Tuesday 10 March 2009

My Dad

Some of you have wondered where I suddenly went after blogging so faithfully each day since the start of the year. I've had some pretty tough things going on. At the end of January my sister phoned to tell me that my dog had died. He was my baby, the little guy I had no choice but to leave behind when I moved abroad. I know that phone call was hard for her to make, as she knew how it would devastate me. Just a week later, she had to make an even worse call. My dad died. He was young...only 55.

I wasn't sure I was going to write about this in such a public forum. Mourning is such a private thing, but writing is cathartic and I want the world to know how much better it is for having had him in it. My dad wasn't rich or famous. He didn't invent a cure for cancer or ever fly to the moon. He never competed in the olympics or held a public office. Of course, it's that way for most of us and our lives still matter...his life mattered. There's nothing about him that would make it even close to the history books, yet the world is still a better place because he was here.

You see, I believe in ripples. My sisters are deeply devoted and affectionate parents, because we had a dad who held family as the most important thing in the world. My sisters work very, very hard because they had the example of my dad getting up everyday and going to work and never complaining, even though he was ill most of his life. My other sister went back and completed nursing school at the age of 40 and another sister has gone back to school because he taught us to always believe you can achieve whatever you set your mind to and that it's never too late to go after what you really want.

My dad was so devoted to my mom and my parents were so in love. They laughed and giggled. They flirted and held hands. They spent lots of time with their kids as a family, but also made time for each other. I have a wonderful marriage and owe a lot of that to the lessons I learned from them. I could go on and on about my dad. He wasn't perfect...nobody is, but he was certainly a wonderful example of what a husband, a dad and a man should be. The world IS a better place because he was a part of it and I am so grateful to have had him in my life.

So while the last month has been pretty rotten and I'm certainly far from done grieving, each day is already getting a little easier. It sounds cliche, but my dad would want it that way. He's with my mom now, who passed 20 years ago and I like to think of them in together in Heaven, holding hands, and taking the long walks they used to love so much. The last week I have made effort to start painting again, am getting involved in my online art communities again, buying some art...and finally, today I am ready to tell people why I haven't been around the last month. So now I'm back...not quite 100%, but I'll get there.

9 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry for your loss-sending big hugs your way. I'm glad you decided to write about your Dad. Most of our parents aren't public officials or astronauts, but they are Super Hero's for teaching us love and values..for the things that matter.

    xo

    ReplyDelete
  2. So sorry for your loss Jolie.You were so fortunate to have such a wonderful model in your life. When it gets down to the basics of life, family is what counts. Passing that value along to our children surely does create a ripple effect of gratitude. Sending you warm wishes and hoping your painting brings you comfort.

    ReplyDelete
  3. i'm very sorry to hear the news of your father...thank you for sharing your wonderful memories with us.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jolie I am so sorry to hear about your dad. He sounds like he was a remarkable man, who raised a wonderful family. The way I see it he made huge difference, in many lives, and he will live on in your hearts. You are lucky to have been raised by such a quality man. It's good to see you back, art will help the healing process.
    ((hugs))

    ReplyDelete
  5. OH my goodness, girl. I am so sorry to hear of this. Awww. **hugs** Your father sounds incredible. I know we dont always understand that things that happen in our life, but there is a reason for everything. Some day you'll see it. Hang in there. Thinking of you!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Hi,
    I just came across your blog... I'm so sorry to hear about your wonderful dad. Hang in there. ~~HUGS~~. I hope you can find comfort in your paintings. :)
    Lovely blog by the way.
    ~Sara

    ReplyDelete
  7. Hi Jolie...new visitor here. I am new(ish) to Blogger and am still finding my way around here, but I have come across your blog many times and decided I should really just subscribe, already. :)

    I am so sorry to read about the loss of your Dad. I cannot even begin to imagine how difficult and painful this must be for you, but I do hope that you are finding peace and comfort in writing about it. Please know that there are so many wonderful souls out here in blogland who are thinking of you and sending you warm and loving thoughts. Thank you for sharing such an intimate experience with us; I am sure your Dad is smiling down on you this very moment.

    Take care,
    xo
    Angie

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hello Jolie - wow, what a powerful post. And a wonderful tribute to your father who obviously was a wonderful man. You have suffered much loss in your life but your heart is intact and open...well done Jolie. And your art is beautiful. The colors, the soft faces, the composition. Fabulous. Blessings to you and your family.

    ReplyDelete
  9. Thanks for all your support, guys. It's really nice to know there are so many people out there that care. Things are getting a bit better now and I'll be heading home in a few weeks for a nice visit this time...going to be matron of honor in my friend's wedding and I get to be my nephew, Maxx's godmommy!

    ReplyDelete

LinkWithin

Related Posts with Thumbnails