It was four years ago today that my Dad passed on. I actually had to look at the death certificate earlier to believe that, even though I know it so well. It just seems both impossibly long ago and yet far too near.
He was in my thoughts this past weekend where there was much in the air of endings and beginnings. How he would have loved the wedding. I did too. But today is not a day to tell you about that. Instead, I focused my energy this morning on giving a guided walk. I was grateful for it and the kindness of my guests. How solid it felt amidst all that is passing to stroll the streets of Arles, to share its beauty and history standing still under the bright light of noon.
Now, I can rest. I’ll pull the curtains into shade, the better to keep warm memories cupped between the hands of my heart.
More soon…
"keep warm memories cupped between the hands of my heart."
I think we are given the gift of memory to bring back the presence of loved ones after they are gone.
My mother passed away 10 years ago this month.
My father died when I was 2 years old. My father did not have a chance to hear me utter the word,dad.
It really is earth shaking to have a parent die. Good wishes to you and your family.
Beautiful.
XXXX
G
Hi Heather, this weekend on July 5th will be my dad's 10th anniversary and it seems like yesterday. I miss him and think of him every single day of my life.
I send you a big hug.
♥
In Korea and other countries, they perform ancestral rites on the anniversary but it is more like a buffet with family and friends visiting. So like n annual wake. I like to follow that tradition and have a great meal with beer in memory. Thoughts are with you x
Well, there were good people to talk with, dear David. It surprised me–you know how shy I am and yet it just worked. It was lovely. And very surprising for me who thinks I tend to know what all is to come. I would not have thought…
And how wonderful to hear more about your Dad. It doesn't surprise me in the least that he was a funny, charming man but perhaps a bit as it seems to surprise you as you are the same, loved by so many…
Oh, Heather….
I'm a lucky (as ever)boy in that my father, at age 75, still married to my mother and living where I grew up in East Tennessee, is still quite lively. I talk to him everyday in fact…..sometimes twice per day (I work at home, so this easy & fun). We still get to have (and I regard this as a blessing) at least three or four arguments over politics per week. Just for the record?….I don't argue with folks whose opinions I don't respect.
I should add that he's one of the three genuinely FUNNIEST people I've ever known….and my standards are ridiculously, I suppose, high. Call me spoiled.
That said?…
Yet another predictably evocative posting from you. Surely you know this song about a father? I hope you'll take it as a compliment that my suspicion is that you might be too young to recognize the song.
go to:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qsocZrEcp0Y
Glad to hear you enjoyed your weekend. I'm one of those folks who sort of hates weddings (always WAY too many expectations regarding everyone's enforced "performance" and behavior), but who happen to have never come home from a funeralwithout thinking "That was lovely….so many good people to talk with…".
Sincerely,
David Terry
http://www.davidterryart.com
With you in spirit, H.
Yes, it's tricky to hold both the sad and happy thoughts together! How he would have loved your blog. And as Ella and I are singing this cool "cup song" together, with great harmonies, I think how he would love/delight in it, too. And it's nice to to think of all the happy times, fun times, silly times! I send him love every day, but extra love today, and super, extra love to you, too.
Oh my, June (my mom) for me, July for you….. I right now writing about how June is the saddest month for me. It doesn't matter, 4 years, or 41, the world was changed both by their living and by their dying.
And that shot of Kipling captures the mood here where the humidity is stupefying.