Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Father's Day

I've spent some time on Facebook today. I tend to shy away from Facebook, especially in election years when people get a little crazy. But on certain days, I have a look.
Today was good because so many of the people posted photos of themselves with their dads. The photos mad me smile.
I lost my dad in 1986 which seems like a lifetime ago. Ronald Reagan was president then for those who can remember back that far.
My dad had cancer and the last few years of his life were unkind to him. I was out of town on business when he got really bad but my mom managed to reach me in Atlanta. I flew home and Jilda met me at the airport in Birmingham. She whisked me through Birmingham traffic and to the hospital in Jasper which was 40 miles away. We did not have to stop for a single red light. It was like the Universe saw us approaching and flipped a switch and waved us through.
I went in where he was and sat for a while. About 20 minutes after I arrived, he took his last breath. 
In those last moments, there was so much I wanted to say, but I couldn't find the words because sadness got in the way.
But I'm happy for all of you who still have your dads. Do yourself a favor and tell him before it's too late just what he means to you.

6 comments:

  1. That's so often the way it is, life gets in the way of the things we should be saying....thanks for sharing. (ps..saw your name on my followers list so came to check out who you were, thanks for visiting)

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  2. Anonymous10:48 PM

    It's beautiful that you were able to make it there in time. I'm sure that in those moments - even though you couldn't express it verbally - whatever you wanted to say your dad was able to feel.

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  3. Is that your dad? What a handsome fellow!! Take care
    x

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  4. Great photo. I still have my Daddy and I spend lots of time with him. He is just as sweet as he can be and I love him dearly. Lost my Momma 6 years ago next month. Was with her as she took her last breath. Took the wind out of my sails for the past 6 years but now on the road to recovery from the loss. It is very hard. Carla

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  5. So sorry that your dad left so soon. There is never enough time to tell those we love how much they mean to us.

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  6. 2 years ago my dad got that call for my grandfather. He got in the car and drove 29 hours straight through to the hospital. He died an hour later.

    It's like he had waited for him to get there.

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