Setting My Intention

Clearing Clutter. Finding Joy. Living Slow

  • Home
    • Privacy and Cookie Policy
    • Disclosure
  • New? Start Here!
  • Work With Me
    • Affiliates
  • At Home
    • Decluttering Your Home
    • Meal Planning
      • Recipe
    • Organizing
  • In Relationships
    • Motherhood
    • Family
    • Self Care
  • In Life
    • Blogging
    • Budgeting
    • Fitness
    • Goals
    • Slow Living
  • FREE Resources
    • Top 10 Blogging Resources
    • FREE Meal Planning Printables
    • FREE 10 Step Decluttering Process
  • SHOP
    • Terms and Conditions
You are here: Home / In Relationships / Five Gifts from My Father

June 23, 2016 by Angela

Five Gifts from My Father

Father’s Day was this past weekend. For the fatherless, there were difficult moments of wishing, sadness, and loss. The anniversary of my father’s death falls very close to Father’s day so there is compounded grief. I usually avoid Facebook for the week, waiting for all the pictures of fathers to get buried in the feed. Father’s Day is bittersweet.

This year marks ten years since my father passed away. While the waves of grief that used to consume me unexpectedly are no longer a regular occurrence, the gifts that my dad passed down to me endure. I don’t have recent photos of my dad and I to share, but I do have these memories.

5 gifts from my father

5 Gifts from my Father

The gift of his smile and conversation

My dad lit up the room with his smile.  At 5’4” he was small in stature but big in presence. He could have a conversation with anyone he met.

The gift of his presence

I have so many memories of swimming, camping, eating meals together, going to family get togethers, watching sports and movies together.

The gift of hard work

My parents frequently worked two jobs, especially as small business owners. They frequently did this so they could provide health insurance for the family. One of my parents would work for a company that provided health insurance and they continued to maintain  the deli that they owned. They worked to provide us what we needed.

The gift of entrepreneurship

My father tried many different side hustles: pyramid schemes, selling encyclopedias, and selling real estate. He wasn’t afraid to learn new things and take risks, in fact, I think he thrived on it. None of the side hustles were particularly profitable, but seeing him learn and extend himself to try new things inspires me today.

The gift of movement

My father was an avid tennis player, walker, and then golf lover. He would frequently bring my sisters and I to the tennis courts and we would play. Being active was a natural part of our family life.

The regret that my children will not know him is something that will never go away. However, the gifts that my father has given me are ever-present, influencing our family life daily. Those are the things that I want to pass down to my children, acknowledging the heritage of the gifts.

This post will be shared at these fun link ups.

 

Related

About Angela

Wife. Mom to three boys. Writer. Reader. Aspiring Minimalist. Lover of chocolate and fitness. She loves blogging about the ways she is finding success in simplifying life one step at a time. Her mantra is "Progress, not Perfection."

❮❮ Previous Post
Next Post ❯ ❯

Comments

  1. melinda says

    June 23, 2016 at 1:43 pm

    Oh Angela, how wonderful that you have such powerful, sweet memories of your dad!
    Those 5 gifts are foundational in life!!
    Thanks for dressing your models in purple!!!!

    • Angela says

      June 28, 2016 at 7:11 am

      Thanks Melinda. I’m so glad we had the time that we did together. I hope I can pass them on to my children too.

  2. Abby says

    June 26, 2016 at 4:01 pm

    How sweet those memories are. I can’t imagine the pain of losing a parent, but I’m so glad your dad gave you such great lessons to pass on to your own children.

    • Angela says

      June 28, 2016 at 7:08 am

      Thanks friend.

  3. Leigh says

    July 14, 2016 at 4:56 pm

    I really love your gift list. Dads are so special. Thanks for sharing at the Healthy Living Link Party!
    Blessings, Leigh

    • Angela says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:47 am

      Thanks Leigh, I agree that the gifts that Dad’s give are special and unique!

  4. Deborah Davis says

    July 15, 2016 at 11:21 am

    Your post really touched me. I am very close to my father and we have enjoyed a wonderful relationship for many many years. Unfortunately, he is very ill now and his days are numbered which makes me value all that he has taught and given me even more precious. I am treasuring our time together while he is still in my life. There is nothing like a great Father! I’m sharing this post!

    • Angela says

      July 18, 2016 at 6:48 am

      I’m sorry to hear about your father Deborah. I’m so glad you’re cherishing all the time together – in remembering and in the present. Blessings to you friend.

Hi Friend! I’m Angela

Welcome to my blog where I write about simplifying life in small, manageable steps and creating healthy habits. You'll find inspiration, practical tips and community here for the decluttering you're doing in your own life. (whether that's physical, mental, or emotional clutter) Thanks so much for stopping by! Read More…

Courtney Carver’s Soulful Simplicity Course

Let’s Connect!

  • Bloglovin
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

How to Start Making Changes in 5 Important Areas

FREE Step by Step Instructions!

You feel overwhelmed by your space and you don't know where to start. Here is a 1 page guide that will walk you step by step through decluttering any space in your home.

Thank you!

You have successfully joined our subscriber list. Your 1 page "cheatsheet" is on the way!

Top Posts & Pages

  • 7 Steps to Start Hand Lettering
    7 Steps to Start Hand Lettering
  • How to Start Swedish Death Cleaning
    How to Start Swedish Death Cleaning
  • Basement Clutter Tour
    Basement Clutter Tour
  • Basement Clutter Reveal
    Basement Clutter Reveal
  • Lagom: What it is and How to Start Living It
    Lagom: What it is and How to Start Living It

Affiliate Disclosure

This website may include affiliate links. These companies pay a small commission to me for sharing their products and services at no additional cost to you.

Disclosure

All information on this blog is from the author’s experience and is not intended to be professional advice. When using ideas from this blog, readers should use common sense and caution.

Amazon Associates

Setting My Intention participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate ad program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com.

Copyright

Copyright Setting My Intention 2018. All rights reserved. Please feel free to share content from this website with a reference to the website and link back to the original page or post.

 

Copyright 2016 Pretty Chic Theme By: Pretty Darn Cute Design On Genesis Framework