Today would have been my father's 84th birthday. My father and I did not have an easy time of it, but I do not choose to dwell on the negative aspects of our relationship.I found a picture of us from my second birthday party(I would have posted it here, but I'm afraid someone will steal it and put it on one of those retro cards). I am sitting at the table with friends and family around me digging into their birthday cake. In the background is my father. The cake in his hand has not been touched. He is completely focused on me, love and pride all over his face. Sadly, I am not facing him. The picture represents everything about our relationship. My dad's love only showing when I am not looking. If only I could have seen this look on his face while he was still alive, just once, our relationship would have been so much different. I'm just grateful that somebody captured it on film.
This is how I choose to remember him. Happy birthday, Dad.
18 comments:
Great post. Makes me think of my relationship with my Dad.
Makes you wish that we looked a little harder for the love sometimes, doesn't it?
Also makes me hope I always show love when the person's looking.
I'm so glad you have that picture. Embrace that memory and hold it close.
I think you sent me that picture. You look adorable.
Don't worry, I won't sell it to those retro card vultures.
Beautiful way to honor the man who brought you into this world. I am glad that photo fills a void in your life.
CP.
happy birthday to him.
your sentiments resonate with me. you probably knew that though.
xo
Very emotional post. Happy birthday, dad!
that would be a sad retro card.
Valley Girl - I know I'm not the only one.
Big Momma - unfortunately, we usually look for that love in the men we choose, which may explain why I am still single.
Ubie - that's one of the many lessons here, I suppose.
Spinning Girl - oh I will. I have.
Todd - good to know you can be trusted.
CP - it's all in how we look at things. I can choose to look back with resentment, or I can choose to look back with respect.
Sizz - we are so much alike, it's no wonder we found each other here.
Neil - maybe our dads are hanging out up there, laughing out our ridiculous blogging habit.
Jiggs - actually it would be cute. Ask Todd, I was adorable. Blue cat-eye glasses and everything!
:o/
This post makes me want to be a better dad.
I'm just glad that you can choose a pleasant memory.
shamalamdingdong
Kind of bittersweet, but more sweet than bitter.
I tend to focus on positive memories of people as well. After, all, what good would it do to focus on the negative?
I know exactly how you feel.
I got a bit choked up by this post. Thanks for sharing this story and giving us the play-by-play of the photo.
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