Thinking about Dad today. Today is kind of a nice day but I don't think it was such a nice day six years ago in Walton. I am not sure I remember clearly but I think it was bitter cold and windy. I think it was a Thursday.
This picture says February '68 on the back, making Dad 40 years old. The head is cut off, which makes me think of Mom and her trouble taking pictures and often cutting the heads off. Alas, I think this might have been taken by me as I am pretty sure it's my handwriting on the back. I believe I have improved a bit as a photographer. I don't know what event this might have been for but I am guessing it's his costume for another Barbra Streisand song at one of those variety shows. One legacy of Dad's is that I can never hear Barbra sing without thinking of him and "Sam, You Made the Pants too Long". I also think of Dad when I hear "Impossible Dream".
So many things have changed in these last six years making it seem like such a long time. But six years doesn't seem very long when you are sending your child off to school maybe already in first grade. Or you remember the day she started 7th grade in your building as you watch graduation. Six years seems like the blink of an eye. But as I reflect on Dad's final illness, it seems an entire lifetime ago.
Well, " 'Such is life'" said Hugh". That's from a book Kathy and I both loved. Can't remember what it was right now but we would often say that phrase with a sigh and a nod.
2 comments:
Good choice of picture, Patty Anne. It brings back several memories. The song I think of when I see Dad dressed like this is "Second Hand Rose". He loved being on stage didn't he? I guess I get that from him.
Six years...how could it already be six years? It WAS bitter cold. My friend Cindy said, "You Ryans sure do things in the extreme! Your mother died on the hottest day of the year, your dad on the coldest!"
It is still a very difficult memory for me. But I find comfort knowing he is with mom, where he wanted to be.
"Such is life", said Hugh." Never read the book, but Hugh pretty much nailed it...
6 Years already? Where does the time go? I sure don't remeber the weather but i belive you if you say it was really cold. alot has happened in the 6 years since then. Wishing you all well. Chris
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