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Sunday, June 21, 2009

A PERSONAL POST-MY DADDY



Daddy and his girls. (It looks like I might have needed to go to the bathroom when this picture was being taken!)

Most of us don't really KNOW our parents until we become adults. When I was a child, my Daddy was my hero. I knew he could never do any wrong. I knew he could fix whatever needed fixing. I knew he was a gentle, loving Father.

One time, my mother, my sister, and I brought home yet another stray dog. Our 17 year old dog had died about six months earlier, and we three females in the house had been in mourning since she died. When we brought the stray home, Daddy said "that dog is not staying. We don't need another dog. I've listened to the three of you cry for months. We aren't going to go through that again!"

Later that day, my sister and I were outside brushing the dog's hair, and I'm sure we had our most pitiful looks on our faces. (We were both very good at pitiful looks.) Daddy came out and said, "Maybe she can be an outside dog, but we're not bringing another dog into this house." My heart almost jumped out of my chest with excitement. That evening, my mother, my sister, and I left to run an errand. When we got home, the stray dog and Daddy were both asleep in his recliner! I never loved my Daddy more than I did at that moment. Seeing that little dog, asleep on his chest while Daddy snored away is an image that I'll never forget. Of course, the dog lived her remaining 15 years inside our house!

Daddy died when I was 17 years old, so he will always be my hero, and my memories of him will always be clouded by the emotions and love and the idolization of a child who adores her father. Daddy, I feel very sure that if I had been able to know you after I became an adult, you would still be my hero.

Thanks for coming by and for putting up with another personal post from me. laurie

45 comments:

xashee's corner said...

HUGS! SWEET! Have a SUPER Father's day!

Carol said...

What a beautiful post about your hero!

Poppy Cottage said...

What a sweet, sweet post! Thank you for sharing such a heartfelt story.

Sharon

Ceekay-THINKIN of HOME said...

Sounds like you had a precious daddy. My dad died when I was 9 so I have very few memories of him. He was a good man though and loved me.
Enjoy your day with the men in your life!

Heidi Pocketbook said...

Love this touching post, Laurie. I too wish I could have known my dad on an adult level--I was 19 when he passed.

ps Looks like our dads had similar tastes in cars☺

Unknown said...

Laurie, Wh1at a sweet post about your daddy, I am sure he is looking down with a huge smile full of pride for his daughter! Thanks for sharing! Sue

Unknown said...

Laurie, Wh1at a sweet post about your daddy, I am sure he is looking down with a huge smile full of pride for his daughter! Thanks for sharing! Sue

Four Paws and Co said...

Laurie, This is beautiful. Thank you for sharing your wonderful memories. ♥ Diane

Connie said...

Just touching, Laurie.I have similar feelings that will never leave me. Aren't we lucky ??

Connie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Domestic Designer said...

What a beautiful post. Hope you have a lovely day.

Room Service ~ Decorating 101 said...

This is such a sweet post. I wanted to let you know I have a wild blue hair from time to time...lol I always have loved it outdoors. Thanks for stopping by.

Unknown said...

That is a beautiful tribute. I remember dresses just like yours! Happy Father's Day and how wonderful that you have those memeories.

Charla

Terry said...

Hi Sweet Lady
Hugs with love to you today.
What a precious memory .
I am sorry your daddy could not stick around longer but I am so thankful for the love he left you for a life time of living .
Such a wonderful legacy .
May your week be one of the best ever.
Happy Trails
xoxo

Jewel Sauls said...

So sweet Laurie! I am sorry you lost him so soon, but glad you have such vivid and wonderful memories! :D Jewel

puddin07 said...

Laurie, Such a sweet post, your Daddy was wonderful, and so was your Mother! No wonder you turned out so well, he would be so proud of you! You and your Sister look like twins, so Cute! My Daddy died when I was 8 yrs. old, and he was ailing for a long time, but I remember sitting in his lap, he thought I hung the moon, and I thought he did too! He was older, and to have a young daughter, was probably something he didn't expect! Love Ya! Connie

Brenda Pruitt said...

What a nice tribute! I never knew my father. Only met my mother a few times. I know he's dead; not sure about her. Long story. But I love these kinds of stories from others.
Brenda

Tomarie said...

Laurie, what a beautiful tribute to your dad!! To me, it says something about a person when they're "pet people"...and your dad certainly was. :-) What a wonderful vision of him in his recliner with man's best friend!
Love the pic of y'all! Love ya!! L~

Linda (Nina's Nest) said...

Laurie, that is so sweet. I just love it! My own father died in a plane crash when I was almost 9, and I idolized him, too, my hero. I also wish even today that I could have known him as an adult. I know he will be the first family member I will see in heaven! Thank you for sharing such a sweet story! I know your dad must have been a wonderful man. Linda

Cindy J. said...

Well I was crying at Ann's now I am crying here.. Laurie what a beautiful tribute to your Dad.. I am so sorry you lost him when you were so young.. reading the comments so many people did. My Dad died too young also, they missed out on so much.. I think so much of him but especially today.. You and your sisters were just such little dolls and you still are. Love you, Cindy

Anonymous said...

Father's are like that. They are so serious and stern at times but hidden on the inside is something else. I realized that when I was old enough.

Had to laugh about the dog story. We had a similar incident. Though it's more of a "we already have dogs" LoL Well, what end up was he and the puppy really getting along.

Kim @ Starshine Chic said...

That was such a lovely tribute to your Dad. It brought a smile to my face just hearing your story of the dog. I know if your Daddy had lived he would still be your hero.

BittersweetPunkin said...

Laurie ...that's a sweet post!

I wanted to let you know that you won my Giveaway!

candy said...

Hi :)
I was blog hopping and came across your blog and thought Id say HI :)
Candy

{Bellamere Cottage} said...

Oh Laurie....how sweet. I'm so sorry you lost such a wonderful dad when you were still so young....not that ANY time is a good time, but doubly sad that you were just a teen.

I love the pup story! How dear.

Sending you lots of hugs!
Spencer

Tins and Treasures said...

What a beautiful post about your daddy. I enjoyed visiting your blog.
Congratulations on the blog win! You are a lucky girl! Happy Monday, ~Natalie

Anonymous said...

Oh, Dear Laurie! What a precious tribute to your father! He just has the sweetest kindest look on his face! You and your sister look just alike! :)
Oh, sweet memories! They are just a wonderful thing to cling to! No better way to think and remember your daddy, but as your hero!
Be a sweetie,
Shelia ;)

Unknown said...

What a beautiful post! I am in tears here reading the sweet words you have to say about your daddy. Sounds like he was such a sweet, loving person who taught you much about life.

I lost my own dad ten years ago, so I know how you feel about days like these. Thanks for sharing this lovely, touching post.

cindy@muttleymanse said...

Great post. I understand. I never stop missing my dad.

Angie said...

I have tears in my eyes reading this. What a great story! So sorry about the loss of your father, and at such a young age.

Lorna ~ Lace and Ivy Cottage said...

Oh Laurie, you bring tears to my eyes. I lost my dear dad 10 years ago and we just visited his grave on Father's Day. His birthday was the day before. He would have been 70. I miss him too. Sounds like we both had a couple of incredible dads!

Cass @ That Old House said...

There is never a good time to lose a Dad, but you lost yours far too young. My father is 89, and I have learned so much more about him in the past 2 years, in helping him cope with his Parkinson's and my Mom's Alzheimer's. He is still my hero, probably even more so.

What wonderful memories you have; your Dad sounds like a grand guy. I hope all fathers know how important they are!

Cass

Anonymous said...

oh Laurie,what a sweet memory and how lucky you were to have such awesome parents and such a loving father.I have goose bumps all over me.Remember what that means?You are closest to the Lord.This story is lovely.
Thank you my friend for all the love and strenght you have sent me.I know where you learned to be such a lovely person...Ann

bj said...

What a special tribute to your sweet daddy. I loved it! And, what a nice, LARGE photo..I have never been able to get my photos that large. About the resolution change..I have tried that and can see no difference in the photos. I have a really OLDEN monitor so that may be the deal.
Thanks for the tip...
xo bj

Celestina Marie said...

Hi Laurie,
What a beautiful post and tribute to your wonderful Father. You brought tears to my eyes with your sweet stray dog story. Just so touching.
Blessings to you always.
Hugs, Celestina Marie

Lynette said...

Hiya Laurie - what a sweet story about your dad!

I've missed everyone but I'm finally back in the thick of things again and am trying to make the rounds and say HI!!

Sue said...

Laurie, This was such a poignant post. How did I miss it? You have your memories and will carry them always. I like the personal posts, by the way.... Catch ya again soon! hugs,Sue

SmilingSally said...

What a shame that your father died while you were so young, but at least you had a good one!

Muthering Heights said...

He sounds like he was such a sweet man. I love the photo!

Kathleen said...

I am late..recovering from a very active Father's Day here! In the rain, 6 little kids, need I say more?

My dad died when I was that age too. An older cousin always used to say , "too bad you never got to know him as an adult, he was a wonderful man!" Only 50..so young to die..
But no one can steal our memories, Laurie, and they sustain us!
Hope all is well there..:)

Free Art Printables said...

What a wonderful post! jen

Robin said...

Oh my goodness Laurie.....that wa beautiful.

....off to get the tissue box now.

Melissa Miller said...

Oh Laurie I was so thrilled to read such a heartfelt post about the sweet dog.

Then I read your father passed away so young. I'm so sorry that happened. I wish you could have known him as an adult too.

~Blessings to you.
Your blog is perfect...
Don't change one thing about it okay.

Linda in AZ * said...

* This is so beautifully heartwarming, Laurie... SAD that he had to leave you so early, yes, but he'll ALWAYS be your HERO, who can do no wrong, and he'll ALWAYS "be there" for you. He sounds like the sweetest man!!!!!!

Love, Linda *

soosie said...

Love this story about Mr. Riley B. ..such a sweet man..so glad I did get to know him..I love the pic with you, Julie and dad and THE CAR! That is priceless! Thanks for sharing..you made him proud. Susie