Today is Wednesday, Dec. 28th, 2011.
10 days ago, my dad died.
[no, that's not right. delete it.]
I am 30 years old. My dad was 61 when he died last week.
[no, awful. delete.]
This blog is usually about education, but today's post will be something I just need to get out.
[no. delete.]
I can't find the words. I can't find the right words to even begin this post. It's about my dad. My dad, who died 10 days ago, at the age of 61. I can't find the right words to tell this story and so, if you don't already know the story, you may have no idea what I'm writing. And that's okay. Because I am writing this one for me.
My dad has been sick. He had two major strokes, liver damage, lung damage, heart disease, high blood pressure. He mad some bad choices in his life.
And he also made some great ones. He was a good man.
My dad was smart. He was smarter than he knew and he taught me a lot of things, not by talking, talking, talking about them, but by showing us (my older sister and I) what was important. I wonder what her list would look like... I am sure this list was different 11 days ago. And it may even be different 11 days from now.
The Top 10 Things I Think My Dad Taught Me in somewhat random order...
10. Pet the dog under his collar. Everyone else forgets that the dog needs to be scratched there. Rub his neck under his collar and he will be your dog. Forever. (Dad, Pepper and Otis will always be your dogs.)
9. If you are holding the hand of someone you love, no matter who it is, squeeze their hand 3 times. This means "I. Love. You." (Dad, I even do this to my students. :) )
8. It's okay to cry. It's even okay for boys to cry. Or men. Cry at commercials, cry at the movies, cry wherever you want. Just don't make a big scene and don't forget your hankie. (Dad, I'm crying now. Big surprise.)
7. Drink in moderation. (Okay, let's be honest Dad, neither of us were very good at this.)
6. Do Your Best. Every day. In every thing. DYB. (Dad, I will. I promise.)
5. Turn off the lights. And recycle. Funny, he wasn't all that eco-friendly, but these two things were so important to him. I guess it was what he could do to help save the Earth. (Dad, I wonder if they ever made a building or a new book from all the aluminum and newspapers that you recycled.)
4. Be thoughtful. Even this year, when my dad was ill and wearing pajamas 24/7, he managed to order us flowers and goodie baskets to be delivered for Sweetest Day. And he always sent a card. There's still a card on his night stand for his best friend/next door neighbor who would helped him. I have to remember to send that card. (Dad, you didn't even know how thoughtful you could be, even if you told mom to buy all the cards and you just signed your name.)
3. Education comes first. I really believe my dad's life goal included sending my sister and I to college and seeing us graduate. Cool that he also got to see our diplomas when we each got a Master's Degree as well. He never let us forget that school comes first. No wonder I'm a teacher and Sarah's a guidance counselor! School comes first. (Dad, Family comes first. Then School.)
2. Be generous. There are a lot of people that don't have what we have. Don't pity them. Help them out. My dad would take turkeys to St. Augustine. He would take socks and new clothes there. He would take school supplies to help "Stuff the Bus." He helped my uncle start a business and my aunt buy a house. He let his brother live in our house and gave him money even when he didn't deserve it. He helped put the roof on our church. He would give extra money, and time, to any one who needed it. He loved my kids and wanted to hand me money or help every time I saw him. (Dad, this is one of the most important things in the world to me. And so many people remember this about you and will never forget.)
1. Say "I love you." Never stop saying it. Say it 4 times in a half hour visit if you want to. Call the answering machine just to say it. And show it. But don't forget to say it. (Dad, now that you're gone, there is no question whether you loved us or not. We know. And we love you. A Lot.)
My dad died 10 days ago, and I didn't know it would feel this bad.
[This sucks.]
10 days ago, my dad died.
[no, that's not right. delete it.]
I am 30 years old. My dad was 61 when he died last week.
[no, awful. delete.]
This blog is usually about education, but today's post will be something I just need to get out.
[no. delete.]
I can't find the words. I can't find the right words to even begin this post. It's about my dad. My dad, who died 10 days ago, at the age of 61. I can't find the right words to tell this story and so, if you don't already know the story, you may have no idea what I'm writing. And that's okay. Because I am writing this one for me.
My dad has been sick. He had two major strokes, liver damage, lung damage, heart disease, high blood pressure. He mad some bad choices in his life.
And he also made some great ones. He was a good man.
My dad was smart. He was smarter than he knew and he taught me a lot of things, not by talking, talking, talking about them, but by showing us (my older sister and I) what was important. I wonder what her list would look like... I am sure this list was different 11 days ago. And it may even be different 11 days from now.
The Top 10 Things I Think My Dad Taught Me in somewhat random order...
10. Pet the dog under his collar. Everyone else forgets that the dog needs to be scratched there. Rub his neck under his collar and he will be your dog. Forever. (Dad, Pepper and Otis will always be your dogs.)
9. If you are holding the hand of someone you love, no matter who it is, squeeze their hand 3 times. This means "I. Love. You." (Dad, I even do this to my students. :) )
8. It's okay to cry. It's even okay for boys to cry. Or men. Cry at commercials, cry at the movies, cry wherever you want. Just don't make a big scene and don't forget your hankie. (Dad, I'm crying now. Big surprise.)
7. Drink in moderation. (Okay, let's be honest Dad, neither of us were very good at this.)
6. Do Your Best. Every day. In every thing. DYB. (Dad, I will. I promise.)
5. Turn off the lights. And recycle. Funny, he wasn't all that eco-friendly, but these two things were so important to him. I guess it was what he could do to help save the Earth. (Dad, I wonder if they ever made a building or a new book from all the aluminum and newspapers that you recycled.)
4. Be thoughtful. Even this year, when my dad was ill and wearing pajamas 24/7, he managed to order us flowers and goodie baskets to be delivered for Sweetest Day. And he always sent a card. There's still a card on his night stand for his best friend/next door neighbor who would helped him. I have to remember to send that card. (Dad, you didn't even know how thoughtful you could be, even if you told mom to buy all the cards and you just signed your name.)
3. Education comes first. I really believe my dad's life goal included sending my sister and I to college and seeing us graduate. Cool that he also got to see our diplomas when we each got a Master's Degree as well. He never let us forget that school comes first. No wonder I'm a teacher and Sarah's a guidance counselor! School comes first. (Dad, Family comes first. Then School.)
2. Be generous. There are a lot of people that don't have what we have. Don't pity them. Help them out. My dad would take turkeys to St. Augustine. He would take socks and new clothes there. He would take school supplies to help "Stuff the Bus." He helped my uncle start a business and my aunt buy a house. He let his brother live in our house and gave him money even when he didn't deserve it. He helped put the roof on our church. He would give extra money, and time, to any one who needed it. He loved my kids and wanted to hand me money or help every time I saw him. (Dad, this is one of the most important things in the world to me. And so many people remember this about you and will never forget.)
1. Say "I love you." Never stop saying it. Say it 4 times in a half hour visit if you want to. Call the answering machine just to say it. And show it. But don't forget to say it. (Dad, now that you're gone, there is no question whether you loved us or not. We know. And we love you. A Lot.)
My dad died 10 days ago, and I didn't know it would feel this bad.
[This sucks.]
10 comments:
**hugs**
Morgan this is beautiful. I'm so sorry about your dad. ((hugs)) He was a good man and raised both if you well.
Beautiful.
Thank you.
beautiful.
Your dad would be proud.
What a lovely testimonial to your dad! Some great rules to live by. My dad died 7 years ago on the other side of the world, and you're right -it sucks!
What a touching and sweet blog post. You have a guardian angel who is watching over you. I would love for you to go over to my blog and some of my inspirational poems because they talk about the way God uses us in the lives of others. I know your father had a profound impact on your life.
prayers and blessings to you,
Heather
Morgan,
I lost my Dad,Jim, January 2nd 2011 at 10:30 AM.He was only 61 and I am only 29. I completely understand what you are feeling and going through. My life is shattered. He was a wonderful person and an extremely devoted father. We were very close. Its hard to imagine life without him. I havent actually said to anyone outloud that my dad has died. It is still hard to accept. My Dad had chirohis of the liver. He did not drink or smoke so it was always a mystery to the doctors what had caused it. He tried his best to stay as healthy as he could, the right meds,treatments,surgery, eating habits. he had been on the liver transplant list for 5 years. we never thought we would be "that" family. We always had hope, sometimes i still feel that hope and i have to remind myself that its over. He was able to walk me down the aisle just 6 months ago and i am grateful of that,but, i wanted more, he deserved more. I am angry and sad. every possible emotion. Why us,why him is what stage i am in. I am a montessori teacher in seattle. I love my job,but i havent retunred to it yet since this started to go downhill 1 month ago. Its hard to imagine being able to teach again and to feel that passion and drive and to think in the back of my mind,my dads not here. He deserved to retire and relax. He worked 40 years at Boeing. he deserved to be a grandpa. He deserved all that, and we deserved all that too..Im sorry if this doesn't help, i am just trying to find my way now and im struggling, it was comforting to find your blog and to see the same feelings i have. thank you for writing it. I hope in time we can find something that helps us.
-Josie
Morgan,
It is so brave to share your thoughts and feelings with others. I remember when I lost my Dad (April 13, 1996) -- I was 20 years old. It changed my life forever, and for some reason I felt bad because I didn't know how to deal with it (as if we're 'supposed' to know?). Take comfort in the cherished memories, knowing just how very much his life has affected you, your family & others. I wish there was a way to send a hug through the computer...
Colleen
Reading this a year later... Such sweet thoughts about your dad! Hope you had a wonderful holiday this year!
Your words made me cry! I found lots of inspiration just in the sentiment behind them, let alone the wisdom they hold! Thanks for sharing, I'm very sorry for your loss it seems he was an amazing father.
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