Tuesday, February 01, 2011

Thinking of you, Dad



Tomorrow will be the 32nd anniversary of my father's death. I was just a young woman when he died, terribly, of cancer.

I still miss him.

He would be pleased about my upcoming marriage, I think, and he would like my future husband.

When I was a child, Dad used to talk to me at the kitchen table. He said I'd get married one day and have a family of my own. That would be the most important thing in the world to me.

I think it will be. I feel so blessed to have found someone who is a good and amiable companion, who is honest and true. And, though we will have no children, I will come into a vast network of nieces, nephews, cousins and other family members from his side.

I love it.

I just want to grab the little niece who will be flower girl and hug her tight. And the nephew, who will be ring-bearer, who will even get a haircut, he's so excited about the ceremony. They're all looking forward to getting a new aunt, and I, them.

When my sweetie and I watched the Veteran's Day parade downtown, I looked at all the elderly vets — the ones of my father's generation. I suddenly got a strong sense of my father's presence there, with me. Probably the power of suggestion, but I was happy for that presence, and comforted by it.

I believe that presence will be with me when I walk down the aisle.

7 comments:

Wormwood's Doxy said...

Pat!!! I'm behind on everything, so did not know your good news--how wonderful!

Many blessings on you both as you start your journey together. I agree with you that your Dad will join you in your happiness.

Pax,
Doxy

Saint Pat said...

Oh, Doxy — thank you!

Ann said...

Lovely - good to catch up with your blog again

sharecropper said...

St.Pat!!!! What wonderful news! Congratulations on your upcoming marriage and on not subjecting yourself to "the process". Seminary was great but not worth the price I paid for it and going through the process.

I've forgotten where you are, but I'm in The Villages now - married to my teenage sweetheart, my first love after not knowing where he was for 52 years. Write me if you'd like to get together. I know I'm in the wrong diocese, but at least the bishop here has seemed fair in the midst of the church's struggles.

email is marsmoore 45 at g mail dot com

Saint Pat said...

Sharecropper, that's wonderful! I'll send you an e-mail.

Eileen said...

I love this reflection Pat, and I think you are right - he was present there with you.

Beautiful!

George said...

Sometimes loved ones are near in spirit. I think sometimes too your strong memory of a person triggers a sense of presence. As long as you and all who know him are here, his spirit can be felt.