Saturday, June 18, 2011

Thank You For the Music!... and Happy Father's Day!







Today is Father's Day... a special day set aside each year to celebrate and to thank the Dads of the world. That was a ritual in my life... and even when I could not make it home (which was rare)... I always sent my card in advance... and called on the day to wish my Dad to let "Him" know how important his contribution to my life had been.


Both my Dad and my Mom have passed on... so that ritual is no longer physically possible. As a matter of fact, I will not even be able to get down to place flowers at their grave to mark the occasion. That's how I have celebrated for their days since their passing. This year... my youngest son Bryn, aged 14 years is playing in a weekend soccer tournament. He managed to make the "rep" team... and wondered if I "might like".... to see his games on Sunday.


My Dad would understand... and expect "Me" to follow his example and choose "to be" with my son on this important event in his life... and I shall be there rooting in the stands for "Him." Life is indeed about change... and rituals are most important to the living. Rituals afterward do have to do with respect... but the impact upon the living is what passes forward the sense of respect and links generations.


My Dad and Mom created many blessings in our family's lives. They showered all their grandchildren with that same love and gift of their time. When I have to think about Dad's greatest gift to us as a family... it is hard to separate love... loyalty... compassion... generosity and consistency to decide upon that one gift of largess. But I believe... that his sharing of his gift of music... his impeccable and unique piano styling... were shared not only with his family as a whole... but with several decades of his community as well .


Mom simply added harmony in our family of song... and encouraged creator ship... in her homemaking and her personal gift of decorating... using the simplest of materials for all occasions and celebrations. "She" took us to the Natural World... guided us... taught us to observe... understand... respect and assume stewardship for it.


In short.. together... they used music to stitch together a way of life that remains intact... even after they both have passed on. Of all the blessings they offered "Me"... "I" am most grateful for the Music... that continues to soothe my soul. There is a favourite song of mine that best describes my gratefulness... and today, I wish to share it in love with each of "You":




Thank you for the music, the songs I'm singing

Thanks for all the joy they're bringing

Who can live without it, I ask in all honesty

What would life be?

Without a song or dance what are we?

So I say thank you for the music

For giving it to me


Thank you for the music

For giving it to me...


-ABBA



Thank "You" Dad and Mom... for the many blessings!


I love "You" both forever!!

XXOO


Happy Father's Day Dad!... A salute from my brush and heart to "You"!



... and a Happy Father's Day to all the Hubbies and Dads out there in Blogger land!!!


Good Painting to ALL!!!






4 comments:

  1. Beautiful words, Bruce. I so wish I had similar parenting and was able to parent like this. I imagine your children are very blessed to have you in the same way you were blessed to have your parents. Love that piano painting with the flower; a gorgeous sentiment of your dad.

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  2. Hi there Sherry!... I don't have any idea regarding how you were parented... or how you parented???

    But I do sense that "You" are a person of great depth... talents and a generous spirit! That makes "You" very OK in my books!!!

    "I" am... as I've said many times... very blessed Sherry. I too... have my own dark days...conflicts and short comings. But "Today"... Life is VERY good and I'm so thankful!!


    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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  3. What an amazing post Bruce! Both of my parents have passed and a good number of my memories aren't wonderful, but I know now they did the best they could with what they knew at the time and they loved me. Thank you for helping me remember that. Happy Father's Day and thank you!

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  4. Hello there Suzanne!... Parenting never comes with a manual! The path of parenthood passes through a maze littered with trials... mistakes... false expectations... disappointments and "couldas n' shouldas"... but also successes!

    Parents are just people and most do the best that they can... given the Nurture vs Nature formula we are all the product of.

    When "I" listen to "You"... see your gift... and the generous way that you share it with others.... somewhere up there... your parents have good room to celebrate their Suzanne... and their parenting!

    Have a Happy productive week! Thanks for the kind words and your visit!

    Good Painting!
    Warmest regards,
    Bruce

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