Throughout our lives there are dates that become etched into our memories - dates of birthdays, dates of anniversaries, dates of high school or college graduations, dates of weddings, dates of deaths ...
Today marks a date that will forever remain etched in my memory as it was six years ago today that my father passed away. Six years. Yet I still remember it like it was last week and I think that I always will, it's not one of those dates that one is likely to forget. I guess it's one of the reasons that I dislike February as much as I do. I was never a big fan of the month to begin with and having the anniversary date of my father's death on the 23rd doesn't help its case.
Winter this year, much like 2003 was, has been horrible and I'm pretty sure that if my Dad were still alive, he would have had quite more than enough of it by now. I believe I've mentioned in the past how much my Dad didn't like the cold of winter and how he, like so many of us, couldn't wait for it to be over and warmer weather come back around. After he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (a result of his exposure to Agent Orange while serving in Vietnam), he liked winters even less as he just couldn't seem to get warm.
So many times my Dad used to talk about moving to Arizona after he retired from his second career in maintenance at Day Kimball Hospital so that he could enjoy his later years in relative warmth but he never got the chance to do that as cancer robbed him of the opportunity to enjoy his retirement years like he should have. After being diagnosed with a cancer that was treatable but not curable, I think my father lost all desire to move elsewhere as Connecticut really was his home in spite of the nasty winters that we can get here.
I've thought about my Dad a lot this winter as the weather has reminded me so much of 2003 and I've thought about how much he would have hated the bitter cold and the snow that we've had this year. Perhaps my dislike of the weather this year and the desire to see the cold weather end is just me being more and more like my father; though I'd like to think we had more in common than a dislike of cold temperatures!
At any rate, I'm not sure exactly where I'm going with this post other than to say "Dad, I miss you and even though you wouldn't have liked the nasty cold we've had this year, I think you'd have been glad to see that I finally moved off the side of those ridiculous hills I lived on!" Somehow, though, I think he knows ... or at least I like to think he does.
sweet picture...pretty dress!
ReplyDeletehi dad.
I'm sure he knows, Linda. Just as I am also sure that he's glad you have hot showers again. :)
ReplyDeleteBig Hug.
I like that picture of the two of you. You look like him quite a bit!
ReplyDeleteI agree, you guys look alike.
ReplyDeleteWell I hope February ends soon, not a big fan of it either.
Stay pretty.
Much Love,
HUGS
ReplyDeleteLinda, your memory of your father serves as a moving tribue to him.
ReplyDeleteHugs.... There's a special bond between Dads and their girls...
ReplyDeleteI think he knows.
ReplyDelete((hugs))
I really know how you are feeling. Certain times of the year always bring those thoughts to me as well. I lost my Dad in July of 2002 and I still miss him dearly. I still want to call him and ask him a question or tell him something his grand-children did.
ReplyDeleteKeep your chin up and feel his love in your heart!
Hi linda, We just got home I have a lot of reading to catch up on......... I salute your dad and thank him for his service, peace my friend
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderful tribute to your father. I so relate to those dates that roll around and remind you of past pains.
ReplyDeleteHave a terrific day honey. Big hug. :)
Although the cold brought memories of your dad and his dislike for winter he indeed warmed your heart this snowy season.
ReplyDeleteThanks for reminding us how important our dads are in our lives.
ReplyDeletegreat tribute to you dad,and yes certain people in our lives,on the day they go home to God are etches in our heads. My Dad went home aug 14 1984 ands my Mom went home sept 10 2003.I love and miss them both.
ReplyDeleteA wonderful tribute to your dad. He no longer has to hate winter. His legacy is in you and I know he is proud of you!!
ReplyDeleteSending you big hugs across the miles. Having lost my dad 30 years ago, I understand how much you miss yours because even after all these years I still miss mine just as much. It certainly has been a long Winter and this weekend it actually made me feel so down...we got even more snow and it's back to the frigid temps:-( Let's all move to Arizona like your dad wanted!!! lol xoxo
ReplyDeleteIt always seems just like yesterday when we remember these events
ReplyDeletei am happy you have such great memories of him honey! and sorry for your loss...
ReplyDeletehugs, bee
xoxoxoxoxoxoxoox
Very nice tribute!
ReplyDeleteI'm late on commenting but you've been in my thoughts. I know how much you miss him...I'm lucky enough to not have lost many people yet (I knocked wood) but I have lost my beloved Papa-it's 10 years next month. I miss him dearly.
ReplyDeleteHey Sis,
ReplyDeleteThe actual date was the 24th, not the 23rd.
Little Bro
Linda...you are so right about how the memories resurface around those days that impact out lives.
ReplyDeletesending you hugs.