Four years ago yesterday, I lost my Dad. We have longevity in our family. I expected he’d live well into his nineties. He was 79, just a few weeks shy of his eightieth birthday.
My Dad was smart, savvy, well-traveled and seemed invincible, larger than life.
If I could change one thing, it would be to have one more conversation with Dad, albeit a long one. I’d let him know I was proud to be his daughter and though we were sometimes at odds, I always knew he loved me – and that I loved him.
I’d thank him for being a good provider, for having so much to do with sparking my love of travel from a young age and for singlehandedly getting me to see the wisdom of starting a 401k.
I’d tell him how much I admired his leadership of our family business and those jobs he created and kept in our community.
I’d let him know that his approval of my choices and when he told me he was proud of me, meant the world.
I live in the home that was built by my grandparents when my Dad was a boy. He has everything to do with my moving into this home 30 years ago. He was so happy knowing that I love living here with a passion. I wouldn’t have to tell him that, it was something we spoke of often.
I still have talks with my Dad and feel his presence, though I no longer can hear his voice.
If you still have your Dad, have the conversation now while you can, leave nothing unsaid.
I’m sorry for your loss, thank you for the post.
Thank you for your kind words. ❤️
If it helps, i’m always wishing for one last talk with my dad as well.. he isn’t gone, but he might as well be. He is an alcoholic and doesn’t talk to any of his kids..
Hi Laura, Great post . Thank you for sharing. Always a difficult day for me but always manage as I think about our wonderful 39 years together. Love Carol nnnels@aol.com
Thank you, we were lucky to have him weren’t we? ❤️
I lost my father when I was 4,5 years old and never had the opportunity to say goodbye to him. You can be happy that you had him for a while and could talk to him, love him etc. But still death always comes too early. I can really understand that you are sad and hope that it will be better in some years.
Thank you and I’m sorry for your loss – so young. I was incredibly lucky to have him for so many years, so many good memories.
well, everybody has to go on living, even though this wound is still not healed
What a nice post! I am very close to my father and I thank God he’s still here. He’s 86 and still strong and vibrant. I’m sorry for your loss, and I’m glad you have such nice memories of your father.
Thank you Donna and so glad to hear your Dad is still going strong.
Like you, my Dad is not with us, and I too, think about him often and talk to him…I know he is with me 🙏
Thank you Frances🙏
wow, this is so so strange. I can’t even begin to explain to you how much I needed to read this….
My dad and I have really fallen out of contact and it’s mainly my fault. I just don’t contact him enough and I’ve been feeling really bad about it lately. I was only thinking about calling him before I opened my blog up.
I’m so sorry for your loss. Your dad sounds like he was an amazing person, like you. This is a beautiful post 🙂 Hugs!
Janey I thank you for your comments. I can only tell you that healing my relationship with my Dad is one of the greatest things I did for both of us. It took growth and forgiveness on my part. If you can, reach out to your Dad. It’s such an important relationship. I only know in my case, that left me without regrets as we never can be sure how much time we have. ❤️
Very true. It demonstrates great strength of character on your part. My father was not so forgiving of his own dad and let him die without ever making up with him. I saw what that anger and bitterness did to him. It’s a terrible thing.
Thanks for writing this!
You’re welcome! 🙏