Hi, Daddy!
It's that time of year again. How can it be that five years have passed since you left this life? In 2010, we had just had a good old snowstorm. I had on your red hunting coat and was just about to head outside to start shoveling when Mother called. This year we're experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures (mid to upper 50s!) and haven't had any snow to speak of. No two days, or two years, are ever alike.
So, I try to write to you every year at this time. It's one small way I feel I can honor you and remember you somewhat publicly. I've read my posts from previous years, which is a little trip down memory lane for me. And I share different old photos of you on Facebook. They make me smile. Go ahead and say it: I almost talk to you more now than I did when you were as close as a phone call. Of course, that was in the days of pricey long-distance rather than unlimited minutes, and you weren't much of a "phone" guy anyway, so I think you're OK with it this way in the long run. Even though this isn't a traditional two-way conversation, I believe you're still there for me, as you've always been. A dad always finds a way to check up on his kids, especially when they don't know he's doing it. Thank you for always loving us through work, in play, with words, and with actions.
Let's see, what kind of grown-up stuff have I been up to... You probably noticed we've been making several trips to Minnesota over the last few months. (REALLY glad we have a reliable vehicle!) I've done most of the driving to, from, and IN the greater Twin Cities area. I wouldn't want to do it often, and I still don't like it, but we all do what we've gotta do. And though it might not sound like much to those who don't know me, I consider it a personal accomplishment of which I can be proud. Got my new glasses for this year. Finally got them in blue ("my color"), and so far I like them. Still don't like to admit I've got bifocals, though. There are times, of course, that you just can't beat a regular old magnifying glass. I'd been long overdue for a trip to the dentist, so I bit the bullet (pun intended) and paid them a visit. Yes, a few cavities, but not the worst it's ever been. Went to see a stand-up comedian with another couple. He wasn't quite as much fun to see in person as he has been to watch on television, but it was something I'd only dreamed of being able to do. Oh, and I had that one test that 50-year-olds are supposed to have (only two years later than recommended). It was way easier than I'd expected it to be. I imagine we'd have shared a few amusing anecdotes with each other about that one. Had our annual girls' weekend. (It's starting to be a bit of a jinx, as I'm sure you're aware. Extra heavenly support for that issue, if you could, please.) No big plans while we're up there. Just some alone time, and some girl time, and some lay-around-in-pajamas-and-watch-TV-time. I know you can appreciate the importance of an opportunity to get away from it all, whether it's a few days or a few minutes. For me, this is the equivalent of your time in the back yard by the fireplace or in the basement with one of your many hobbies. Speaking of... my photo of your multicolored hand artwork is one of my favorites, and some of my friends get a kick out of it, too. Bet you never thought anyone outside of the family would see it, much less like it!
Here at home, we have our own set of...stuff. But when I remember to open my eyes and look around, it's clear that everyone does, and many of those issues are much bigger than anything I try to tackle on an average day. So I take a deep breath and try to find joy in everyday moments: a cardinal in the back yard, a starry night sky, Christmas lights in the neighborhood.
If this were a wedding anniversary, tradition would suggest a gift of wood. But it isn't, and I don't think you'd want a salad serving set or a new cutting board anyway. So I'll try to offer some wood imagery instead. You are still part of this tree's roots that keep me grounded. And I try to keep branching out with the strength I didn't know I had but you gave me long ago. OK, so sometimes it's just tiny steps rather than leaps and bounds, but every branch starts with a tiny bud, right? Is that getting too poetic and philosophical for you? Sorry...it's late, and I'm just trying to put into words things that I feel inside but don't usually say.
That's all I've got for now. It feels good to stay in touch this way, but I'm glad you're still peeking in on us and listening to me whenever I need to chat. Remember...stay with the group!
Merry Christmas, Daddy.
03/03/32 - 12/12/10
P.S. Yes, I blew out the candle before I went to bed (even checked it twice). Some things DON'T change.
2014 Letter to Dad
2013 Letter to Dad
2012 Letter to Dad
2011 Letter to Dad
It's that time of year again. How can it be that five years have passed since you left this life? In 2010, we had just had a good old snowstorm. I had on your red hunting coat and was just about to head outside to start shoveling when Mother called. This year we're experiencing unseasonably warm temperatures (mid to upper 50s!) and haven't had any snow to speak of. No two days, or two years, are ever alike.
So, I try to write to you every year at this time. It's one small way I feel I can honor you and remember you somewhat publicly. I've read my posts from previous years, which is a little trip down memory lane for me. And I share different old photos of you on Facebook. They make me smile. Go ahead and say it: I almost talk to you more now than I did when you were as close as a phone call. Of course, that was in the days of pricey long-distance rather than unlimited minutes, and you weren't much of a "phone" guy anyway, so I think you're OK with it this way in the long run. Even though this isn't a traditional two-way conversation, I believe you're still there for me, as you've always been. A dad always finds a way to check up on his kids, especially when they don't know he's doing it. Thank you for always loving us through work, in play, with words, and with actions.
Let's see, what kind of grown-up stuff have I been up to... You probably noticed we've been making several trips to Minnesota over the last few months. (REALLY glad we have a reliable vehicle!) I've done most of the driving to, from, and IN the greater Twin Cities area. I wouldn't want to do it often, and I still don't like it, but we all do what we've gotta do. And though it might not sound like much to those who don't know me, I consider it a personal accomplishment of which I can be proud. Got my new glasses for this year. Finally got them in blue ("my color"), and so far I like them. Still don't like to admit I've got bifocals, though. There are times, of course, that you just can't beat a regular old magnifying glass. I'd been long overdue for a trip to the dentist, so I bit the bullet (pun intended) and paid them a visit. Yes, a few cavities, but not the worst it's ever been. Went to see a stand-up comedian with another couple. He wasn't quite as much fun to see in person as he has been to watch on television, but it was something I'd only dreamed of being able to do. Oh, and I had that one test that 50-year-olds are supposed to have (only two years later than recommended). It was way easier than I'd expected it to be. I imagine we'd have shared a few amusing anecdotes with each other about that one. Had our annual girls' weekend. (It's starting to be a bit of a jinx, as I'm sure you're aware. Extra heavenly support for that issue, if you could, please.) No big plans while we're up there. Just some alone time, and some girl time, and some lay-around-in-pajamas-and-watch-TV-time. I know you can appreciate the importance of an opportunity to get away from it all, whether it's a few days or a few minutes. For me, this is the equivalent of your time in the back yard by the fireplace or in the basement with one of your many hobbies. Speaking of... my photo of your multicolored hand artwork is one of my favorites, and some of my friends get a kick out of it, too. Bet you never thought anyone outside of the family would see it, much less like it!
Here at home, we have our own set of...stuff. But when I remember to open my eyes and look around, it's clear that everyone does, and many of those issues are much bigger than anything I try to tackle on an average day. So I take a deep breath and try to find joy in everyday moments: a cardinal in the back yard, a starry night sky, Christmas lights in the neighborhood.
If this were a wedding anniversary, tradition would suggest a gift of wood. But it isn't, and I don't think you'd want a salad serving set or a new cutting board anyway. So I'll try to offer some wood imagery instead. You are still part of this tree's roots that keep me grounded. And I try to keep branching out with the strength I didn't know I had but you gave me long ago. OK, so sometimes it's just tiny steps rather than leaps and bounds, but every branch starts with a tiny bud, right? Is that getting too poetic and philosophical for you? Sorry...it's late, and I'm just trying to put into words things that I feel inside but don't usually say.
That's all I've got for now. It feels good to stay in touch this way, but I'm glad you're still peeking in on us and listening to me whenever I need to chat. Remember...stay with the group!
Merry Christmas, Daddy.
03/03/32 - 12/12/10
P.S. Yes, I blew out the candle before I went to bed (even checked it twice). Some things DON'T change.
2014 Letter to Dad
2013 Letter to Dad
2012 Letter to Dad
2011 Letter to Dad
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