My youngest brother is missing from this photo. We are all 3 yrs. apart in the pic. Patrick is 14 yrs younger than me. I'm the one with the beautiful baby blue horn rimmed glasses(and they had sparkles in the frames!).
Sometimes I can't believe how long it has been since I hugged you last. I remember hugs the most, because everytime I hugged you, you would whisper in my ear, sweetheart, I love you.
There was never any doubt in my mind that I was special in your heart. We were all special. You made sure we knew that... Never spoiling one above the other and there were 5 of us, hard to believe, but you made each of us feel as if we were the chosen one in your eyes. But in all honesty, we knew your love was spread evenly. As you were losing the battle with illness, and our visits were just a couple of times a year, I understood how hard it was for you to keep a smile on your face and try to enjoy the time we had together. I choose to remember the good times, not the bad. I am amazed how often my son reminds me of you in his demeanor. Mom says the same thing. But he actually is just like his own dad too. So does that mean I married a man just like my dad? I tend to think so sometimes. It's the quality of the person that I admire in all three of you. Hugs to you dad. I love you and miss you, Happy Father's Day...
Lori... what you wrote is just beautiful and echos my heart exactly. I miss those hugs too. I'm sitting here trying to decide on one little tidbit to add about Dad, but there are just too many happy memories. So I'll just add Happy Father's Day from me too, Dad. I love you.
ReplyDeleteVery touching. And I guess I'm a little envious too. I can't remember my dad ever hugging me, and never told me he loved me. Maybe when I was too little to remember. But I miss him anyway.
ReplyDeleteI'm so thankful my Pops is still with me, I see him becoming more fragile every day...it's hard to imagine a day without him. I have tons of memories, but it's just not the same as having that ornery smile flash across his face.
ReplyDeleteHope you had a fun day. Dad and Mike rode down on their motorcycles today...what a sight...I'll miss the sound of the bike rollin' in the drive, so will Scratchy!
It's hard to write these things, isn't it? I'll bet you had a soggy keyboard...I know I did, after reading it.
ReplyDeleteI love that your son is so like your dad...I think, sometimes, that's how God helps us remember those who were dear to us; by glimpses of them in the next generations.
Lori,
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post, you brought a tear to my eye. Thanks for sharing your memories of such a beautiful family.
Debby