad. I loved him then and I love him still. So, I am saying to him right now, "Happy Father's Day, Dad".

"HAPPY CHARLESTON,
WEST VIRGINIA"


Short, but so very sweet and very happy - our visit with Kristin and Gabriella in Charleston on Saturday evening. It is beyond fun to actually meet the personalities that you come to know through blogging. These two wonderful women were just so full of life, full of vibrant personality, honesty, openness - very refreshing. They have a wonderful friendship that is truly a gift from God.

Every mile that we drove to meet with them was worth it for each moment we had together that night. Our dinner was full of lively conversation and great food. They took us to an AA meeting that was as good a meeting as I have been to anywhere. I thoroughly enjoyed all of it. Thank you Kristin and Gabriella for a wonderful visit.

Today we drove for 10 hours and I am beat. My toe is beat too. There is time for this blog and little else. We should be able to get home by tomorrow afternoon. If we arrive early enough, I'll be able to pick up Mr. Kitty - Bert! I know he'll be so very happy to see us and I will be glad to have him in my arms again.

God bless and good-night,
Prayer Girl

12 comments:

Mike Golch said...

Great posting.you Dad sounds like a great man. I lost my father way too soon.He was 58 whe he died on 14 Aug 1984.

steveroni said...

DITTO!

Tall Kay said...

Beautiful tribute to your father.

Traveling is fun, but getting home is always such a welcome. Be safe on the last leg of your journey... sure enjoyed tagging along!

Anonymous said...

I will treasure our visit for years to come. I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to meet you and Steve. It was a great night :)

Gin said...

Wonderful tribute to your father. Dad's sure are something special. I'm so glad I had a good one! I hope the rest of your trip goes well. I was telling Steve I just got back from your neck of the woods and that you two are truly blessed to live in such a beautiful area. I absolutely adored Naples!

Shadow said...

beautiful tribute to your father.

Lou said...

We all have amazing stories of our parents. Thanks for taking the time to share yours. My husband is a fly fisherman also. His way of dealing with Andrew is to go to his fishing room and tie flys.

I'll be meeting Kristin in Sept. I can't wait!

Give Bert a hug for me, although I bet he will be a bit miffed at you at first.

Just Be Real said...

You have very sweet memories of your father dear. Glad you could share them with us all. Also, thank you for the update on the Charleston visit.

Blessings and (((PPG)))

Syd said...

Thanks for the moving tribute to your father. He sounds like a special person. I don't think that we ever stop loving our parents.
Have a safe trip back.

Carol said...

Nice post. My dad was a good guy, died 11 years ago this time of year, had the service on a Friday before Father's Day. It's good though, he was a good parenting example and, I hope, the one of the family I most resemble. I couldn't get on line on Sunday and this is the first year that he did not really cross my mind until I read your post. You must be home by now, rest and be good to yourself. But you know that!

mile191 said...

Beautiful tribute. Happy Fathers Day to your wonderful Dad. I bet you miss him terribly. Hugs to you. mile

A. Miles said...

I love to hear about these blogger meet-ups!

Thanks for sharing your Dad with us. I missed mine a lot this year--he died in January.