Memories of my Dad
When I turned 16, Daddy took us for a "surprise." We piled into the car and drove to Fishkill, NY. Little did I know, he had bought us tickets to see Johnny Maestro sing. I had NO idea what was going to happen...They went to start "16 Candles" and Johnny stopped and said that we have a very special girl in the audience celebrating her Sweet 16th and that they had a present for that girl. ME. I was mortified (very shy) and walked down to the stage to accept an album and CD. Daddy did the same thing 2 years later for my little sister, Erin. Every time I hear Johnny Maestro I think of my Dad. I think of that day.
I never realized until now what my Dad was going through the night my Nana died as he sat in the living room with the stereo blasting making tapes to play at her services. I'm doing the same thing now with doo wop, Dean Martin, Al Jolson and the like thinking now I know exactly how he felt. This sucks.
Comments
We are strangers, only connect through your blog (which I avidly read) and Pinterest.
Your story below touched me. Two years ago we lost my father-in-law, suddenly to cancer. One minute he was traveling through China, learning Chinese and enjoying retirement. The next, he was lying in a nursing home, wearing a diaper, and we were feeding him Dr. Pepper with a spoon. Dick was the only Dad I knew. He was my anchor and loved my as his own. (I was fortunate to have a Dad that was kind to me, but Dick managed, eventually, to fill that hole my biological Dad left in me)
Then, I found myself, on the floor, combing through family pictures, listening to old Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra classics, putting together his memorial service and slide show. It was painful, but, for the artist in me, it was also therapeutic. I miss Dick and there is a hole where he once was. But, the hole isn’t empty, void, and dark. It is filled with glorious memories, a father’s love, and a dear, dear friend.
My thoughts and prayers are with you. You are strong, able, and your art will guide your path!
xo
Debbie
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Will you be returning to the east coast for services? Please let me know.
Biggest hugs and thoughts of comfort to you
Sharyn