I was feeling off the last couple of weeks and I didn’t know why. Yes, there is a massive change on the horizon of my life, but I am processing that methodically. This was something else… Then it hit me when I posted the photo of me with my father for Cee’s Black and White Challenge last week —it’s been ten years since I lost him. It was February of 2009.
I was blessed to be a beloved daughter, and Papa was my first hero. I called him Papa instead of Dad or Daddy —his choice, he wanted to be different. He was a story-teller, too. I marvel at what a vivid imagination he had. He made up a whole series of adventures involving our neighbor’s cat: Mopsy, and another one with a little old man and a cuckoo clock that always saved the day. And most of the time, he made them up on demand: “Tell me a story, Papa!” I remember traveling in Scotland with my parents when I was about six years old and passing a desolate stretch of land with these strange formations: bigger than mounds, smaller than hills. As we drove along, Papa made up a story about how it was a “Giant’s Graveyard” and the events that led to all the giants dying. Alright, that’s pretty morbid, I suppose, but I remember being completely engrossed in the story and begging for more. Oh, how I wish I’d recorded some of those wonderful tales he created for me when I was little.
He didn’t live long enough to see me become a writer. He would have loved knowing that he passed that ‘gift’ on to me. It’s just one of the many ways that I am my father’s daughter.
He knows. I’d imagine he’s well aware of the impending adventure too. Like J does with her mom when we travel, picture him holding y’all in his hands, safely leading you where you’re going. 😊
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He would love this: the Ireland move. He loved to travel, too. I do imagine the conversations we would have … And that he’d have done the same thing if he was in our shoes! Thanks, Beach!
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My pleasure. 😊
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What great memories! You had a wonderful connection for sure and I can only imagine how proud he is of you! Funny but I always feel out of sorts around the time my dad passed away and it almost always catches me by surprise…
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Right! I didn’t catch on until I posted the picture of us together and realized the date. Such great memories!
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He imparted the gift of storytelling to you. What’s beautiful about that is he lives through you.
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Thank you, Rob! That is a lovely comment! ❤️🙏
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Oh, Meg! I love this tribute. Dads and daughters ❤️
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Thank you, Rita! I miss him very much!
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I know the feeling well! It stays with us ❤️
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You are nurturing the gift and allowing it to love on – no blunt he’s proud (and would be even if this wasn’t so).
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Thanks so much, Angela! I think he would get a huge kick out my writing. And I think he’d be my number one beta reader, too!
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My pleasure, Meg. Absolutely! 💜
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Just from that one photo you can see what a proud Papa he is, and how you are devoted to each other.
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Thanks, Peter! Yes, we had a great relationship and lots of laughs! I miss him so much.
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This was an endearing thing to read. Thank you for sharing. 🙂
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Thank you so much!
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❤️❤️ great photo
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Haha! Thanks. It was back in the mid 80’s – me with my Pat Benetar look. I was about 19 in that photo. 😃
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Oh cool! Hit me with your best shot 🎸
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Fire awaaaaaay…. 😜
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Oh how I love you, Roc Doc!
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Just don’t hand me a beer and a microphone or you might get more than you bargained for! 😂
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😂😂
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How lovely to see an earlier photograph of you with your father. He was very handsome and you were so pretty too! Childhood memories are always so vivid and i believe that even when our parents leave this world, a part of them always remains with us in the form of memories, good wishes and blessings. And he would have been definitely proud of your talent and achievements, i am certain!
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Thank you so much, Prema. I think he’d absolutely love that I started writing. And all the other stuff as well. Even though he was a lawyer and a very practical man, he still had a very vivid imagination and a creative side!
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You capture my heart and attention from your first word! Beautiful. Thank you for sharing!❤️
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Thank you so much! ❤️
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The anaversery of my grandfathers passing is around the corner for me (April) and he was an incredable influnce on who I am today and who I aspire to be. He also passed before he could see me grow into the storyteller I am today. I send all the love to you ❤
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Thank you so much, Mark. I think it’s really wonderful when you can see the legacy of your ancestors manifest in your own traits and talents. Your grandfather would be proud! Sending love back to you too! ❤️
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I don’t think the Giants Graveyard story was morbid. Your dad knew you could process his tales and enjoy the story. Think about some of the films kids have to process today… He passed down a wonderful gift to you, which your followers, like me appreciate. Thanks for sharing that personal memory Meg.
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That’s a good point! Thanks, Darnell!
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That’s a nice piece Meg. I am sorry you lost your Dad, but its great you have such good memories of him. He sounds very creative.
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Thanks, Gavin. He really was and I owe him a lot. Really great memories!
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I see where you have your creativity from! Your Papa sounds like he was an amazing person, it’s great that you have such beautiful memories of him. 🙂
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Thanks so much Rashmi! He was a great man. And hey! You’re back! ❤️❤️
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Yes! Feels great to be back! I needed the break to finish up school and some other projects. But I have been itching to come back ever since. LOL 😀
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Excellent! Look forward to seeing you again!
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Thank you! Getting ready to publish my first post after this long break, it feels as though I am starting the writing process all over again!
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I can imagine! Good to have to back and looking forward to reading your posts!
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Oh my gosh, this is so heart-warming!!!
❤️🦋🌀
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Thank you so much!
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