If it's not obvious, he was trying to get my mom to pose for the camera. She was a hesitant participant.
It's funny to think what my parents must have gone through as they prepared for my arrival. They were young. My dad was 23, my mom was 21. He was in the Air Force, my mom was a stay-at-home wife. They certainly didn't take any classes or research nearly as much as Brent and I have in anticipation of our daughter's arrival.
My mom was not a comfortable pregnant woman. She had horrific morning sickness. Her 87-lb. frame probably freaked out once a baby was thrown into the mix. She craved steak and lobster all the time. And she made my dad quit smoking in preparation for my arrival -- a FABULOUS idea, if I do say so, especially since he never started up again.
I don't remember much of my youngest days, obviously, but I do know that my dad loved being a daddy.
He was kind and loving. He taught me how to find the fun in the mundane. He was silly and made bad jokes. He taught me to appreciate music, both as a musician and a fan. He passed down his love of food. He taught me that it didn't matter if I was the best in school as long as I tried my best. He also taught me not to sweat the small stuff, something I apply to my life every. single. day.
Five years ago today he was taken from us, but his spirit lives on in so many ways.
"A sweet thing, for whatever time, to revisit in dreams the dear dad we have lost." - Euripides
34 comments:
your parents were so cute! I just read your entry about your dad's passing...seriously brought tears to my eyes. he's watching you and is really proud of you, I just know it. ;)
Your parents did a fabulous job raising you and nurturing you into to the incredible woman you are today! Sounds like your dad passed along some really great philosophies to live by and he smiles everyday knowing how happy and blessed you are. Xoxo!
I am so sorry you lost your father and that he won't be able to meet Em Dash. I read your blog about the day he passed away, and it was very hard to read - but I'm glad I did.
(hugs) to you, big giant ones, today.
You guys are going to be wonderful parents.
Love to you Nanners!
My dad quit smoking for me, too!
Hugs to you!
What a great photo that is.
Big hugs today!
It's nice to know that all those things he taught you will be passed down to Em Dash :)
...and 87 lbs.?! Good lord, how short is she?
Your dad taught you valuable lessons. It's nice to have those memories of dads knowing they loved us and loved being a dad, isn't it? It's not like having them here but it helps a bit, at least for me.
I'm sorry he isn't here to see you be a great Mom.
they look so happy in that picture!
Your parents did a great job with you :)
My dad was from that WWII generation. We had to be tough to be born in the 50's
aw that picture is so cute.
*hugs*
Such a sweet picture. I'm sure your dad is looking down on you and is so proud.
I'm so sorry you lost your daddy. What a sweet little tribute to him this was.
i have a couple of pictures of my parents with me in my mom's belly, too. i like to think that they were as excited as we were while i was pregnant.
much love and many hugs to you, today of all days.
I find it really inspirational that you are this open...in everything, I guess, but specifically about your dad. You've written really well about something that isn't easy to put into words. Sending you a hug today.
I can't believe it's been five years already... Sending you lots of good thoughts today.
Yay for new babies!
That is such a sweet picture. You are going to pass on things to your daughter that your dad passed on to you, his legacy will live on.
nice family, sad story...
LOVE your blog, though...well done.
Jay
http://www.halftimelessons.com
I <3 you!
Hugs. I'm so glad you had such a wonderful dad. I wish he was still here to see Em Dash. oxoxxo
that last comment's from willikat...something is up and i'm posting as "katie" without my link for some reason.
I love the photo of your parents because it's so natural and really seems to capture their personalities. Hugs to you, Nanette.
Huge hugs. That is a great picture of your parents and it sounds like you have great memories to go with the pics.
*sigh* a little late in commenting but wanted to let you know that my heart hurt as I read this. Gerric's mom passed away 18 years ago on September 5th - his pain will never go away as I'm sure yours won't either. But your dad sounded like an amazing man...I only wish I could have met him. Just be sure that he's looking over you and all of your loved ones...including the little one in your belly. :)
i'm sure your dad is so proud of you right now. {{hugs}}
I just stumbled upon your blog from Morgan's (Mrs. Priss) where you left a comment. I'm so glad I found it...
I read the post you did about your dad's passing.... wow. That must have been the hardest day of your life... I know it would have been for me. Your post brought me to tears. My dad had cancer in 2004, and thankfully (*knock on wood*) he's in remission now. My greatest fear was going through something similar with him, and I still worry about it from time to time, if I let myself get carried away.
I am sure your dad is smiling down on your right now. Just looking at the picture of him with your mom - it's beautiful. It personifies hope and expectation. I would treasure that image forever...
Good luck with the rest of your pregnancy. I will be sure to remember to drop by!
Your dad sounds like the most wonderful father a girl could ask for. You'll parent in his honor, Em Dash is so lucky.
Hug, hugs! Your parents are so cute. What a perfect picture of fun, love and expectancy. You dad sounds like a great man.
I love your memories of him. Thank you for sharing them so freely with us.
They look so cute together - It's nice of you to share these stories!
love it. and your memory sharing.
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