Today marks the 10-year anniversary of my father's passing. I cannot believe it has been 10 years, as I remember the day as if it was yesterday. However, instead of being gloomy that his physical presence is gone, his spirit does remain and he has left quite a legacy - a legacy to celebrate. So, I'd like to share a few reasons to back up this statement.
The beginning... That's my dad on the lower left- he had what I like to refer as a "shit eatin grin" (pardon my language)...even as child! I get that grin from him!
First, there were 2
June 5th, 1954
My Mom is STILL a looker!
Mom and Dad's first Christmas - 1954
Don't let that frying pan fool you - I bet it was all for the camera! Mom was the Chef in the house...except at the grill, which was left for Dad! She is about 5 months pregnant with my brother in this photo.
And then there were 4
I felt it necessary to share this next picture, taken on my 5th birthday. My brother and I (youngest boy, youngest girl) share the same birthday of December 16 - just not same year. And, my oldest brother and older sister also share the same birthday of April 27 - again...same day, but not the same year. And back "in the day", requisite attire for young ladies was to wear matching outfits...even though we were not twins. And the matching "hairdos" followed....luckily I am not sharing those pics! :)
In this picture, I think they are smiling because all four of their children FINALLY left the nest....
This picture is of me and Dad and it was taken about 14 years ago. It's one of the last of the two of us taken together. Boy, was my hair short!
But...from those two people, the family has grown...This was taken at my niece's wedding in July 2014. Four children, Five Grandchildren, and Two Great Grandchildren. .. and...it has grown again.
The most important legacy (in my opinion) he has left is the next generation. The picture below was taken Christmas 2013 - these cuties are my niece's twins - that's Ollie on the left and Evie on the right...OMG so much cuteness! Notice I am holding on to them for dear life...they were tiny - 4 months old!
September 2014 - way too much cuteness in one photo for me!
And this is Gavin - one of my other niece's newest additions - he is now 5 months old and has the sweetest disposition (just like his Great Aunt Patti, as I am sure my family would agree- LOL!)
I miss my Dad - but I will continue to celebrate his life, 'cause it was a life worth celebrating for sure!
Thank you for stopping by today!
xo
Patti
Love all the old pictures! I miss Grandpa so much, but I know he loves how much the family has grown!
ReplyDeleteWhat a legacy your dad has left! I love all the pictures you shared and the stories behind them!
ReplyDeleteYes, I love the "shit eating grin" on your dad's face :)
You take care Patti!
what a great post Patti! The life we live touches so many others - doesn't it? And just look what your dad started - LOL ... those pics of Ollie, Evie and Gavin are the cutest! love those faces. Do something fun today, something that would completely remind you of your dad ... and celebrate his life and all he touched
ReplyDeleteThank you for such a wonderful post, Patti! The pictures are wonderful and your dad's legacy will live on for a long time! It's so true that we don't realize how much we touch each other's lives but we have much to give to each other.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful tribute to Family and to your Dad. Connections run deep, whether the person is physically still living or not. Enjoying your memories keeps your Dad alive.
ReplyDeleteSuch a beautiful post - and inspiring too! Family is the most wonderful thing. I can't help but believe that mine are still around, floating in the ether. I'm sure my grandad perches on my shoulder and says "did you turn the lights off?" every time I leave the house. It's an honour that you'd share these pictures with us, and a complete delight. Warmest of hugs from Shroo :)xx (and a special purr from The Colonel xx)
ReplyDeleteBeautiful photos and memories. I enjoyed your photos and remember the days of dressing alike. Most of the time we wore hand-me-downs-shoes and all. My mother passed in 2011 and like you, I feel the time passed by fast an it helped that we still celebrate holidays and birthdays and other important events as much as we can
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful post! I loved seeing all the photos. I'm so glad you have good memories of your dad and enjoy all the generations coming after. I remember those matching outfits - my sister and I had them too! :)
ReplyDeleteHi Patti, Thanx for sharing this part of your life with us. Your post is a wonderful tribute to your Dad. My Dad passed in march of 2011 and I miss him too. It is wonderful that you can celebrate not be gloomy about his passing.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely tribute to your father and his legacy (your family!). Such a beautiful post and great photos too!! Thanks for sharing this with all of us Patti. :-)
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing this inspirational post. I love that you celebrate your dad's passing with such happy memories. This is an excellent example for all of us to follow. Can you imagine how proud of you, your dad is? The world is a much better place because you are in it.
ReplyDelete