to win the respect of intelligent people and the affection of children;
to earn the appreciation of honest critics and to endure the betrayal of false friends.
To appreciate beauty;
to find the best in others; to leave the world a bit better whether by a healthy child, a garden patch, or a redeemed social condition;
to know that even one life has breathed easier because you have lived. This is to have succeeded."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson -
Before I was old enough to start going out with friends to parties, I used to spend New Year's eve with my family. Our next door neighbours (a husband, wife and young daughter) would join us and we'd gather around the kitchen table playing the card game blackjack (21). My dad was always the dealer and the bets were small, nickels and dimes. Most of us would lose a little, win a little or break even, except for my dad. He'd be wiped out by the time we quit the game to go gather around the TV to watch the countdown to the new year.
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| My parents in their youth. |
We joked that he had no luck whatsoever with money to which he shrugged and replied that he had the best luck of all because he was "lucky in love." And it was true. Aside from having an amazing relationship with my mom, he was cherished by all family, friends and the people in our community. When he died in 2007, the funeral home could barely accommodate the amount of people that passed by to pay their respects. He touched the hearts of many and left behind a legacy of love.
It was a life well-lived.
Here's a beautiful song for all of you who are missing your dads this time of year. Get out the tissues...
How fun with the way you would welcome in the new year when growing up :) I think your dad had a great attitude about being lucky in love; seemed like he was very well loved by so many!
ReplyDeleteHappy Near Year!
betty
He was, Betty. That's what was important to him. He lived a very modest life filled with love.
DeleteHappy New Year!
Your dad and his relationship with your mom and others, sounds wonderful. A well-lived life, indeed.
ReplyDeleteHappy 2016.
It really was. Happy 2016, Wonder Woman! Here's to another 12 months of boogey boogey-ness :)
DeleteCheers to that :-)
Delete:)
DeleteWonderful memories.
ReplyDeleteThey sure are.
DeleteThis is beautiful. I am glad you had such an amazing man for a dad.
ReplyDeleteIt is one of the greatest blessings I got in this life.
DeleteLovely photo of your parents, and wonderful memories!
ReplyDeleteThey are the best, Christine.
DeleteYou are so fortunate to have had such a wonderful father, Martha. You can see it in his eyes.....very kind.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year.
I was fortunate, Jim. We don't get to choose our family members, so I'm grateful I got a good bunch! 'Kind' is the perfect word to describe him.
DeleteI don't remember doing anything for New Years in like ever.
ReplyDeletePerhaps you and Daisy will create new experiences and memories.
DeleteWe miss the people we've lost when special occasions happen. Nice tribute to your Dad.
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely right. During these occasions we think about them quite often.
DeleteThank you for sharing the video. My dad taught me to dance and your post brought back many, many memories. Happy New Year.
ReplyDeleteHappy New Year, Toni! Let's hope it's a good one for all of us.
DeleteSuch a beautiful couple, Martha. Sounds like an enjoyable New Year's Eve when you were a little girl!
ReplyDeleteIt was fun, Nancy. I'd love to go back in time and share that again with my family. Happy New Year!
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