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
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.
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!!!!
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.
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.
Thanks friend.
I really love your gift list. Dads are so special. Thanks for sharing at the Healthy Living Link Party!
Blessings, Leigh
Thanks Leigh, I agree that the gifts that Dad’s give are special and unique!
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!
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.