Remembering Dad

Grief has no timeline. You can feel like you’ve moved on from grieving the loss of a loved one and then grief hits you hard, tugging—no, yanking!—at your heartstrings. Holidays and anniversaries of the loved one’s passing intensify this feeling.  For our family, it’s a double whammy. Dad passed away around the time of Thanksgiving…

Happiness!

“I’ve discovered the key to happiness!” Hands dirty from gardening, with a camera slung over one shoulder, I had dashed into the house to share my discovery with my hubby. Guy, seated at the kitchen table, looked up at me expectantly. “What’s the key to happiness, babe?” “Having a project, and taking photos every day!”…

Silver Dollar Flowers!

Every year I would admire the beautiful, tall purple flowers called silver dollars (Lunaria annua) that appeared at my Mom and Dad’s home each spring. And every summer, my Mom would give me branches bearing the dried, flat coin-shaped seed pods. I’d plant them at different spots throughout my garden. But, silly me, come spring,…

Priorities!

It’s funny how a random scene from the past can be cemented in one’s mind. I remember when my oldest daughter struggled with a challenging sewing project involving a pastel green dress. (A pic of the finished dress is below.) We were to meet a high school teacher for assistance at her home on a…

Dad

By today’s standards, this story won’t pique the interest of those who choose to fault their childhood for their own actions today. I’d be hard-pressed to find anything wrong with the way I was raised. How many people can truthfully say that? I come from a large family. Six of us kids. I have four…

My Father’s Gift

“The best thing a father can do for his children is to love their mother.” While this quote by John Wooden may not apply to many family situations nowadays, it did apply to my own family. To love unconditionally with your whole soul sets a wonderful example to children. For Father’s Day, let me share…

Wisdom

I’ve kept track. I’m good at math, after all. So far I’ve survived 100% of my worst days. As my dear old Dad would say,”This too shall pass.” Dad wouldn’t boost me up, telling me that I was strong and could survive anything. Nope. He just gave me hope things would change. Circumstances may look…

Eulogy for Dad

Our family of six kids was raised in an era when children weren’t coddled. We were aware of our parents’ expectations. If you knew what was good for you, you did it. Without complaining.  I remember showing my parents a challenging test marked 98%. Dad looked at it and said, “What about the other 2%?”…

Peaceful Poppies for Dad

Mom, two of my sisters and I were ushered from Dad’s bedside into the ICU quiet room. On the wall was a large painting of whimsical poppies on thin stems. Strong stems to support big flowers of crepe paper texture. Delicate yet strong. I’ve always loved poppies since watching The Wizard of Oz as a…

Sunflowers in the Front Yard

When I was a young girl, my Dad told me we couldn’t plant sunflowers in the front yard. Well, I’m all grown up now. Rebel, rebel! There were a few shrubs on the corner of our front yard which had been irritating me. If I planted flowers nearby, they’d be eaten up by bugs attracted…