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Monday 18 June 2012

The Year I Got It Right For Father's Day!

My grandfather and my dad

Shopping for men is never easy!  We've all bought the ties that were never worn or the gimmicky thing we thought Dad would absolutely love, that was never used.

I was pretty safe when I stuck with books.  Dad and I both loved history and I searched out many a signed copy of history books and bought many, many more of the swashbuckling sea sagas he loved.

While I don't remember what I bought as a gift on the year I got it right, I do remember sitting down with a card and planning on adding a couple of nice lines to the Hallmark sentiment.  My family is notably non-demonstrative.  We are not huggers and kissers. Right or wrong, we are more for showing love by actions than by words.  Somehow, though, one particular Father's Day seemed to be the time to tell my dad what he really meant to me.

I wrote a letter that was a thank you for all the adventures and experiences he had brought to my life.  I thanked him for imparting his life philosophy and morals.  Having just come through a difficult time in my life, I told him how grateful I was for his support and the security I had  been blessed with because my dad was always, unquestionably there for me.

The letter ended with thanking him for being someone to love and admire; a role model that I tried, each day, to live up to.

The next day, when we were alone, Dad patted me on the back and simply said, "Thanks for the letter."  I nodded.  I told you we are not a demonstrative family!

After Dad passed away, my sister and I went through the little chest he kept his important things in.  There among his service medals, teaching certificates, university diplomas and awards was that little letter!  He had kept it all those years!

I keep the letter in a box with my important things.  It reminds me to tell people how much they mean to me.

To all the great dads out there, thank you for all you do to raise the next generation.  You lead by example and the future is in your hands.  My dad was a great dad because he had a great dad.  My grandsons will be great dads because they have great dads.  You are our safe harbours and solid rocks.  We need you!

Happy Father's Day!


19 comments:

  1. What a wonderful post! Thank you dear Maureen. I have been thinking of writing a letter to my dad for ages. it was on the christmas list, then it was on the birthday list, and it still hasn't happened. But now it will!
    A big hug to you

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  2. Oh my! This is a lovely post! It may be the first blog that ever made me tear up! How beautiful!

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  3. Thank you for sharing this. I too think it is so important to tell those we love what they mean to us!

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  4. Awww!!! I have tears in my eyes...what a sweet memory you have of Father's Day! xo wendy

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  5. Wonderful post, its those memories that make you sigh and think "I am grateful I had such a wonderful influence in my life". I am happy to know that you had that moment where you let your dad know exactly how you felt/feel. Thanks for sharing.

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  6. Maureen- What a beautiful tribute to your Dad...and what a blessing that must have been to him to get that letter. As much as I loved my father- I don't think I ever said the words to him- but I KNOW that HE KNEW. Great post!!!1 Blessings to you- xo Diana

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  7. Oh boy...mascara is running! Lovely. It reminds me of my own father...a man of few words but always hit the mark.

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  8. What a wonderful memory. I enjoy family history and that's a great old photo that you have!

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  9. I am trying not to cry, Maureen. This is beautifully written. Thanks for making us stop and be grateful.

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  10. Oh yes. While my own father passed on before I was born how blessed I was to have kind uncles and grandfathers. Mr. Decor is a great, great dad. He came in a step dad but the step was eliminated long ago.

    Thank you so very much for your friendship and loving support.

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  11. You know recently I was featured in AVmax magazine for singing in the jazz band "Colaba Point". Best part is I was featured on the same magazine which featured John Mayer, Tinariwen and its likes. I have gifted one copy to dad. He didn't get it- I parceled it. I want to see how he reacts.

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  12. Thank you for sharing your sweet story. It really does mean so much to others when we express our love and gratitude to them!
    Karee

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  13. Okay, Maureen, I have a huge lump in my throat right now after reading your post. It's so beautiful! What a wonderful gift you gave to your dad by writing that letter. What a wonderful gift he gave to you by your finding it with his most treasured possessions...

    Thanks for your sweet comment on our little Baby cat and our dog pen makeover! haha Have a wonderful weekend!

    Donna

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  14. Maureen, This post brought tears to my eyes. My father is 86 years old and his health is failing. I just got home from visiting him and though his memory is not good he mentioned the letter I wrote him on Father's Day over twenty years ago. Thank you for sharing this with us.

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  15. Maureen, what a lovely and touching story. Your dad was a wonderful dad to you. You must have been so thrilled to find that letter. Treasure his memory. Thanks for stopping by today. I am glad you liked my Bread spoons. Did you see my crispy spoon crackers with goat cheese?

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  16. Maureen,
    This is a wonderful story I mean a really good story. Thank you for telling it so eleqently and for sharing it.

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  17. Beautifully said, it bought tears to my eyes. Thanks so much for sharing this.

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  19. What a sweet and wonderful memory and story!

    Thanks for welcoming me back. I look forward to seeing you for Potpourri Friday!

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