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Wednesday, November 19, 2008

Remembering Leo


Today would have been my dad's 74th birthday. He's been gone five years and I miss him now more than ever. It's interesting to me because there was a time in my life when I didn't need him and I didn't miss him when it was months between visits. Somewhere along the way though, things changed, I did miss him and I did need him. I became a parent myself and for the first time I understood him a little better. I understood that parents are only human, with their own lives, their own successes and their own failures. I focused a little too much on his failures for too long.

Once I embraced him for who he was, our relationship deepened. I'll never forget the love he had my for kids, how he told me he was proud of me over and over, how he taught me to finally catch a fly ball when I was 42 years old, and how he was still trying to give me advice until the end. I remember giving him a hard time in the hospital because he was trying to give me directions home from New Jersey; a trip I had driven dozens of times. He said "I'm your father, it's what I do." So I let him.

The last words he ever said to me were "I love you, very, very, very much." It doesn't get any better than that. I love you too Dad, and miss you so much today and everyday.

10 comments:

Bargain Decorating with Laurie said...

You had tears in my eyes. How wonderful that you developed such a close relationship with your dad before he died. Thank you for sharing this. laurie

Sweet Home Salvage said...

Cup,

I miss him too. I'll always remember him taking me out for my "bachelor party". Your Dad was a big hearted man who left us too soon.

Love you,

King

K- said...

Great blog, Kramer Angle!

Kasey said...

great post.
k-

K- said...

Ok, well it took some doing but with the help of a friend I am now a follower! I tried to write this on Thurday but It didn't work so here goes!
I have to agree with Laurie, tears did fill my eyes as well. I just hope that some day I too can learn to accept people for who they are and embrace the qualities that are endearing and accept them when they are not. You have offered a wonderful "life's lesson" and for that, I thank you!
K-

Lynne (lynnesgiftsfromtheheart) said...

This was such a moving post.. I know those last uttered words are the most remembered and the most important..hugs ~lynne~

Tardevil said...

Oh how sweet...I'm sure he's smiling down from heaven on you and your family right now!

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