I never knew of Buster until last year. We lost my Dad a few years ago just shy of his eightieth birthday. I was visiting my step-mom at the home they shared in Traverse City last summer when she said “I have something I think you’d like”. I was intrigued, feeling it was something that belonged to Dad. Knowing that I’m majorly sentimental, she produced a stuffed woolen dog. “This is Buster and he belonged to your Dad”. Buster had seen better days, one leg appeared a bit wobbly but he was adorable. I was touched both by having him but also by having a new nugget of knowledge about my Dad. The fact that at 59 I still have my “Baby Teddy” imagine my surprise that throughout his life, Dad preserved and kept Buster.
I’ve been told many times “you’re a lot like your Dad” and through Buster I see a glimpse of his childhood and know that even our youthful selves were aligned.
I know how happy it made my Dad that I love living in his childhood home and feel certain he’s smiling now, knowing that Buster’s returned here to live with me.
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As part of the Blogging University Grads (BUGS) bi-weekly challenge, our prompt is a tribute to Dad. I did a post earlier this year based on my trusty childhood teddy bear. Apparently this lifelong attachment to a childhood stuffed animal was something my Dad and I had in common.
To read the story of Baby Teddy, follow this link:
Nice! I’m a Daddy’s girl myself!
Wonderful post. Finding connections make those miss seem closer somehow. I remember years after my father passed away, finding some old sketches he had made, some really good drawing of horses. I never knew he liked to draw too. (I also love the story of Baby Teddy!)
Isn’t it remarkable to find those drawings after he was gone yet never know he had a passion and talent for sketching? It’s like a gift to have these things happen and a reminder of our Dads isn’t it? Thanks, as always for your thoughtful comments
I think sometimes dads get so busy taking care of their families that they don’t have time for that stuff. My dad was very quiet anyway. Was you father good about talking about his childhood?
should read…”those WE miss” Sorry!
Amazing post. I can feel your emotions and you make the story come come alive. Well done.
Thank you so much for your comment. It meant a lot to share this.
Hi Laura, Loved reading about Buster. Brought a tear to my eye but a happy tear. Love Carol nnnels@aol.com
I thought you’d like this post Carol. Thank you for entrusting me with Buster!