Saturday, June 18, 2011

Daddy's Hands







One bitter January afternoon, my mom sat warming her hands by our pot belly stove as she instructed my dad as to what he needed to pick up at the grocery store.  I was about five at the time. "Can I go?" I asked.  Dad was a quiet man, and about as easy going as you could get.  He nodded and I ran for my winter coat, hat and gloves. As dad opened the door to the blowing wind and slippery rocks that served as steps to take us to our car, I remember him taking my little gloved hand in his and telling me to be careful.  Though the ice was thick and the snow pelted hard on my face, I never felt more safe than I did with my hand in his on that blustery winter day.  

My dad was not perfect.  He drank too much on the weekends and sometimes stayed away from home just a little too long on Friday nights. 

But he had a wonderful, giving heart and I wouldn't have traded him for all the perfect dad's in the world.
He died way too young, at 53, and I miss him still today.

Me and Dad


8 comments:

  1. Oh, Bobbi!! Just that one memory tells so much about your dad! How he loved being with you, and how caring and protective he was of you. I love the picture! And I have never heard that dolly Parton song before!

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  2. you were loved! he may have had his flaws, but you were loved; I am sure you carry that with you as you continue to miss him

    betty

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  3. Sweet memories of your daddy Bobbi... he will always be close by you, holding your hand... I miss my daddy too... there is no greater bond than the one between a daddy and his daughter... xoxo Julie Marie

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  4. Bobbi,
    a very touching post and I do adore the last photo of you and your dad. I have a difficult time this day and realized that I just prefer toe day to slip quietly by...enjoy your day and hugs to you!

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  5. I have always loved the song "Daddy's Hands", and it's so beautiful that you had a loving Dad that actually lived out those words.... he must have been a wonderful man! I am sorry you lost him so early, but thankful you have treasured memories of times spent with him.....

    Thanks for sharing such a dear "heart memory" with us today!
    Hugs, Jenni

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  6. What a sweet post about your Daddy and his love and care for you. Thank you for sharing this picture of you two. He did die very young and I know you miss him and wish he could spend time with you, Gary and Gracie.

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  7. Your Daddy passed way to soon, but he left you with some wonderful memories. It says a lot about YOU that you choose to remember all the good rather than the not-so-good. We are all flawed to some degree and we pray that our children will remember the best about us, as you have done.

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  8. I love that song! I don't think anyone's father is perfect. Mine isn't but I love him anyway! It sounds like you had a great Dad! I am sure you miss him terribly!

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